Introduction To IT-Based Internal Audit Themes in 2025

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Top 5 Key IT Thematic

Areas for Internal


Audit in 2025
As technology evolves, so does the role of internal
audit. Explore the top five IT-based thematic areas
that will shape internal audits in 2025!

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
01
Cybersecurity Resilience
In an era of increasing cyber threats, internal auditors
must assess cybersecurity frameworks rigorously.
Are your security protocols robust enough to
withstand evolving threats? Engage with IT to ensure
your organization is prepared!

Start with a .
key and engage with IT to
necessary . Consider using frameworks like
or for guidance.

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
02
Cloud Governance and
Compliance
With the shift to cloud services, understanding
governance and compliance in the cloud is critical.
How do you evaluate your cloud vendors? Regular
audits of cloud practices can mitigate risks. Are you
prepared to assess cloud environments?

Begin by reviewing existing


and with . Create a
based on best practices for cloud governance (e.g.,
CSA Cloud Controls Matrix) and conduct
.

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
03
Data Privacy and Protection
Data breaches are costly. As regulations like GDPR
and CCPA tighten, internal audit must ensure
compliance with data privacy laws. Are your data
protection policies up-to-date? Regular assessments
can help safeguard sensitive information.

Perform a to understand data


flow and storage. Establish a
for and ensure staff are
and compliance
requirements.

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
04
IT Service Management
(ITSM)
The effectiveness of IT service management directly
impacts business operations. How well are IT
services being delivered? Consider integrating ITSM
frameworks into your audit to evaluate service quality
and efficiency. Are you tracking IT service
performance?

Initiate a processes using


frameworks like . Identify key performance
indicators ( ) to measure service delivery and
conduct to evaluate compliance with
these KPIs.

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
05
Artificial Intelligence and
Automation in Auditing
AI and automation are revolutionizing internal audit
processes. Are you leveraging technology to improve
efficiency? Explore AI-driven tools for data analysis
and reporting to enhance audit accuracy and insights.

Start by identifying
process that can be . Research available
and pilot a project to integrate them into your
workflow, focusing on and
functionalities.

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
At a Glance Key Focus
Thematic Area Action Steps Tools/Frameworks
Areas
Conduct a cybersecurity NIST Cybersecurity
Risk Assessment
risk assessment. Framework
1. Cybersecurity Control Identify and implement
ISO 27001
Resilience Implementation necessary controls.
Continuous Establish a continuous
SIEM tools
Monitoring monitoring process.
Review cloud service CSA Cloud Controls
Contract Review
agreements for compliance. Matrix
2. Cloud
Conduct regular vendor Cloud security
Governance and Vendor Audits
audits for compliance. frameworks
Compliance
Governance Establish cloud governance
ISO 27017
Policies policies.
Perform a data mapping
Data Mapping Data flow mapping tools
exercise.
3. Data Privacy and Regularly review data GDPR compliance
Policy Review
Protection protection policies. checklist
Train staff on privacy
Staff Training Online training modules
policies.
Review current ITSM
Process Review ITIL Framework
processes.
4. IT Service Identify key performance
Management KPI Development KPI dashboards
indicators (KPIs).
(ITSM)
Compliance Conduct regular ITSM
Service delivery metrics
Audits compliance audits.
Identify repetitive tasks for Robotic Process
Task Automation
5. Artificial automation. Automation (RPA) tools
Intelligence and Pilot AI tools for data
Automation in Pilot AI Tools Data analytics platforms
analysis.
Auditing Training and Upskill staff on AI and
Online courses
Upskilling automation.

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst
Share and Follow for
more
IT is reshaping the audit landscape. Are you ready to
adapt? Embrace these thematic areas to enhance
your internal audit function and drive value for your
organization.

Which IT-based thematic area will you prioritize in


2025? Share your insights below! Let’s collaborate on
advancing internal audit practices in our organizations!

Towshin Sharier, CISA


@towshinst

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