System Audit: The data and information generated in companies today are endless. The information that is processed and processed within a company is incalculable. Companies, increasingly, need technology to work, requiring complex software and computerized equipment to develop their activity in an optimized and efficient manner.
That prevailing presence of software and technology causes the need for systems auditing. The main objective of systems auditing is to validate the integrity of the information and data stored in the databases of the information systems and their processing. It is one of the types of audits that go beyond the economic factor.
What is a System Audit?
The audit of systems involves the review and evaluation of controls and computer systems, as well as their use, efficiency, and security in the company, which processes the information. Thanks to the audit of systems as an alternative to control, follow-up, and review, the computer process and technologies are used more efficiently and safely, guaranteeing adequate decision-making.
In short, the systems audit consists of:
- Verification of controls in the processing of information and installation of systems, in order to evaluate their effectiveness and also present some recommendation and advice
- Verify and judge the information objectively
- Examination and evaluation of the processes in terms of computerization and data processing. In addition, the number of resources invested, the profitability of each process and its effectiveness and efficiency are evaluated
The analysis and evaluation carried out through the systems audit must be objective, critical, systematic, and impartial. The final audit report should be a clear example of the reality of the company in terms of processes and computerization, to make better decisions and improve the business.
Objectives of the System Audit
The presence of technology in more and more business areas requires a control, monitoring, and analysis system, such as systems auditing. In the first place, it is necessary to guarantee security when dealing with data, providing them with privacy and good use. Second to make the computer system, a much more efficient and profitable process, allowing detecting errors and making decisions immediately.
Thus, we can say that the objectives of the systems audit are:
- Improve the cost-benefit ratio of information systems
- Increase the satisfaction and security of the users of these computerized systems
- Guarantee confidentiality and integrity through professional security and control systems
- Minimize the existence of risks, such as viruses or hackers, for example
- Optimize and streamline decision making
- Educate on the control of information systems, since it is a very changing and relatively new sector, so it is necessary to educate users of these computerized processes.
Therefore, systems auditing is a way of monitoring and evaluating not only the computer equipment itself. Its field of action also revolves around the control of the entry systems to this equipment (think, for example, of access codes and codes), archives and security thereof, etc.
Bottom Line
The audit of systems is fundamental to guarantee the performance and security of the computer systems of a company, which are reliable when using them and guarantee the maximum possible privacy.
Hello everyone! This is Richard Daniels, a full-time passionate researcher & blogger. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Economics. He loves to write about economics, e-commerce, and business-related topics for students to assist them in their studies. That's the sole purpose of Business Study Notes.
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