IT Auditing Using a System Perspective

by Robert E. Davis

As the power of computing continues to advance, companies have become increasingly dependent on technology to perform their operational requirements and to collect, process, and maintain vital data. This increasing reliance has caused information technology (IT) auditors to examine the adequacy of managerial control in information systems and related operations to assure necessary levels of effectiveness and efficiency in business processes. In order to perform a successful assessment of a business’s IT operations, auditors need to keep pace with the continued advancements being made in this field.

IT Auditing Using a System Perspective is an essential reference source that discusses advancing approaches within the IT auditing process, as well as the necessary tasks in sufficiently initiating, inscribing, and completing IT audit engagement. Applying the recommended practices contained in this book will help IT leaders improve IT audit practice areas to safeguard information assets more effectively with a concomitant reduction in engagement area risks. Featuring research on topics such as statistical testing, management response, and risk assessment, this book is ideally designed for managers, researchers, auditors, practitioners, analysts, IT professionals, security officers, educators, policymakers, and students seeking coverage on modern auditing approaches within information systems and technology.

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Published June 26, 2020

About the author

Dr. Robert E. Davis obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Business Law, a Master of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree in Information Systems Management from Temple, West Chester, and Walden University; respectively. In addition, during his twenty years of involvement in education, Dr. Davis acquired Postgraduate and Professional Technical licenses in Computer Science and Computer Systems Technology. Dr. Davis also obtained the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certificate -- after passing the 1988 Information Systems Audit and Control Association’s rigorous three hundred and fifty multiple-choice questions examination; and was conferred the Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA) certificate by the Institute for Internal Controls.

Since starting his career as an information systems (IS) auditor, Dr. Davis has provided data security consulting and IS auditing services to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, United States Enrichment Corporation, Raytheon Company, United States Interstate Commerce Commission, Dow Jones & Company and Fidelity/First Fidelity (Wells Fargo) corporations as well as other organizations; in staff through management positions.

Prior to engaging in the practice of IS auditing and information security consulting; Dr. Davis (as a corporate employee) provided inventory as well as general accounting services to Philip Morris, USA and general accounting services to Philadelphia National Bank (Wells Fargo). Furthermore, he has prior experience as a freelance writer of IT audit and information security training material. Specifically, his published credits include:

•Assuring IT Legal Compliance

•Ensuring Information Assets Protection

•IT Auditing: An Adaptive Process

•IT Auditing: Assuring Information Assets Protection

•IT Auditing: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

•IT Auditing: Information Assets Protection

•IT Auditing: Information Security Governance

•IT Auditing: Irregular and Illegal Acts

•IT Auditing: IT Governance

•IT Auditing: IT Service Delivery and Support

•IT Auditing: Systems and Infrastructure Life Cycle Management

•IT Auditing: The Process

Dr. Davis has authored articles addressing IT issues for The Institute of Internal Auditors, IT Governance LTD and ISACA as well as furnished Internet content to Techtarget.com, Toolbox.com and Suite101.com. Additionally, his editorial experience includes reviewing Carnegie Mellon University's technical report "Comparing eSCM-SP v2 and COBIT" and five chapters of Bloomsbury's "Effective Auditing for Corporates".

In regards to training individuals in the information systems audit process, he has provided instruction to the Data Processing Management Association, ISACA-Philadelphia Chapter CISA Review Course participants, 3rd Annual Securasia Congress delegates and an Internet CISA study group.

Based on his accomplishments, Dr. Davis has been featured in Temple University's Fox School of Business and Management Alumni Newsletter as well as The Institute for Internal Controls e-newsletter. Furthermore, he has achieved recognition as the (First and Inaugural) Temple University CISA in Residence and a Temple University Master of Science in IT Auditing and Cyber-Security Advisory Councilmen. Lastly, he has accepted invitations to join Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society, the Golden Key International Honour So