What Is the Difference Between Continuous Auditing and Continuous Monitoring?

Table of Contents

    Information security processes typically include both auditing and monitoring as standard components.

    I’m confused; please explain the distinction. The auditing process provides proof that the company is following the rules. Information and network security can be maintained through monitoring, which reveals potential threats and alerts staff members to take action. Evidence of ongoing compliance efforts can be found in audits, while those efforts themselves are reflected in routine monitoring (partly, at least).

    Companies can demonstrate they are taking appropriate measures to ensure network security by conducting ongoing audits and monitoring operations.

    In order to ensure that an organisation complies with all laws, regulations, industry standards, or other regulations that may apply to it, the process of compliance is the establishment of security controls and the observance of business rules.

    Businesses with regulatory requirements must conduct risk assessments. To ensure their security posture, businesses should draught policies detailing the rationale behind their decisions to accept, mitigate, escalate, or reject particular risks.

    Security Monitoring

    What is continuous monitoring?

    To detect and, ideally, prevent new and emerging cybersecurity risks within your IT infrastructure, continuous monitoring is the practise of keeping a watchful eye on your company’s network and other IT systems in real time.

    If you use machine learning tools that can automate this process, you can make sure your internal controls are as effective as ever while also anticipating any new risks that may arise.

    In order to keep up with the ever-evolving tactics used by attackers, it’s important to perform constant monitoring of your IT infrastructure. It is possible for an attacker to gain unauthorised access to the system or data through a number of vectors, including endpoint vulnerabilities, firewalls that are either incorrectly configured or are otherwise inadequate, and other cyber threats.

    Anti-malware can only protect a company from an already researched infection; it will not necessarily work against new cyberattacks with enhanced capabilities because malicious actors modify their malware and ransomware to avoid detection. This is why constant checks are required.

    For what reasons is constant monitoring a prerequisite for safety?

    ISCM is crucial because it enables businesses to regularly assess their server and network infrastructure for potential vulnerabilities.

    It helps them figure out if the system needs to be patched because it isn’t secure against known threats or if it complies with current information security policies.

    Maintaining a constant watch over things like security can:

    • Keep an eye on the target zone.
    • Protect your endpoints better.
    • Data security is paramount, so protect your private information.

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    What is continuous auditing?

    A company’s adherence to standardised security operations and procedures can be measured in great detail and in real time with the help of data gathered from a continuous audit. Your security team can propose new access controls and security management policies in response to changing threats by analysing historical data and analysing current threats.

    To prevent security breaches from occuring, internal auditors must verify that all information systems are operating in accordance with predetermined policies and procedures.

    The ability to prevent a data breach is assessed by auditing incident response, log review, and vulnerability management.

    To ensure that security information and event management (SIEM) policies and procedures are consistently applied across the organisation, this data can be incorporated into the compliance workflow.

    What’s the difference between traditional auditing and continuous auditing?

    The end of a quarter, for example, is the focal point of a conventional audit. The auditor asks for data from a certain time frame, and you supply it.

    IT security audits, on the other hand, call for deeper understanding of how businesses deal with security risks to their systems and networks. Through the use of these automated systems, information about your IT infrastructure, business processes, financial transactions, and internal controls can be gathered and analysed continuously, making continuous auditing a viable option.

    Moving away from point-in-time reviews is made possible by these tools, which enable auditors to collect data on processes, transactions, and accounts in a timely and cost-effective manner. Demonstrating your familiarity with the environment and ability to spot noncompliance quickly and easily through ongoing auditing activities.

    How do continuous auditing and continuous monitoring differ?

    While both continuous auditing and monitoring utilise automated tools (typically SaaS applications) to deliver real-time data, the information delivered by each is tailored to a distinct set of stakeholders.

    Management can react to risks affecting risk assessment and business processes thanks to constant monitoring. To ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, HIPAA, and other stringent data security laws, businesses can detect potential abuse and attacks before a breach occurs.

    Meanwhile, auditors can gather data in support of compliance conclusions through continuous auditing. In an internal audit, the auditor can look at every single transaction and process, rather than just a small subset. Continuous auditing is particularly important for financial services companies because it helps them meet the documentation requirements of regulators.

    Thus, while the two ideas are complementary, they require different evidence. Information about your controls’ efficacy against malicious actors can be gathered continuously through monitoring. Audits are ongoing, and they document preventative measures in accordance with whatever norm or law is in place.

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    Common issues

    • Errors, misuse, fraud, and noncompliance in financial transactions are quickly uncovered.
    • Continuous Monitoring of Risk Control Procedures
    • Finding new problems quickly; conducting ongoing risk assessments is essential.
    • As more factors need to be taken into account, the scope of a standard audit becomes narrower.
    • The capacity to evaluate and prioritise needs so that attention is directed towards pressing problems
    Security Monitoring

    Five Steps to Implement Continuous Monitoring and Auditing

    Choose a Champion

    If Audit and Management are going to collaborate, there needs to be one person or a small team who is seen as the leader of change as well as implementation. Furthermore, having the backing of Management at every level and in every section is essential. In the new business model, auditing, complying, and monitoring are all standard operating procedures, and everyone involved must adopt them.

    Clearly Defined Strategy

    Whether you agree with the aforementioned definitions or prefer your own, stand firm in your position. There are a plethora of factors to consider, such as the business’s industry, applicable regulations, fraud awareness, cost structure, personnel, resources, culture, etc.

    Making Use of Technology

    Like I’ve outlined here, I think it’s crucial for every Audit Department (and Management level individuals) to be conversant with the most recent Computer-Assisted Audit Tools. Continuous Auditing and Continuous Monitoring can’t be set up without these instruments.

    Begin Slowly

    As with any significant endeavour, you should “test” the application on a subset of mission-critical procedures to ensure you’re on the right track and getting the results you want. A/R, A/P, general ledger journal entries, and time and expense reporting can give you an idea of how well things are going for the company.

    Track Progress

    The success of the programme in meeting its objectives should be evaluated frequently as it is being put into place. Are we making back our investments? Is there a payoff that you can see? Do we have better controls? Better, faster, and more cost-effective auditing coverage? Is there improved and novel fraud protection available? Can you speed up?

    Where do continuous monitoring and continuous auditing fit into a ‘security-first compliance program?

    When it comes to compliance, putting security first means not only putting in place controls but also constantly guarding data from emerging threats.

    Protection of data and expedited efforts to conform to new regulations can be achieved through constant monitoring of attempted intrusions to systems and networks.

    Management oversight of your cybersecurity compliance programme is becoming an increasing focus of regulations and standards.

    In order for management to be aware of any new threats, a continuous monitoring tool is necessary. Afterward, they can act in accordance with their individual comfort levels with risk. In order to demonstrate compliance with applicable norms and rules, you’ll need to revise your control and risk assessments after giving an answer.

    Internal auditors can use your continuous audit tool to check the consistency of your security measures with regulatory requirements.

    Having a tool that links the constant monitoring of a security-first approach to compliance with the records needed to back up an audit of your controls and procedures is essential. In this respect, the two resources coincide.

    The Added Value That Ca/Cm Provide For Organisations

    As a rule, CA/CM contributes positively to the bottom line by facilitating adherence to regulations and helping organisations achieve their aims. Technically speaking, CA/CM allows for a great deal of automated system and data monitoring and uses closed-loop mechanisms for any detected exceptions. CA/CM is a monitoring mechanism that aids in the detection of configuration, process, and data anomalies that may pose a risk to the system or hinder its performance.

    There are a variety of possible advantages to CA/CM.

    • improved and more timely monitoring of enterprise-wide compliance;
    • automation of the control environment improves efficiency and effectiveness, which in turn creates savings opportunities;
    • Success for businesses as a result of less mistakes and better ways to fix them, freeing up manpower for more productive endeavours;
    • Enhanced reporting on meeting internal and external standards

    Main Outcomes Of The Ca/Cm Survey

    In businesses where optimal performance and control are paramount, CA/CM is gaining traction. Investigating what benefits CA/CM can bring an organisation requires a high level of awareness, the availability of tools, and the desire for greater efficiency in assurance.

    In this section, we briefly discuss the results of an EMA online survey. In total, 718 people from the EMEA region filled out the online survey. The majority of respondents work in internal auditing or sit on boards of directors; others work in the CFO’s office as operational or line managers; still others work in the finance or risk management departments.

    Participants recognise the value of CA and CM. Figures 2 and 3 show that nearly 90% of respondents are aware that CA seeks to bring comprehensive assurance with more excellent coverage across the organisation, while nearly as many are aware that CM enables the detection and correction of irregularities and helps identify process improvements.

    Knowing the advantages of CA/CM, however, is not enough to propel the system forwards. The need to improve governance, boost performance and accountability, and increase oversight for international operations are all factors that have a significant impact on the company’s strategy. Drivers in operations are exposed to potential fraud and misconduct and have the opportunity to continuously enhance processes by spotting and rectifying anomalies as they arise. Expanding regulations and risks, increased scrutiny from rating agencies, and economic uncertainty are all examples of external factors that are having an impact.

    Case Study: Large-scale Implementation Of Ca/Cm

    Background

    My client has been accused of bribery. The government launched extensive probes in response to this allegation. New business was the motivation for the bribes. During the years 2002-2005, bribes cost an estimated 14 million Euros. In the end, the client had to pay 150 million Euros to settle government charges of noncompliance. The client was hit with heavy fines and had a lot of its board members and employees let go, on top of the negative press they received.

    Design And Build Phase

    Public prosecutors have stated that there is not an adequate system of internal controls to identify corrupt payments. Thus, it became necessary to implement a strategy for keeping tabs on the full purchase-to-payment cycle. As a result of the design process, 23 blueprint documents were produced. These documents cover topics such as system architecture, data analytics, security, training, and more. A lot of thought went into the solution’s adaptability and scalability during the design phase so that it could be used for add-ons like order-to-cash controls, IT controls, and business performance indicators in the future.

    The solution involved a number of programmes and data stores, chosen in response to specific needs expressed by the client. As an alternative to off-the-shelf commercial CMS. Essential necessities included integrating with Microsoft SharePoint for case management and reporting and connecting to multiple source systems, both SAP and non-SAP. The extraction of data and the subsequent analysis of that data were both triggered in the background via the scheduling tool. Rule sets (queries) for data analytics were developed in Oracle (the standard database at this client). The data analytics output was imported into a Microsoft SQL Server database for use with SharePoint.

    Your benefits

    • The potential for economic loss can be mitigated through the use of continuous auditing and monitoring, which typically reveals abuse before it has an effect on the bottom line.
    • Additional management information that can be used to push efficiencies in the monitored process is provided by an always-on auditing and monitoring solution. Case in point: using the continuous monitoring solution’s detailed in-process data to monitor key performance indicators and locate and eliminate bottlenecks.
    • Anomaly detection and analysis in a closed loop can help with continuous control system enhancement. In addition, the percentage of transactions audited and monitored (100% vs. sampling method) can be increased through continuous auditing and monitoring.
    • High-value or high-risk processes are good candidates for continuous auditing and monitoring. It also provides some leeway in a constantly shifting regulatory landscape.

    Results from the survey indicated that many people understand the value that CA and CM can bring to businesses. The lack of a suitable business case or the inability to effectively measure the benefits of such initiatives has prevented many organisations from adopting CA/CM practises across the board, despite their interest. Still, more and more companies appear likely to adopt CA/CM practises in the near future thanks to the rising interest in risk assessment and compliance monitoring.

    The survey also found that all parts of an organisation, not just the ones that started using CA/CM practises, reaped benefits. Internal audit continues to be the primary driver and beneficiary of CA/CM activity across the enterprise. Typically, CA/CM is not initiated by services like operational/line management but rather reaps benefits from it.

    The majority of respondents think that CA/CM is most useful for facilitating tasks like “financial management reporting,” “regulatory reporting,” and “treasury and cash management.” Manual journal entries, time and expense tracking, P-cards, order-to-cash, and inventory management are some of the highest-ROI areas.

    Our advice is for management to prioritise a healthy return on investment (ROI) while minimising risk exposure in order to reap the full benefits of each CA/CM initiative. Small-scale pilot projects using a subset of the available data and connections may yield early successes, bolstering the business case for rolling out CA/CM across the enterprise.

    Last but not least, we think that CA/CM-curious businesses need to be directed in the right direction and given access to adequate information about the methods and advantages of CA/CM. This is where the assistance of independent auditors and advisors from the outside world comes into play. Reasonable, appropriate, and effective use of technology is crucial to the success of a CA/CM initiative.

    Organizations need to be patient, as it may take time and effort to implement CA/CM successfully. There will be many obstacles to overcome. Organizations should define the desired end-state for their CA/CM efforts regardless of the approach they take to kick off the initiative. Companies need to realise that CA/CM is about more than just getting the right tools in place. It’s a shift in how things usually work, so you’ll need to rethink your goals, your place in the team, and your strategy for dealing with the fallout. When putting CA/CM into practise, it’s important to know how far CA/CM can take you in terms of adjusting your approach to process, risk, controls, technology, and people.

    We are confident that this is the best path forwards to generate greater transparency in a sustainable and efficient manner because of our extensive experience assisting organisations before, during, and after the implementation of CA/CM initiatives. We anticipate a structural change in the assurance and analysis providers as CA/CM develops.

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    Conclusion

    An audit verifies that the company is acting lawfully. Employees are made aware of any security risks thanks to monitoring. You can ensure the continued efficacy of your internal controls and the anticipation of any new risks through the use of machine learning tools that can automate this procedure. With the help of data gathered from a continuous audit, a company’s compliance with standardised security operations and procedures can be measured in great detail and in real time. Automated tools (typically SaaS applications) are used for both continuous auditing and monitoring to provide timely information.

    While continuous auditing and continuous monitoring of risk control procedures are two distinct concepts, they share many commonalities in terms of the business strategies they necessitate. The primary distinction between the two is that auditing documents preventative measures in accordance with whatever norm or law is in place, whereas monitoring entails continuous data gathering. With CA/CM, you can keep an eye out for any strange behaviour in your system’s configuration, processes, or data that could compromise security or reduce efficiency. Ca/CM enables extensive closed-loop automated monitoring of systems and data for any detected exceptions. The strategy of the business is heavily influenced by the imperative to enhance corporate governance, increase performance and accountability, and strengthen oversight of international operations.

    Drivers in operations face the risk of fraud and misconduct and have the opportunity to continuously improve processes by identifying and addressing anomalies as they arise. Organizations can benefit from keeping tabs on KPIs and removing bottlenecks with the aid of CA/CM. When it comes to CA/CM initiatives across an organisation, internal audit is still both the primary driver and primary beneficiary. Many businesses have been reluctant to adopt such procedures due to a lack of a convincing business case or an inability to accurately quantify the benefits. The vast majority of respondents identified “financial management reporting,” “regulatory reporting,” and “treasury and cash management” as the top three areas where CA/CM was most helpful. Early successes may be found in small-scale pilot projects using a subset of the available data and connections.

    Content Summary

    • To detect and, ideally, prevent new and emerging cybersecurity risks within your IT infrastructure, continuous monitoring is the practise of keeping a watchful eye on your company’s network and other IT systems in real time.
    • In this section, we briefly discuss the results of an EMA online survey.
    • Participants recognise the value of CA and CM.
    • Figures 2 and 3 show that nearly 90% of respondents are aware that CA seeks to bring comprehensive assurance with more excellent coverage across the organisation, while nearly as many are aware that CM enables the detection and correction of irregularities and helps identify process improvements.
    • The need to improve governance, boost performance and accountability, and increase oversight for international operations are all factors that have a significant impact on the company’s strategy.
    • Thus, it became necessary to implement a strategy for keeping tabs on the full purchase-to-payment cycle.
    • As a result of the design process, 23 blueprint documents were produced.
    • A lot of thought went into the solution’s adaptability and scalability during the design phase so that it could be used for add-ons like order-to-cash controls, IT controls, and business performance indicators in the future.
    • High-value or high-risk processes are good candidates for continuous auditing and monitoring.
    • Results from the survey indicated that many people understand the value that CA and CM can bring to businesses.
    • Still, more and more companies appear likely to adopt CA/CM practises in the near future thanks to the rising interest in risk assessment and compliance monitoring.
    • The majority of respondents think that CA/CM is most useful for facilitating tasks like “financial management reporting,” “regulatory reporting,” and “treasury and cash management.”
    • Our advice is for management to prioritise a healthy return on investment (ROI) while minimising risk exposure in order to reap the full benefits of each CA/CM initiative.
    • Last but not least, we think that CA/CM-curious businesses need to be directed in the right direction and given access to adequate information about the methods and advantages of CA/CM.
    • Reasonable, appropriate, and effective use of technology is crucial to the success of a CA/CM initiative.
    • Companies need to realise that CA/CM is about more than just getting the right tools in place.

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