📝 Course Description

This course offers an in-depth study of auditing principles as they apply to information systems. It is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to assess, monitor, and evaluate IT environments. The course covers a wide array of topics including audit frameworks, risk assessment, internal controls, data governance, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Students will learn how to conduct system audits effectively, detect vulnerabilities, ensure data integrity, and contribute to organizational accountability. Real-world case studies and auditing tools will be used to reinforce learning and build practical expertise for careers in IT auditing, cybersecurity, and assurance services.

📚 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Information Systems Auditing

• Overview of auditing in the IT environment

• Objectives and types of audits

• Professional standards (e.g., ISACA, COBIT, ISO)

Module 2: IT Governance and Risk Management

• IT governance frameworks (COBIT, ITIL)

• Risk identification and assessment techniques

• Role of auditors in risk mitigation

Module 3: Internal Controls and Control Frameworks

• Types of internal controls (preventive, detective, corrective)

• Control objectives and effectiveness testing

• Use of frameworks (COSO, COBIT) in evaluating controls

Module 4: Audit Planning and Execution

• Audit life cycle: planning, fieldwork, reporting

• Evidence collection and sampling techniques

• Documentation and working papers

Module 5: Auditing Key IT Areas

• Auditing network infrastructure, databases, applications, and cloud systems

• Security auditing and vulnerability assessment

• Disaster recovery and business continuity

Module 6: Compliance, Reporting, and Emerging Trends

• Legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, SOX, HIPAA)

• Audit reporting and communication

• Auditing in agile and DevOps environments, use of AI and automation

🎯 Course Goals / Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and explain the scope and objectives of information system audits, including compliance with professional standards.

2. Apply IT governance frameworks and risk management practices to evaluate IT environments.

3. Assess and test the effectiveness of internal controls in information systems.

4. Conduct end-to-end audit processes, from planning to reporting, with appropriate audit techniques and tools.

5. Evaluate the security, reliability, and compliance of IT assets including infrastructure, applications, and data.

6. Analyze current trends and challenges in information system auditing, including regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, and evolving technologies.