Cybersecurity and Internal Audit: Three Essential Insights

Cyber threats continue to evolve, posing an increasing challenge for organizations. Previous Global Knowledge Briefs from The IIA have addressed various cybersecurity topics that remain highly relevant to internal auditors. Below, we highlight three publications that discuss AI-driven cyber threats, cyber resilience, and the zero-trust security model.

Cyber Threats in an AI-Driven World

The publication Cybersecurity Part 1: Cyber Threats in an AI-Enhanced World examines the impact of artificial intelligence on cyber threats. Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to refine phishing attacks, develop deepfake technology, and bypass security systems. The publication emphasizes that AI presents both a threat and an opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Internal auditors play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of AI-powered security solutions and identifying the risks associated with AI misuse within their organizations.

The Importance of Cyber Resilience

The publication Cybersecurity Part 2: Ensuring Cyber Resiliency explores how organizations can prepare for cyber incidents and enhance their resilience. No system is entirely immune to cyberattacks, making it essential to have not only preventive measures but also effective response and recovery plans. Governance and risk awareness are key factors in building resilience. Internal auditors can contribute by evaluating whether organizations have clear procedures in place to minimize the impact of cyber incidents and recover quickly.

Zero Trust as a Security Strategy

In Cybersecurity Part 3: Establishing a New Zero-Trust Boundary, the zero-trust security model is discussed. This approach assumes that no user or device is automatically trusted within a network, requiring continuous authentication and validation. The publication explains how organizations can implement this strategy and the role internal audit plays in assessing zero-trust policies. Key areas of focus include access controls, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring.

Conclusion

These publications provide valuable insights into how internal audit can contribute to a robust cybersecurity strategy. By staying informed about developments in AI, cyber resilience, and zero trust, internal auditors can support organizations in managing cybersecurity risks effectively. The full publications are available through The IIA.