Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance from Coursera

The course is awarded The Best Free Online Courses of All Time, and Best Online Courses of the Year (2021 Edition) by Class Central (http://www.classcentral.com).

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Information systems (IS) are important assets to business organizations and are ubiquitous in our daily lives.

With the latest IS technologies emerging, such as Big Data, FinTech, Virtual Banks, there are more concerns from the public on how organizations maintain systems’ integrity, such as data privacy, information security, the compliance to the government regulations. Management in organizations also need to be assured that systems work the way they expected. IS auditors play a crucial role in handling these issues.

In the course “Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance”, you will explore risks of information systems, and how to mitigate the risks by proper IS Controls. You will also get familiar with the IS Audit procedures and how they are applied during the IS development throughout the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Finally, you will get to observe how we can make the system changes more manageable using formal IS Management practices, such as Change Management Controls and Emergency Changes.

The conversations between the course instructor - Prof. Percy Dias, and the IS auditing practitioner will give you a concrete idea on how IS auditors perform their duties, the qualities to become IS auditors and future prospects of IS auditing industry.

This course is suitable for students and graduates from Information Systems, Information Technology and Computer Science, and IT practitioners who are interested to get into the IS auditing field. It is also a good starting point for learners who would like to pursue further studies for IS audit certifications – such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

What's inside

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Garvin Percy DIAS, who is recognized in the IS industry

Explores risks and controls, which are standard in the IS industry

Teaches the basics of IS auditing, including procedures, testing, and reporting

Examines the role of IS auditors in business application development using SDLC

Provides an overview of IS maintenance and control, covering change management and emergency controls

Requires learners to have a background in IS, IT, or CS

Reviews summary

Foundation in is auditing and assurance

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in Information Systems Auditing, Controls, and Assurance. Many found it a great starting point for understanding key concepts like risk management, controls, and the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) from an auditor's perspective. The inclusion of conversations with an IS auditing practitioner is frequently highlighted as a valuable and insightful component, bridging theory with real-world application. The course is often recommended as a useful resource for those preparing for the CISA exam. While praised for its foundational strength, some reviewers note that it lacks depth in advanced topics or practical tools, suggesting it serves better as an introduction than a comprehensive guide for experienced professionals.

Covers theory more than hands-on tools.

"The course focuses heavily on theoretical concepts rather than specific auditing software."

"Learned about controls and risks, but less about how to *do* the audit step-by-step with tools."

"It's a conceptual overview, not a practical guide to using audit technologies."

Helpful for CISA exam preparation.

"This course is definitely helpful if you are planning to take the CISA exam."

"Provides relevant content that aligns with some domains of the CISA certification."

"Useful as a preparatory step before diving into dedicated CISA study materials."

Content is well-organized and presented.

"The modules flowed logically, making it easy to follow the progression of topics."

"Well-structured course that breaks down complex ideas into manageable parts."

"I appreciated the clear presentation and organization of the material."

Real-world views from an IS auditor.

"The conversations with the practitioner were incredibly valuable and provided real-world context."

"Loved hearing from the IS auditor – it made the concepts much more relatable."

"Getting practical insights from an experienced auditor was a unique highlight."

Provides a strong introduction to IS auditing.

"The course provides a solid introduction to the principles of IS auditing and controls."

"This was a great course to get a foundational understanding of IT audit concepts."

"I found this course gave me a good starting point for understanding IS risks and controls."

Too basic for experienced learners.

"As someone with prior IT experience, I found some sections a bit too high-level."

"Could benefit from more in-depth coverage of specific audit techniques and tools."

"It's good for beginners, but don't expect advanced insights if you're already in the field."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance with these activities:

Review Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

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Understanding the SDLC is essential for managing the development of information systems. This activity will refresh your knowledge and ensure you have a strong grasp of its principles.

Browse courses on Systems Development Life Cycle

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Revisit your past coursework or study materials on SDLC
Solve practice questions or simulations related to SDLC
Discuss SDLC concepts with classmates or mentors

Compile an organized study space

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Sort through your notes, assignments, and other study materials, organizing and compiling them into a central location. This will help you review course materials with ease.

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Gather your materials
Sort and categorize
Create a designated workspace

Join a Study Group

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Working with peers can enhance your learning experience. A study group will provide an opportunity to discuss concepts, share insights, and reinforce your understanding of course material.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Find or form a study group with classmates
Establish meeting times and study schedule
Assign responsibilities and roles

Four other activities

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Solve IS Auditing Case Studies

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Working through case studies allows you to apply your understanding of IS auditing principles to real-world scenarios. This practice will enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Read and analyze the case study
Identify the relevant risks and controls
Develop an audit plan and procedures
Present your findings and recommendations

Design an IS Audit Plan

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This project will provide you with hands-on experience in planning an IS audit. You'll apply the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world scenario, solidifying your understanding.

Browse courses on Audit Planning

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Define the audit scope and objectives
Assess the risks and controls
Develop the audit procedures
Communicate the audit plan to stakeholders

Develop an IS Audit Report

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Creating an IS audit report is a crucial aspect of the audit process. This activity will guide you through the steps of preparing a comprehensive report that effectively communicates your findings.

Browse courses on Audit Reporting

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Write the executive summary
Present the audit findings
Provide recommendations for improvement
Review and finalize the report

Participate in IS Auditing Competitions

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Competitions provide a motivating and challenging environment to test your IS auditing skills. Participating will not only enhance your knowledge but also expose you to different perspectives and best practices.

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Identify and research relevant competitions
Form a team or participate individually
Prepare and practice for the competition
Attend and participate in the competition

Career center

Learners who complete Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Systems Auditor

As an Information Systems Auditor, you will evaluate internal controls and make sure that the organization is following best practices. You will also be responsible for investigating and reporting on security breaches. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of an organization's IT controls. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization is following all applicable laws and regulations. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and ethical guidelines. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization. They also make sure that the organization has a risk management plan in place. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from cyber threats. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants help organizations improve their IT systems and processes. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts help organizations collect, analyze, and interpret data. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help organizations make investment decisions. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers help organizations plan, execute, and deliver IT projects. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They also make sure that the software is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, build, and maintain computer systems. They also make sure that the systems are following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. They also make sure that the networks are following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, build, and maintain databases. They also make sure that the databases are following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from cyber threats. They also make sure that the organization is following best practices and complying with regulations. This course will help you build a foundation in information systems auditing, controls, and assurance. You will learn about the risks associated with information systems, how to mitigate those risks, and how to perform IS audits. This course will also help you prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

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