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IT Audit Field Manual
IT Audit Field Manual

IT Audit Field Manual: Strengthen your cyber defense through proactive IT auditing

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IT Audit Field Manual

Introduction to IT Auditing

Welcome to Introduction to IT Auditing, the first chapter, where we begin our journey into understanding and mastering the IT audit processes. IT auditing’s value has grown more critical in a world where technology constantly evolves and cybersecurity threats loom large. This chapter will provide a foundational understanding of IT auditing – what it is, why it matters, and how it fits into the broader landscape of information technology and cybersecurity.

We’ll start by demystifying IT auditing as a process, breaking down its components, and illustrating its significance in the modern business world. We will explore the various roles of IT auditing, tracing its evolution from a niche function to a cornerstone of cybersecurity. You’ll be introduced to the key concepts and terminology that form the backbone of IT auditing, providing you with the language and understanding necessary to navigate this field. We’ll also touch...

The role and importance of IT auditing

The first time I encountered an IT auditor… well, let’s say that I did not fully appreciate or embrace the value of their visit. I had spent several months personally configuring routers, switches, and servers to the exact specifications provided by the information systems security manager. Who was this outsider showing up to tell me how to manage my network or point out what I did was wrong? How can they come in here and judge what I do?

As you can see, at that point in my career, I didn’t fully understand the role of an IT auditor. Initially, I thought that all an IT auditor did was come in with a checklist, confirm that a setting in the operating system (OS) or router was done according to the standard, and then leave. You will soon see that I was far from accurate in my understanding!

At its heart, IT auditing is about scrutinizing and ensuring that an organization’s technology infrastructure – including...

The evolution of IT auditing in cybersecurity

Integrating IT auditing into general cybersecurity practices marks a significant evolution in the field. IT auditors have expanded their methodologies to include cybersecurity risk assessments that go beyond technical verifications. This shift involves a detailed analysis of potential vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of existing security measures. IT auditors are essential in evaluating how well an organization’s cybersecurity policies and procedures align with best practices and regulatory standards. This includes thoroughly examining cybersecurity infrastructure and policies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-malware tools, incident response, and data breach protocols. We will explore how to audit several of these technologies later in this book in Chapter 4, Next-Generation Firewall Auditing, and Chapter 8, Wireless Access Points and Storage Technology Auditing, but for now, let’s discuss how an...

Key concepts and terminology in IT auditing

If some of the words we have used so far seem like learning a foreign language, do not fear! Mastering the language of IT auditing is important to grasp its practices and principles, but we can ingest these in small bites. Let’s look at some key terms and concepts, and along the way, we will explain their significance and practical application in the auditing field:

  • One of the fundamental concepts in IT auditing is the basic definition of an IT control. IT controls are essential because they safeguard an organization’s technology infrastructure from threats and ensure operational efficiency. These are specific activities or mechanisms implemented to ensure the security, reliability, and performance of IT systems and data. They range from password policies and access controls to firewalls and antivirus software. For example, implementing strong password policies and regular system updates are IT controls that protect...

The business process and people in the IT auditing process and planning

The planning and execution of an IT audit are critical stages that lay the foundation for a successful audit. These stages require a methodical approach, each with specific goals and activities. Let’s review and outline the sequential phases of a typical IT audit planning and execution framework:

  1. Stage 1 – pre-planning:
    • Objective: To establish an audit’s setup by understanding an organization’s environment and determining the audit’s scope and objectives
    • Activities: This involves preliminary discussions with key stakeholders, reviewing previous audit reports, and performing a high-level risk assessment to identify focus areas
  2. Stage 2 – detailed planning:
    • Objective: To develop an audit plan that outlines the audit’s framework, including timelines, resource allocation, and methodologies
    • Activities: Creating detailed audit checklists, defining audit criteria...

Summary

In this chapter, we covered much of the basics to understand the role and significance of IT auditing within an organization’s cybersecurity framework. We’ve seen how IT auditing has evolved from focusing on technical verification to being a key component in a broader cybersecurity strategy. This chapter illustrated the dynamic nature of IT auditing, extending beyond assessing technical configurations to include strategic evaluations of how technology systems support and interact with business processes and regulatory requirements.

We also gained new insights into the methodologies and frameworks guiding IT auditing processes, highlighting their importance in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and emerging technologies.

In the next chapter, we will break down the initial stages of IT auditing, where we will explore the importance of meticulously planning and preparing for an audit. We will discuss how defining the audit scope and objectives...

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Key benefits

  • Secure and audit endpoints in Windows environments for robust defense
  • Gain practical skills in auditing Linux systems, focusing on security configurations and firewall auditing using tools such as ufw and iptables
  • Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and development for long-term career success
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

As cyber threats evolve and regulations tighten, IT professionals struggle to maintain effective auditing practices and ensure robust cybersecurity across complex systems. Drawing from over a decade of submarine military service and extensive cybersecurity experience, Lewis offers a unique blend of technical expertise and field-tested insights in this comprehensive field manual. Serving as a roadmap for beginners as well as experienced professionals, this manual guides you from foundational concepts and audit planning to in-depth explorations of auditing various IT systems and networks, including Cisco devices, next-generation firewalls, cloud environments, endpoint security, and Linux systems. You’ll develop practical skills in assessing security configurations, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. This book also covers data protection, reporting, remediation, advanced auditing techniques, and emerging trends. Complete with insightful guidance on building a successful career in IT auditing, by the end of this book, you’ll be equipped with the tools to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity and compliance, bridging the gap between technical expertise and practical application.

Who is this book for?

The IT Audit Field Manual is for both aspiring and early-career IT professionals seeking a comprehensive introduction to IT auditing. If you have a basic understanding of IT concepts and wish to develop practical skills in auditing diverse systems and networks, this book is for you. Beginners will benefit from the clear explanations of foundational principles, terminology, and audit processes, while those looking to deepen their expertise will find valuable insights throughout.

What you will learn

  • Evaluate cybersecurity across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with IT auditing principles
  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in IT systems
  • Explore IT auditing careers, roles, and essential knowledge for professional growth
  • Assess the effectiveness of security controls in mitigating cyber risks
  • Audit for compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and other standards
  • Explore auditing tools for security evaluations of network devices and IT components

Product Details

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Publication date : Sep 13, 2024
Length: 336 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835468821
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Product Details

Publication date : Sep 13, 2024
Length: 336 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835468821
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Concepts :

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Table of Contents

16 Chapters
Part 1: Foundations of IT Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1: Introduction to IT Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Audit Planning and Preparation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2: Auditing IT Systems and Networks Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Cisco Switches and Routers: Access Methods and Security Assessments Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Next-Generation Firewall Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Cloud Security Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Endpoint Security: Windows 10 and Windows 11 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: Linux Systems Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: Wireless Access Points and Storage Technology Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: Data Protection and Privacy Considerations Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Reporting and Remediation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 11: Advanced Topics in IT Auditing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 12: Building an IT Audit Career Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
(2 Ratings)
5 star 100%
4 star 0%
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1 star 0%
Prashant Oct 29, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I have read a preview of this book and it thoroughly impressed me as a genuine book speaking about the field of IT Audit. The book starts from the fundamentals and goes in great detail in the art and science of IT Audit, various frameworks, methods, standards and details around the audit profession. It highlights the salient features of a good IT Audit and the feedback mechanism for IT Auditors and Consultants alike. This book helps prepare a non-initiated person in IT audit to learn its basics and start practicing this field. A must recommended read for all levels of IT consultants, Auditors, Stakeholders and Firms.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Ambro500 Sep 16, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
As someone who has been doing Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) for nearly 20 years, I highly recommend this book for those getting started in GRC. It is very detailed and provides excellent guidance on auditing IT infrastructure.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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