Regulatory Compliance
ITGC
(IT General Controls)
IT General Controls (ITGC) or General Computer Controls (GCC) encompass controls that pertain to the infrastructure supporting IT Applications, with their adequacy and efficiency influencing all IT applications within an organization. These controls consist of policies and procedures that support application controls and the IT aspects of manual controls, applies a broad impact on controls at the application level and potentially applying to multiple applications. Functioning centrally or across various locations, they facilitate automated controls within applications. ITGCs are categorized into four main groups: access to programs and data, program change management, program development, and computer operations.
ITGC Methodology
Selection of the Framework
Evaluate framework options and opt for the one that most closely aligns with the enterprise's goals and compliance needs. When frameworks don't align perfectly, some organizations mix elements from multiple ones.
Mapping of Internal Controls
It is crucial to match an organization's internal controls with the expected controls specified in the framework before starting an audit.
Perform GAP Analysis
Conduct a comparison between internal controls and framework controls to identify any that may be absent or inadequate.
Creation and Execution of Plan
It is crucial to match an organization's internal controls with the expected controls specified in the framework before starting an audit.
Quality Checks of Controls
After implementing controls, it is essential to conduct testing to verify their proper integration and performance as anticipated.
Monitoring of Mitigation Activity
Once controls are implemented, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure they meet current requirements. This process should also consider any changes or additions that could affect IT general controls.
Methodology
Trust iLeads as your premier cybersecurity partner. Ranked among India’s top 10 firms, we prioritize client-centric solutions. Our focus is to ensure smooth process of ITGC audit. We guide organizations through the complexities with tailored strategies, ensuring adherence to compliance. Secure your privacy with iLeads– your trusted and reliable partner in the cybersecurity domain.
Our Expertise
Our team of certified cybersecurity compliance experts have hands-on experience on best of industry SIEM, network monitoring and data loss prevention tools. Our experts have joined hands with various organizations of a wide range of industries and thus, hold expertise in standard, industry-based and regulatory compliances. iLeads’s compliance implementers and auditors are well-versed in international IT frameworks and act, hence, delivering an optimized solution unique to your organization.
ITGC
Compliance Frameworks
ITGC (Information Technology General Controls) compliance frameworks include access controls, ISO 27001, incident response, SOC 2, and more. These frameworks help organizations mitigate risks and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
COSO
COBIT
ISO 27001
COSO
The COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations) framework integrates controls into everyday business processes to ensure ethical and transparent operations. It consists of five key requirements:
- Control environments
- Existing control activities
- Information and communications
- Monitoring activities
- Risk assessment and managemen
Although these components may seem broad, COSO has published detailed requirements tailored for companies focusing on ESG, AI, and cloud computing to align with specific regulations in those areas.
COBIT
The Control Objectives for Information Technology (COBIT) framework, established by the IT Governance Institute, outlines recommended ITGC objectives and approaches. COBIT operates on the premise that IT processes should meet precise business requirements to enhance operational efficiency and protect enterprise data. The five fundamental principles of COBIT include:
- Addressing stakeholder needs.
- Ensuring comprehensive coverage across the enterprise.
- Employing a unified integrated framework.
- Fostering a holistic approach.
Distinguishing governance from management responsibilities. In the United States, the COBIT framework is utilized to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is a standard compliance certification issued by International Organization for Standards to organizations. Apart from serving as a standard certification it also lays down a detailed list of guidelines for the ISMS (Information Security Management System) of an organization. The guidelines serve as best practices to secure IT systems, processes and organizational data through risk management methodologies. Below are the steps of conducting ISO 27001:
- Policy Drafting
- GAP Assessment
- Implementation
- Auditing and Training
- Certification
Adhering to ISO 27001 requirements demonstrates a company’s commitment to security and adherence to industry standards.
Our Approach
Our cyber security approach prioritizes a layered, proactive defense strategy encompassing robust network security, vigilant endpoint protection, strict access controls, regular vulnerability assessments, employee security awareness training, and a rapid incident response plan, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and systems against evolving cyber threats by focusing on the “people, process, and technology” pillars.
Planning
Defining the Scope
Risk Assessment
Designing and Implementing Controls
Reporting and Attestation
Testing the Controls
Planning
The initial step involves determining the types of IT general controls that are essential to implement. We consider factors such as their industry, the nature of the data they collect, store, and utilize, as well as the geographical locations of the client.
Defining the Scope
After narrowing down the desired IT general controls (ITGCs), the next step is to estimate the implementation timeline. This involves working backward from a targeted end date to create a feasible schedule, taking into account the available resources and the capacity of any managed service provider (MSP) involved.
Risk Assessment
After the selection of IT general controls, the subsequent step entails establishing a baseline for each control. This requires conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing IT processes and tools to identify effectively managed controls and potential security enhancements. Prioritization of these enhancements should be based on their significance and relevance to upcoming audits or compliance requirements.
Designing and Implementing Controls
This involves creating a comprehensive plan based on the selected IT general controls. The plan should incorporate insights gained from the baseline assessment of existing IT processes and tools. By merging effective controls with necessary security enhancements, organizations can develop a robust framework. Prioritization of these enhancements should align with their importance and relevance to upcoming audits or compliance standards.
Reporting and Attestation
The auditing body will record its findings, suggestions for improvement, and minor and significant non-conformities against the departments that were the subject of the audit. A summary report will be created from all of these observations and the standard checklist that was used.
Testing the Controls
Thorough testing is essential to ensure the effectiveness of each IT general control (ITGC) in achieving its intended purpose. iLeads conducts extensive testing on every ITGC, involving multiple individuals with different profiles. This approach helps identify any flaws in the functioning of the control and ensures its reliability across various scenarios.
Benefits
Cybersecurity is important because it protects organizational assets and services from malicious attacks and safeguards all types of data, including but not limited to sensitive data, protected health information (PHI), and personally identifiable information (PII) from theft and loss.
FAQ's
Why is ITGC audit important for businesses?
An ITGC audit plays a vital role in protecting a business by assessing the effectiveness of its IT controls. This helps safeguard sensitive data, mitigate cyberattack risks, and ensure smooth IT operations.
What can organizations expect during an ITGC audit?
Organizations undergo an ITGC audit where IT controls are assessed. Document reviews and control testing is done during an ITGC audit. Finally, a report with findings and improvement suggestions is delivered.