Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/information-systems-audit

Introduction

### Course Review: Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance on Coursera If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of information systems (IS) and their critical role in today's business landscape, the **Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance** course offered on **Coursera** is a fantastic opportunity. Not only was this course recognized as one of the **Best Free Online Courses of All Time** and awarded **Best Online Courses of the Year (2021 Edition)** by Class Central, but it also provides an in-depth look at how IS impacts organizational efficiency, security, and data integrity. #### Course Overview In our digital age, the presence of information systems within businesses is more pervasive than ever, with technologies such as Big Data, FinTech, and Virtual Banks placing significant emphasis on the secure and ethical management of data. This course comprehensively explores the critical aspects of IS auditing, ensuring that learners develop the requisite skills to assess and assure the integrity of systems in their organizations. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Information Systems Auditing** - In this opening module, **Prof. Dias** sets the stage by elucidating the fundamental relationship between IS auditing and concepts such as risk, controls, and assurance. The module introduces a three-step risk management process, where learners will understand essential controls through relatable everyday examples, establishing a solid foundation for the rest of the course. 2. **Perform IS Auditing** - A significant portion of the course is dedicated to differentiating between financial and IS audits. Learners will engage in practical discussions between Prof. Dias and an IS audit practitioner, providing unique insights into general IS audit procedures, two primary types of testing, and methods for obtaining evidence to produce justifiable audit reports. 3. **Business Application Development and the Roles of IS Auditors** - Here, the course delves into the **Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)**, underscoring how IS auditors play a vital role throughout the development process. After reviewing standard practices of IT practitioners, Prof. Dias elucidates the importance of controls in mitigating risks, enhancing the learners’ understanding of the auditor’s responsibilities. 4. **IS Maintenance and Control** - Information systems require continuous attention and adaptations as businesses evolve. In this module, learners will cover formal procedures for change management, including various maintenance practices and emergency controls. Conversations with an IS audit practitioner offer practical perspectives on the future of IS auditing and its support for emerging sectors, particularly the **FinTech** industry. #### Why You Should Enroll The **Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance** course is tailored for individuals keen on entering or enhancing their expertise in the fields of IS auditing, compliance, or IT governance. Here are some compelling reasons to recommend this course: 1. **Expert Instruction**: Taught by experienced professionals, the course provides insights from industry practitioners, ensuring that you gain practical knowledge applicable in real-world scenarios. 2. **Wide-Reaching Recognition**: Being recognized as one of the best online courses speaks volumes about the quality of content and the learning experience you can expect. 3. **Comprehensive Coverage**: The course materials cover all facets of IS auditing, from risk assessment to controls and assurance processes, offering a 360-degree view that is valuable for anyone serious about this field. 4. **Flexibility and Accessibility**: As a free online course on Coursera, it provides the ultimate flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace, making it accessible for anyone with an interest in IS auditing regardless of their previous experience. 5. **Relevance to Current Trends**: The course addresses contemporary concerns in the domain, including those related to new technologies in finance and banking, ensuring that the skills you learn are relevant and timely. ### Final Thoughts Whether you are a student, a professional looking to pivot your career, or an IS enthusiast, the **Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance** course is an invaluable resource that equips you with essential knowledge and skills. It empowers learners to tackle the complex challenges of maintaining information system integrity in today’s dynamic business environment. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone interested in mastering the art of IS auditing and ensuring the robustness of systems in their organization. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a knowledgeable IS auditor!

Syllabus

Introduction to Information Systems (IS) Auditing

IS Auditing is related to risks, controls and assurance. In the first module, Prof. Dias introduces what risk is about. Getting deeper to risk, the 3-step risk management process is elaborated. To manage risks, controls need to be established. Prof. Dias also demonstrates with daily examples on what the controls are.

You may have heard of financial auditing, do you know the difference between IS auditing and financial auditing? You are going to explore more about IS auditing through the conversation between Prof. Dias and the IS audit practitioner. Prof. Dias then explains the general IS audit procedures and two major testings that IS auditors/compliance officers have to conduct. Prof. Dias also explains the procedure to obtain evidence in order to produce justified audit reports.

IT practitioners develop business applications following the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). IS auditors are in place to ensure the controls are implemented to mitigate the risks of developing application systems throughout the SDLC. Prof. Dias is going to review what IT practitioners usually do, and further elaborate the role that IS auditors play in different phases of SDLC.

Information systems seldom remain static, it is common for users to make change requests to add new features, or refine existing functions some time after the information system launches. Organizations should follow a formal procedure to make the changes in their systems manageable. Prof. Dias is going to give you an overview on the change management controls which organizations should follow. Different kinds of maintenance practices, and Emergency Controls are also discussed in this module. Finally, Percy's conversations with the IS audit practitioner give you better insights on the future development of IS audit and how IS audit support the newly emerged FinTech industry.