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.

Perform IS auditing

You may have heard of financial auditing, do you know the difference between IS auditing and financial auditing? You are going to explore more about IS auditing through the conversation between Prof. Dias and the IS audit practitioner. Prof. Dias then explains the general IS audit procedures and two major testings that IS auditors/compliance officers have to conduct. Prof. Dias also explains the procedure to obtain evidence in order to produce justified audit reports.

Business Application Development and the Roles of IS Auditors

IT practitioners develop business applications following the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). IS auditors are in place to ensure the controls are implemented to mitigate the risks of developing application systems throughout the SDLC. Prof. Dias is going to review what IT practitioners usually do, and further elaborate the role that IS auditors play in different phases of SDLC.

IS Maintenance and Control

Information systems seldom remain static, it is common for users to make change requests to add new features, or refine existing functions some time after the information system launches. Organizations should follow a formal procedure to make the changes in their systems manageable. Prof. Dias is going to give you an overview on the change management controls which organizations should follow. Different kinds of maintenance practices, and Emergency Controls are also discussed in this module. Finally, Percy's conversations with the IS audit practitioner give you better insights on the future development of IS audit and how IS audit support the newly emerged FinTech industry.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Is audit essentials

learners say this course is largely positive and teaches the basics of Information Systems (IS) auditing, controls, and assurance. According to students, the course is: * Well-received by learners * Engaging with assignments like quizzes and homework * Taught by an experienced professor * Well-structured * Brilliantly structured * Perfect for beginners

Professor Percy Dias was also a very cheerful lecturer.

"Professor Percy Dias was also a very cheerful lecturer."

"It was an amazing opportunity for me to have that certification from Coursera."

"The content was direct and immediately relevant"

"Excellent learning , very insightful, The presenter's teaching process was very effective and i found it most classic so far I have atteded the courses"

"I learned a lot from this course and gained knowledge on how helpful and important IS Audits to companies."

"The course was interesting to learn."

"I really enjoyed the course, it was taught in the basic and simplest form yet provided me with in-depth knowledge on the topic."

"I would advise fellow colleagues to enroll for the course has it gives a broad view to the existence of disruptive technology in the financial industry."

This course is very informative for a beginner like me.

"This course is very informative for a beginner like me."

"It provide basic information about IS AUDITING, CONTROLS AND assurance."

"Additionally, it will help you know more the trend of job."

"I love the course very much."

"It is really improve my knowledge & skills."

"I love prof Dias."

"He explained everything clearly in a good structure."

"if I have enough money I will take an other course from him."

The course was very knowledge developing item.

"The course was very knowledge developing item."

"We come to know from back end how things work and for decision making how things are considered"

"Course was informative and easy to follow."

"It was a bit heavy on software development processes, which I was personally already familiar with."

"it is a great course that I have learned a lot of things and new skills from Coursera."

"It was quite a wonderful learning."

"This course has given a good high level overview of IS audit and increase my increase in taking up CISA certification in another few years time."

"The lecture was very ineteractive and concise."

This course offers clear and concise lessons about Information Systems.

"This course offers clear and concise lessons about Information Systems."

"It also provides real-life scenarios that helped me to understand the lessons better."

"Thank you for such an opportunity to find out more about systems auditing and practise on examples that are actuall in real life, not just theoretical knowlege"

"This is a very interesting course."

"I could able to reap the basics of Information system auditing, controls, and assurance."

"I would recommend to you all this."

"Besides major grammatical errors in the translation and the accent issues in the videos, this course was quite helpful in understanding the basis of IS Auditing"

"Very Interesting course."

A good starting point for beginners in IS Audit to understand the nature of such audits and some clarifications on controls and assurance.

"This course has given a good high level overview of IS audit and increase my increase in taking up CISA certification in another few years time."

"The lecture was very ineteractive and concise. Real life scenarios were also cited to enhance understanding of the subject matter."

"A very short and simple course provided by the university."

"I had a good time with Prof. Percy and the course contents were extremely helpful and relevant."

"Easy to follow course especially for a newbie to tech and audititing."

"As an IT engineer Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance course improved my knowledge and to have about system auditing and controls."

"Excellent course, provides good understanding on the various IS auditing techniques, the different risks and the associated controls that can be put in place"

"This course was very informative and knowledge based and i gained substantial skills to have IS auditor skillsvery clearly and well defined by professor "

Very quick high level overview with detail in few areas.

"Very quick high level overview with detail in few areas."

"By no means does it come close to covering everything an IS Auditor does or needs to know."

"In addition, the language conversation to U.S."

"English is not great causing confusion in the text and quizzes"

I was really disappointed as I consider that the quality of the material does not correspond to the academic level requirements.

"I was really disappointed as I consider that the quality of the material does not correspond to the academic level requirements."

"Some of the information is insufficiently explained and does not help the user understand the subject matter."

"The level of English language used is quite poor."

Further, course can be enhanced greatly by including certain case studies.

"Further, course can be enhanced greatly by including certain case studies."

"I am pursuing CISA Certification."

"This course was a good jump in point."

"I expected a little more information but it has steered me in the right direction to study and prepare."

"There were questions on the quizzes that were not actually covered in the lectures but, they were overall very adequate for what I am doing."

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Auditor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager