Cyber security assurance process from the internal audit perspective

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the cybersecurity assurance approaches to determine the key issues and weaknesses within the internal audit and risk management perspective. Organizations increasingly rely on digital data to drive their growth and they are interconnected in a complex web to a multitude of stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, cybersecurity is defined, and cybersecurity assurance model is explained based on the relevant literature. In addition, the role of internal auditing is introduced within this new business landscape. Finally, recommendations are made to provide best practices for stakeholders.FindingsThere are four major cyber-focused standards and frameworks in the current literature, namely, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology, International Organization for Standardization, The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and National Institute of Standards and Technology. In addition, there are many mechanisms in existence and operation currently which support cybersecurity assurance to prevent major threats. These include risk assessment, risk treatment, risk management, security assurance and auditing.Research limitations/implicationsCyber risk is not something that can be avoided; instead, it must be managed. Hence, it is very important to maintain formal documentation on related cyber controls. Internal audit should be an integral part of cybersecurity assurance process, as internal audit have a unique position to look across organizations. The contribution of internal audit also provides comfort to the Board and Audit Committee.Practical implicationsA model is introduced how the internal audit and information security functions could work together to support organizations accomplish a cost-effective level of information security. The key issues and approaches are explained for how to become a trusted cybersecurity advisor and a sample cybersecurity awareness program checklist is provided at Appendix 1.Social implicationsConsidering cybersecurity threats grow with speed, complexity, and impact, organizations are no longer satisfied with an answer to a question like “are we secure?” instead, they need the answer for such a question like “how to give a reasonable assurance that our business will be secure enough?”. In that respect, the role of internal audit is discussed based on the relevant literature and the current condition of the business environment.Originality/valueA model is introduced how the internal audit and information security functions could work together to support organizations accomplish a cost-effective level of information security. The key issues and approaches are explained for how to become a trusted cybersecurity advisor and a sample cybersecurity awareness program checklist is provided at Appendix 1.