IT Audit Field Manual: Strengthen Cyber Defense
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IT Audit Field Manual: Strengthen Cyber Defense
Included with
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Evaluate cybersecurity across major cloud platforms using IT auditing principles
Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in IT systems
Understand IT auditing careers, roles, and essential knowledge for professional growth
Skills you'll gain
- Cyber Security Assessment
- Risk Management Framework
- Cyber Security Strategy
- Information Privacy
- Identity and Access Management
- IT General Controls (ITGC)
- Security Controls
- System Configuration
- Cyber Security Policies
- Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
- Linux Administration
- Cloud Security
- Cybersecurity
- Data Security
- Network Security
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Endpoint Security
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
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There are 13 modules in this course
This course equips IT professionals with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and compliance. It provides a structured approach to auditing IT systems, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques, with a focus on real-world applications and practical insights.
You will learn how to evaluate cybersecurity across major platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP using IT auditing principles. Additionally, you will conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen your knowledge of IT system auditing. What makes this course unique is its practical, hands-on approach to cybersecurity evaluation, focusing on real-world scenarios that will help you develop essential auditing skills. Through this, you will be prepared to confidently assess cybersecurity measures in various environments. This course is ideal for aspiring IT professionals, especially those interested in security auditing, risk assessment, and compliance across cloud and IT infrastructures. While basic IT knowledge is helpful, no prior auditing experience is required.
In this section, we explore the role and importance of IT auditing, its evolution in cybersecurity, and key concepts essential for risk management and compliance in business processes.
What's included
2 videos5 readings1 assignment
2 videos•Total 2 minutes
- Course Overview•1 minute
- Introduction to IT Auditing - Overview Video•1 minute
5 readings•Total 90 minutes
- Introduction•30 minutes
- An IS Audit•10 minutes
- The Evolution of IT Auditing in Cybersecurity•10 minutes
- An Emphasis on Data Privacy and Protection•20 minutes
- Navigating through the Audit Life Cycle•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Foundations of IT Auditing•10 minutes
In this section, we cover audit planning, scope definition, and stakeholder engagement to ensure effective and aligned audits.
What's included
1 video9 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Audit Planning and Preparation - Overview Video•1 minute
9 readings•Total 140 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Defining Audit Scope and Objectives•20 minutes
- Audit Risks Versus Risks Identified by the Audit Mission•10 minutes
- Steps in Creating a Comprehensive Audit Plan•20 minutes
- Timeline Development•20 minutes
- Techniques for Developing Methodologies and Procedures•10 minutes
- Mapping Stakeholders•20 minutes
- Implementing the Communication Strategy•10 minutes
- Adjusting the Plan•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Audit Planning Fundamentals•10 minutes
In this section, we explore Cisco switch and router security assessments, focusing on CLI-based checks, access methods, and risk evaluation for effective IT audits.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Cisco Switches and Routers Access Methods and Security Assessments - Overview Video•1 minute
7 readings•Total 110 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Network Logs•20 minutes
- Access Methods for Cisco Switches and Routers•10 minutes
- Technical Features•10 minutes
- Auditing Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches•10 minutes
- Auditing the Cisco 4000 Series•20 minutes
- Modular Interface Assessment•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Network Device Security and Configuration Review•10 minutes
In this section, we explore NGFW auditing, focusing on Palo Alto PAN-OS configurations, policy optimization, and compliance techniques to enhance network security effectiveness.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Next-Generation Firewall Auditing - Overview Video•1 minute
6 readings•Total 110 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- The Audit Angle•20 minutes
- Navigating the PAN-OS Interface•20 minutes
- Policy Optimization and Rule Usage•20 minutes
- Refining Policies with the Application Filter•20 minutes
- Stale and Overly Broad Objects•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- NGFW Auditing and Security Policy Evaluation•10 minutes
In this section, we explore cloud security auditing, focusing on Azure and AWS. Key concepts include automation, compliance, governance, and best practices for securing cloud environments.
What's included
1 video8 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Cloud Security Auditing - Overview Video•1 minute
8 readings•Total 120 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Impact of a Cloud Model on Cloud Security Auditing•10 minutes
- Continuous Monitoring and Automated Security•10 minutes
- Security Architecture's Impact on Auditing•20 minutes
- Governance•20 minutes
- Auditing in AWS•20 minutes
- Key Steps for Auditors Using AWS CloudTrail•10 minutes
- Compliance•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Cloud Security Auditing Fundamentals•10 minutes
In this section, we explore Windows 10 and 11 endpoint security, focusing on Microsoft Defender, Windows Firewall, and BitLocker. We examine configurations, auditing, and best practices for effective risk mitigation.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Endpoint Security Windows 10 and Windows 11 - Overview Video•1 minute
5 readings•Total 80 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- BitLocker Encryption•10 minutes
- Secure Boot•20 minutes
- Analyzing Allowed Ports and Protocols•20 minutes
- Application Whitelisting and Control•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Endpoint Security Fundamentals•10 minutes
In this section, we explore Linux auditing, focusing on SSH security, user access controls, and firewall configurations to ensure system compliance and security through practical, real-world applications.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Linux Systems Auditing - Overview Video•1 minute
6 readings•Total 100 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Auditing SSH Configurations•10 minutes
- Reviewing and Configuring PAM•20 minutes
- Analyzing and Hardening Kernel Security Parameters•20 minutes
- Auditing and Managing Sudo Privileges•20 minutes
- Auditing Firewall and Network Security with UFW and Iptables•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Linux System Security and Auditing Fundamentals•10 minutes
In this section, we examine wireless access point and storage system auditing, focusing on security, compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for real-world applications.
What's included
1 video8 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Wireless Access Points and Storage Technology Auditing - Overview Video•1 minute
8 readings•Total 130 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- Assessing Physical Security and Placement•20 minutes
- Testing Wireless Security Protocols•20 minutes
- Testing for the Presence of Rogue Access Points•20 minutes
- Overview of Wireless Security Standards and Regulations•10 minutes
- Storage Technology Types and Risks•20 minutes
- Evaluating Access Controls and User Management•20 minutes
- Assessing Compliance with Data Protection Regulations•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Securing Wireless and Storage Infrastructure•10 minutes
In this section, we explore data protection principles, privacy laws, and compliance measures to help auditors evaluate and improve data security practices effectively.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Data Protection and Privacy Considerations - Overview Video•1 minute
6 readings•Total 100 minutes
- Introduction•20 minutes
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)•20 minutes
- The CIA Triad•20 minutes
- Conducting a Risk Assessment•10 minutes
- The Importance of Data Classification•10 minutes
- The Auditor’s Role in Data Privacy and Protection•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Data Protection and Privacy Fundamentals•10 minutes
In this section, we explore structured audit reporting, stakeholder communication strategies, and risk-based remediation planning to enhance IT audit effectiveness and organizational security.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Reporting and Remediation - Overview Video•1 minute
7 readings•Total 120 minutes
- Introduction•20 minutes
- Methodology and Approach•10 minutes
- Risk Rating Categories•20 minutes
- Communicating Findings to Stakeholders•20 minutes
- Presenting Findings to Non-Technical Audiences•20 minutes
- Prioritizing and Planning Remediation Efforts•10 minutes
- Collaborating with IT Teams on Corrective Actions•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Understanding Audit Reporting and Remediation•10 minutes
In this section, we explore advanced IT auditing techniques, focusing on emerging technologies, cybersecurity frameworks, and practical application of standards like DISA STIGs and NIST CVEs to address evolving risks.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Advanced Topics in IT Auditing - Overview Video•1 minute
7 readings•Total 80 minutes
- Introduction•10 minutes
- How to Stay Ahead of the Curve•10 minutes
- Understanding Cybersecurity Frameworks and Controls•20 minutes
- Introduction to Advanced Auditing Techniques•10 minutes
- Advanced Technique Focus DISA STIGs in Action•10 minutes
- Incorporating NIST CVEs into IT Audits•10 minutes
- Preparing for the Future of IT Auditing•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Advanced IT Auditing and Cybersecurity Practices•10 minutes
In this section, we explore strategies for building an IT audit career, focusing on essential skills, certifications, and continuous learning for professional growth.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Building an IT Audit Career - Overview Video•1 minute
7 readings•Total 110 minutes
- Introduction•20 minutes
- Bridging the Gap Between IT and Auditing•20 minutes
- Essential Skills and Certifications•10 minutes
- Soft Skills for Success in IT Auditing•20 minutes
- Specializations Within IT Auditing•20 minutes
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development•10 minutes
- Pursuing Advanced Certifications and Education•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Building a Successful IT Audit Career•10 minutes
In this section, we help you reflect on your learning and prepare you for ongoing growth in IT auditing.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Appendix: Conclusion and Future Outlook - Overview Video•1 minute
3 readings•Total 50 minutes
- Introduction•20 minutes
- Industry-specific Standards•10 minutes
- Staying Informed•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Evolution and Challenges in Modern IT Auditing•10 minutes
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