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A computer audit examines a company’s computer networks, technology, and software to check efficiency, detect violations, and identify upgrades. It includes asset management, software inventory, license checks, security reviews, and analyzing procedures for efficiency and resource misuse.
An audit is an examination and evaluation, often of financial records or accounts, that are verified for accuracy. A computer audit is generally understood as an audit of a company’s computer networks and related technology and software, as well as the procedures in place regarding the use of IT resources. It can be undertaken to check the efficiency of the system and detect any violations. Less often, the term computer audit is used to refer to a tax audit where a computer is used as a tool to assist the traditional audit process.
The most basic part of a computer audit is an asset management inventory that identifies all hardware and software assets and their connections and helps determine what is owned and what may need to be upgraded or replaced. Computer audit information will provide a more or less detailed analysis of each computer’s processor, current operating system, service packs, memory, storage, partitions, sizes, media capacities, such as a CD/DVD burner, and any connected device, such as keyboards, printers, scanners, external drives, microphones, speakers, etc. A software inventory provides the name, installation date, and version of all software. This is useful for a standardization review, especially if you are looking for a standard operating environment.
In a license check, serial numbers and product keys for the software are collected. We also review the appropriate licenses for individual computers and networks. These steps can help ensure everything is up-to-date and review whether your existing licensing choices are still optimal.
Another aspect of a computer audit is a security review. Knowing and having an appropriate asset registry is just the beginning of this process, which may also involve barcoding or otherwise labeling holdings. Checking the consistency and effectiveness of firewalls and security software is also important. This means a review of anti-virus and anti-malware software, as well as checking systems to make sure they are clean.
Finally, a computer audit may examine computer procedures, looking for ways they could be more efficient. Also under analysis may be possible instances of resource misappropriation, misuse of resources, or a mismatch between equipment and the demands of the individual’s job descriptions. The latter could arise from a determination that the employee is not served by the computer configuration that he has or that there has been unnecessary IT expenditure, given the real need.
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