The 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards elevate cybersecurity to a core internal audit priority. Internal auditors are now expected to assess the adequacy of cyber governance (aligned with Domain V: Performing Internal Audit Services – Principles 13 and 14), test the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls, and evaluate incident response and recovery preparedness—ensuring alignment with enterprise risk objectives and relevant national or industry cybersecurity frameworks.
In today’s digital-first environment, cyber risk is no longer a standalone IT issue. It is deeply interconnected with organizational strategy, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and reputational trust. As organizations accelerate digital transformation, internal audit plays a pivotal role in reinforcing digital trust, mitigating cyber risk, and strengthening resilience across critical systems and data assets.
Internal audit’s evolving cybersecurity mandate focuses on:
- Cybersecurity as a strategic enterprise risk
- Alignment with organizational strategy and regulatory expectations
- Independent assurance over digital trust and resilience
Three Key Focus Areas for Internal Audit
- Risk-Aligned Focus: Cybersecurity must be treated as a core enterprise risk. Internal audit should assess whether governance structures, policies, and controls are designed to address evolving threat landscapes and are embedded within enterprise risk management frameworks.
- Skill-Backed Integrity: Effective cyber audits require current technical expertise and risk awareness, supported by objective and independent execution. Auditors must avoid prior operational involvement or conflicts that could compromise assurance.
- Resilience & Trust: Internal audit should evaluate incident preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities while ensuring data confidentiality, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust throughout all audit engagements.
