What does an information security auditor do?

What is an Information Security Auditor?

An information security auditor looks at the safety and effectiveness of computer systems and their security components, mainly focusing on computer systems that may be out of date and could be at risk to a hacker attack.

After conducting a security audit,  a detailed report will be issued by the auditor outlining the effectiveness of the system, explaining any security issues, and suggesting changes and improvements.

What does an Information Security Auditor do?

Most businesses keep most of their records in digital databases, protecting them with firewalls, encryption, and other security measures. Periodically, these databases need to be tested in order to ensure that they comply with the latest standards and practices. This is where information security auditors come in, working to ensure that a company or governmental agency is safe from criminal and terrorist cyber attacks.

Information security auditors will work with a company to provide them with an audit of their security systems. This is a highly specific and analytical process where the auditor sorts through endless reports, looking for obvious issues and also pinpointing potential concerns.  

For larger organizations, audits might be rolled out at the department level, whereas smaller organizations can be audited all at once. This is typically determined by the auditor, who can assess the overall structure of the organization’s systems.

Once completed, the information security auditor will interpret the resulting data and issue a detailed report outlining whether the system runs efficiently and effectively. This information is presented to the company’s management team, and will outline any necessary changes that need to be made in order to improve the integrity of the system. If upgrades are suggested, it is part of the auditor's job to provide a cost-benefit analysis so as to show how the upgrade will be of value.

Information security auditors may also test policies put forward by a company in order to determine whether there are risks associated with them, and may also interview staff members to learn about any security risks or other complications within the company.

What is the workplace of an Information Security Auditor like?

As information security systems become more and more complex and cybersecurity threats continue to escalate, the role of information security auditors will continue to grow in demand.

Some information security auditors work as independent consultants; others are integral members of tech security teams.