How Your Company Can Benefit from an IT Audit

by | May 4, 2019 | IT Security

it audit

Any organization who hopes to stay on top of their game in this modern, tech-driven day and age needs to seriously consider conducting an IT audit.  And, while the word ‘audit’ might strike fear into some, the truth is that IT audits are actually incredibly beneficial. They’re used to evaluate the information systems and safeguards that are in place that protect a given organization.  The purpose of conducting such audits is to ensure that your information assets are secure and working effectively and to evaluate the system’s overall efficiency.

When you undergo an IT audit, you’re able to uncover invaluable information that will inevitably help to boost your organization’s IT management as well as its overall ability to succeed.  Through the auditing process, an auditor will be able to recommend strategic business actions related to both external and internal IT processes and systems, as well as provide your organization with the following benefits:  

  • Lower Risk – An IT audit checks your systems’ susceptibility to threat.  These days, most businesses store data electronically, and accounting is often done through cloud accounts or other online storage systems.  This means that financial, customer, and employee data, all of that sensitive information, is vulnerable through IT systems. There is always going to be a certain amount of risk associated with the ways modern organizations process data.  But, with an IT audit, you will learn how to operate with as little risk as possible. You will also learn of all areas that are currently a high risk to your organization, which means you can take proactive measures to resolve those issues and reduce future threats.   
  • Secure Data – By putting your system through an IT audit, you’re ensuring that sensitive information is protected from discoveries and leaks.  By instilling the privacy, completeness, and availability of the data, you’re guarding it against modifications, or hacks, by unauthorized users and entities.   
  • Increase Efficiency –  IT audits help paint the picture of whether or not your organization’s systems are functioning efficiently and achieving their specific goals and objectives relating to your overall mission.  Essentially, an audit ensures your system’s integrity. An auditor will assess the efficiency of your entire system, identify faulty areas, and help you create a more effective system.     
  • Maintain System Controls – An IT audit not only evaluates an organization’s risks; it also identifies and gauges the integrity of system controls.  This means that controls found to be inadequate can be reinforced and restructured to maintain their efficiency and effectiveness.    
  • Improve Admin – IT audits aid in the development of IT control within your organization.  This governance establishes solid frameworks, practices, and leadership that will ensure that your organization’s IT supports and upholds company-wide strategies and goals.  

While IT audits don’t guarantee that a given organization is adhering to IT standards, it is still one of the most useful tools available to help protect your information assets.  The audit process ensures that your IT systems are operating effectively and efficiently so that your organization stays protected from the natural risks associated with IT systems, saving you valuable time and money.