The Certified IT Auditing and Risk-Based Assessment Techniques Training Course offered by Oxford Training Centre addresses the critical need for organisations to ensure integrity, security, and compliance across their information technology environments. As enterprises grow more dependent on complex IT systems, the demand for effective auditing practices rooted in international standards has increased significantly. This course delivers in-depth, practical instruction on how to evaluate IT risks, apply control frameworks, and execute risk-based audits in diverse digital infrastructures.
Participants will develop a thorough understanding of audit planning, execution, and reporting, with emphasis on frameworks like COBIT, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST. The course guides learners through risk assessment methodologies, IT general controls (ITGC), fraud detection in IT systems, and tools for continuous auditing and enterprise risk monitoring. It emphasises both governance and compliance, equipping professionals to manage IT risks efficiently and align auditing strategies with operational objectives.
Situated within the field of IT and Computer Science Training Courses, this course also contextualises IT auditing as a cross-disciplinary function that touches governance, cybersecurity, compliance, and enterprise risk. Professionals completing this training will be equipped to conduct structured, standards-driven IT audits that respond to modern digital threats and regulatory expectations.
Objectives
- Understand the foundational concepts of IT auditing, compliance, and control evaluation.
- Apply internationally recognised frameworks including COBIT, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST to IT audits.
- Conduct risk-based internal audits using qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methodologies.
- Evaluate IT general controls (ITGC), including access, change, and operations management.
- Identify and assess cybersecurity controls and vulnerabilities through audit procedures.
- Implement audit planning, fieldwork, and reporting in alignment with audit lifecycle best practices.
- Develop audit documentation, findings, and follow-up processes for enterprise systems.
- Utilise tools for continuous auditing, including automation and real-time analytics.
- Assess fraud risks in IT environments using data trail analysis and system monitoring.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to improve IT control environments and mitigate risk exposure.
Target Audience
- Internal and external IT auditors responsible for conducting IT system audits.
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professionals overseeing digital controls.
- Cybersecurity specialists engaged in audit or assurance of enterprise networks.
- Information system managers involved in control design or oversight of audits.
- Enterprise risk professionals responsible for digital and IT-related risks.
- Financial auditors expanding their capabilities into information systems auditing.
- Consultants providing advisory services on IT risk and compliance.
- Technology leaders seeking deeper understanding of audit expectations and frameworks.
How Will Attendees Benefit?
- Develop a systematic approach to IT audit and risk assessment aligned with global standards.
- Gain the ability to design, execute, and report on audits that address real-world risk.
- Strengthen your understanding of IT general controls and how to assess them for effectiveness.
- Learn to identify and document audit evidence required for compliance and remediation.
- Acquire tools and techniques to detect fraud and inefficiencies within IT systems.
- Gain confidence in communicating with senior stakeholders about audit outcomes and risks.
- Understand the complete audit lifecycle and how to tailor it to varied IT environments.
- Leverage emerging continuous auditing technologies to monitor IT risk proactively.
- Advance your career with skills aligned with regulatory, operational, and strategic audit goals.
Course Content
Module 1: Foundations of IT Auditing
- Role and purpose of IT auditing in organisational governance.
- Understanding risk in the context of IT and digital infrastructures.
- Overview of audit types: compliance, operational, cybersecurity, and technical.
Module 2: Risk-Based Internal Auditing (RBIA)
- Fundamentals of risk-based audit planning.
- Identification and prioritisation of IT risks.
- Developing and applying a risk register in audit scenarios.
Module 3: IT Audit Frameworks and Standards
- Key principles of COBIT, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST in audit work.
- Mapping controls to frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Adapting frameworks to different IT environments and industries.
Module 4: Planning and Executing IT Audits
- The audit lifecycle: preparation, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up.
- Defining audit scope, objectives, and timelines.
- Conducting interviews, walkthroughs, and tests of controls.
Module 5: IT General Controls (ITGC)
- Assessing change management, access control, and backup processes.
- Control testing techniques and sampling methods.
- Identifying control deficiencies and developing recommendations.
Module 6: Cybersecurity and Assurance
- Auditing cybersecurity controls and network security.
- Reviewing vulnerability management and breach preparedness.
- Integrating cyber risk into enterprise audit reporting.
Module 7: Fraud Detection in IT Systems
- Common fraud schemes and control failures in digital environments.
- Using data analytics to detect anomalies and unauthorised access.
- Auditing incident response and investigation procedures.
Module 8: Continuous Auditing and Tools
- Introduction to real-time audit techniques and platforms.
- Using automation for control monitoring and data validation.
- Trends in audit digitisation and technology integration.
Module 9: Documentation and Communication
- Preparing comprehensive and compliant audit documentation.
- Reporting to management, the board, and regulatory authorities.
- Ensuring follow-up and remediation of audit findings.