ISO Internal Auditing

People often ask, is an internal audit necessary? What if we’re a smaller organization, should we be spending our already limited resources on an internal audit program? If your clients depend on you to provide efficient, compliant, and secure services, then the answer is a People often ask, is an internal audit necessary? What if we’re a smaller organization, should we be spending our already limited resources on an internal audit program? If your clients depend on you to provide efficient, compliant, and secure services, then the answer is a resounding “yes”. Internal auditing is an important function of any information security and compliance program and is a valuable tool for effectively and appropriately managing risk. Are we ensuring we are doing what we say we’re doing? Are there gaps in our policies and procedures? Are there any areas for improvement? Are we meeting our compliance goals? These important questions are addressed through internal auditing.

According to the Institute of Internal Auditors, “the role of internal audit is to provide independent assurance that an organization’s risk management, governance, and internal control processes are operating effectively.” An internal audit is conducted objectively and designed to improve and mature an organization’s business practices. The purpose of auditing internally is to provide insight into an organization’s culture, policies, procedures, and aids board and management oversight by verifying internal controls such as operating effectiveness, risk mitigation controls, and compliance with any relevant laws or regulations.