Auditing Information and Cyber Security Governance


Book Description

"A much-needed service for society today. I hope this book reaches information managers in the organization now vulnerable to hacks that are stealing corporate information and even holding it hostage for ransom." – Ronald W. Hull, author, poet, and former professor and university administrator A comprehensive entity security program deploys information asset protection through stratified technological and non-technological controls. Controls are necessary for counteracting threats, opportunities, and vulnerabilities risks in a manner that reduces potential adverse effects to defined, acceptable levels. This book presents a methodological approach in the context of normative decision theory constructs and concepts with appropriate reference to standards and the respective guidelines. Normative decision theory attempts to establish a rational framework for choosing between alternative courses of action when the outcomes resulting from the selection are uncertain. Through the methodological application, decision theory techniques can provide objectives determination, interaction assessments, performance estimates, and organizational analysis. A normative model prescribes what should exist according to an assumption or rule.




Standard for Auditing Computer Applications, Second Edition


Book Description

A Standard for Auditing Computer Applications is a dynamic new resource for evaluating all aspects of automated business systems and systems environments. At the heart of A Standard for Auditing Computer Applications system is a set of customizable workpapers that provide blow-by-blow coverage of all phases of the IT audit process for traditional mainframe, distributed processing, and client/server environments. A Standard for Auditing Computer Applications was developed by Marty Krist, an acknowledged and respected expert in IT auditing. Drawing upon his more than twenty years of auditing experience with leading enterprise organizations, worldwide, Marty walks you step-by-step through the audit process for system environments and specific applications and utilities. He clearly spells out what you need to look for and where to look for it, and he provides expert advice and guidance on how to successfully address a problem when you find one. When you order A Standard for Auditing Computer Applications, you receive a powerful package containing all the forms, checklists, and templates you'll ever need to conduct successful audits on an easy to use CD-ROM. Designed to function as a handy, on-the-job resource, the book follows a concise, quick-access format. It begins with an overview of the general issues inherent in any IT review. This is followed by a comprehensive review of the audit planning process. The remainder of the book provides you with detailed, point-by-point breakdowns along with proven tools for: evaluating systems environments-covers all the bases, including IT administration, security, backup and recovery planning, systems development, and more Evaluating existing controls for determining hardware and software reliability Assessing the new system development process Evaluating all aspects of individual applications, from I/O, processing and logical and physical security to documentation, training, and programmed procedures Assessing specific applications and utilities, including e-mail, groupware, finance and accounting applications, CAD, R&D, production applications, and more




Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual (FISCAM)


Book Description

FISCAM presents a methodology for performing info. system (IS) control audits of governmental entities in accordance with professional standards. FISCAM is designed to be used on financial and performance audits and attestation engagements. The methodology in the FISCAM incorp. the following: (1) A top-down, risk-based approach that considers materiality and significance in determining audit procedures; (2) Evaluation of entitywide controls and their effect on audit risk; (3) Evaluation of general controls and their pervasive impact on bus. process controls; (4) Evaluation of security mgmt. at all levels; (5) Control hierarchy to evaluate IS control weaknesses; (6) Groupings of control categories consistent with the nature of the risk. Illus.




Network Security Auditing


Book Description

This complete new guide to auditing network security is an indispensable resource for security, network, and IT professionals, and for the consultants and technology partners who serve them. Cisco network security expert Chris Jackson begins with a thorough overview of the auditing process, including coverage of the latest regulations, compliance issues, and industry best practices. The author then demonstrates how to segment security architectures into domains and measure security effectiveness through a comprehensive systems approach. Network Security Auditing thoroughly covers the use of both commercial and open source tools to assist in auditing and validating security policy assumptions. The book also introduces leading IT governance frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, and ISO 17799/27001, explaining their values, usages, and effective integrations with Cisco security products.




Computers at Risk


Book Description

Computers at Risk presents a comprehensive agenda for developing nationwide policies and practices for computer security. Specific recommendations are provided for industry and for government agencies engaged in computer security activities. The volume also outlines problems and opportunities in computer security research, recommends ways to improve the research infrastructure, and suggests topics for investigators. The book explores the diversity of the field, the need to engineer countermeasures based on speculation of what experts think computer attackers may do next, why the technology community has failed to respond to the need for enhanced security systems, how innovators could be encouraged to bring more options to the marketplace, and balancing the importance of security against the right of privacy.




Computer Security Basics


Book Description

This is the must-have book for a must-know field. Today, general security knowledge is mandatory, and, if you who need to understand the fundamentals, Computer Security Basics 2nd Edition is the book to consult. The new edition builds on the well-established principles developed in the original edition and thoroughly updates that core knowledge. For anyone involved with computer security, including security administrators, system administrators, developers, and IT managers, Computer Security Basics 2nd Edition offers a clear overview of the security concepts you need to know, including access controls, malicious software, security policy, cryptography, biometrics, as well as government regulations and standards. This handbook describes complicated concepts such as trusted systems, encryption, and mandatory access control in simple terms. It tells you what you need to know to understand the basics of computer security, and it will help you persuade your employees to practice safe computing. Topics include: Computer security concepts Security breaches, such as viruses and other malicious programs Access controls Security policy Web attacks Communications and network security Encryption Physical security and biometrics Wireless network security Computer security and requirements of the Orange Book OSI Model and TEMPEST




IT Auditing Using a System Perspective


Book Description

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.