IT audit: necessary for SMEs

After reading this article, you will know more about:

• What is an IT audit?
• Continuous improvement and information security
• Best practices in IT auditing
• How Nexxo can help you

Information technology is now the cornerstone of businesses, which are modernizing at an ever-increasing pace. In the era of digital transformation, it is becoming crucial for SMEs to follow suit and fully leverage IT as a lever for growth.

However, this rush to digitization comes with its share of uncertainties and dangers, particularly for smaller organizations with limited resources. These organizations will tend to rely on more disparate IT systems and solutions, which can lead to performance and cybersecurity issues.

IT auditing therefore comes into play with the aim of minimizing the growing risks associated with technology, as well as improving productivity in small and medium-sized businesses.

What is IT audit?

IT auditing is a strategic action that allows organizations to assess and target the risks associated with their IT infrastructure and operations.
Risks can be multiple and can generally be classified into three main categories: operational, financial, and reputational risks, although the latter can be difficult to calculate.

There are several standards governing IT audits, which vary by country and industry. Perhaps the most widespread is ISO /IEC 27001 , entitled Information Security Management.
IT audits can be carried out internally or by external consultants. It is an activity that is part of a philosophy of risk prevention and continuous improvement of information security, two important aspects in a business world that demands more and more agility.

IT auditing and continuous improvement

The foundations of continuous improvement in information security are based on the Deming cycle, which aims to plan, do, control or study, and act.

Named after its creator, William Edwards Deming, this four-step cycle was first created for manufacturing industries but is now used in a multitude of sectors, including information security.

Deming's method emphasizes that improvement cannot be achieved all at once and must be continuous. As you well know, every company is different and has its own unique processes.

Its application to IT auditing therefore implies that an improvement policy in information management is necessary and that it must be a recurring activity. It must be carried out at least once a year.

A good way for you to start would be to write your IT master plan , which will allow you to plan your technology usage strategy and IT spending over a given period (usually three to five years).

Best practices for a successful IT audit

Now that you're convinced of the benefits of an IT audit for your business, it's also important to know how to properly prepare. This preparation can be broken down into six best practices that will greatly increase your chances of success.

1. Establish your IT security requirements

Before beginning an IT audit process, you need to do some soul-searching. You need to establish a baseline for your information security. What are your company's core processes? Where is the most important information located? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself.

2. Put your goals on paper

Before meeting with companies and consultants, try to be as clear as possible about what you expect from your service provider. This will help avoid any communication and expectation management issues for all parties involved.

3. Properly select the people who will carry out the audit

This step is arguably the most crucial; entrusting IT security is a sensitive subject for any organization. Tap into your network of contacts, but also contact independent companies and meet with a few. Ask them about their methods, their experience, and, above all, about your goals and how they will help you achieve them.

4. Involve your executives and managers as early as possible in the process

The entire company management team must be involved in the IT audit process, as all departments rely on IT for their daily operations. Your superiors must be able to communicate effectively with their employees and understand the strategic direction of such an operation.

5. Capitalize on your listeners experience

The final report may contain more flaws and areas for improvement than expected; the opposite is also possible. Since you've chosen them carefully, it's important to trust them and take full advantage of their expertise. If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to let them know.

6. Ask your auditors to include the risks to your organization in the final report

The usefulness of an IT audit is to be able to have a clear picture not only of the flaws and improvements to be made, but also of the risks they pose for the company. These risks will allow you to establish scenarios and properly carry out your IT recovery plan , which will prevent you from many problems in the event of a flaw or cyberattack .

Nexxo can assist you in your IT audit process

If you still have questions after reading this article, please feel free to contact us directly. You can also contact us for assistance with your IT audit process. Whether you need a full audit, a single department audit, or assistance selecting an auditor, we can help.

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.