Information Technology Flashcards
AUD
When is an audit of IT NOT required?
Controls are redundant to another department
The system does not appear to be reliable and testing controls would not be an efficient use of time
Costs exceed benefit
AUD
When can an audit of IT be performed without directly interacting with the system?
System isn’t complex or complicated
System output is detailed
AUD
What is the role of a Database Administrator?
Maintains database
Restricts access
Responsible for IT internal control
AUD
What is the role of a Systems Analyst?
Recommends changes or upgrades
Liaison between IT and users
AUD
What is the role of the data Librarian?
Responsible for disc storage
Holds system documentation
AUD
What is the benefit of Generalized Audit Software in an audit?
Uses computer speed to quickly sort data and files- which leads to a more efficient audit
Compatible with different client IT systems
Extracts evidence from client databases
Tests data without auditor needing to spend time learning the IT system in detail
Client-tailored or commercially produced
AUD
What is a Relational Database?
Group of related spreadsheets
Retrieves information through Queries
AUD
What is a Data Definition Language?
A language that defines a database and gives information on database structure.
It maintains tables- which can be joined together.
It establishes database constraints.
AUD
What functions are performed by a Data Manipulation Language?
Maintains and queries a database
Auditor needs information- so client uses DML to get the information needed
AUD
What functions are performed by a Data Control Language?
A Data Control Language controls a database and restricts access to the database.
AUD
What are Check Digits?
A numerical character consistently added to a set of numbers.
It makes it more difficult for a fraudulent account to be set up or go undetected.
AUD
What is the purpose of a Code Review?
A Code Review tests a program’s processing logic.
Advantageous because auditor gains a greater understanding of the program.
AUD
What is the purpose of a Limit Test?
Examines data and looks for reasonableness using upper and lower limits to determine if data fits the correct range.
Did anyone score higher than 100%?
AUD
What is the Test Data Method?
Auditor processes data with client’s computer - fake transactions are used to test program control procedures.
Each control needs to only be tested once
Problem with this method - fake data could combine with real data.
AUD
How can Operating Systems Logs be utilized during an audit?
Auditor can review logs to see which applications were run and by whom.
AUD
What is the purpose of Access Security Software?
Helpful in online environments
Restricts computer access - may use encryption.
AUD
How can Library Management Software assist with an audit?
Library Management Software logs any changes to system/applications etc.
AUD
How can Embedded Audit Modules in software be utilized in an audit?
Assist with audit calculations
Enable continuous monitoring in an audit environment that is changing
Weakness: requires implementation into the system design
Example: SCARF - Collects information based on some criteria and can be analyzed at a later time (necessary because the audit environment is continually changing)
AUD
What is an Audit Hook?
An Audit Hook is an application instruction that gives auditor control over the application.
AUD
What is the purpose of Transaction Tagging?
Transaction Tagging allows logging of company transactions and activities.
AUD
How do Extended Records assist in audit trail creation?
Extended Records add audit data to financial records.
AUD
How does Real Time Processing affect an audit?
Destroys prior data when updated
aka Destructive Updating
Requires well-documented Audit Trail
AUD
What is the risk of auditing System outputs versus Application outputs?
If the auditor only audits the outputs of a computer system and doesn’t also audit the software applications- an error in the applications could be missed.
AUD
What is a Compiler?
Software that translates source program (similar to English) into a language that the computer can understand
AUD
How is Parallel Simulation utilized during an audit?
Client data is processed using Generalized Audit Software (GAS)
Sample size can be expanded without significantly increasing the audit cost
GAS output compared to client output
AUD
What does auditing internal control in a company’s IT environment accomplish?
Plan the rest of audit- Shorter audit trails that may expire- Less documentation
Assess the level of Control Risk - Unauthorized access to systems or data is more difficult to catch
Systems access controls adds another layer to separation of duties analysis
Focus should be on the general controls- new systems development- current systems changes- and program or data access control or computer ops control changes
