The Potential for a Synergistic Relationship Between Information Security and a Financial Audit

The objective of a financial audit is to detect any "material" misstatement in financial records and reports. On the surface, that objective seems to be unrelated to information security. The relationship between the two sets of activities may also seem to be insignificant. In fact, there is a significant relationship and one that is mutually beneficial. Entities that are subject to financial audits and employ best practices of information security should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial audit. It is also possible that the financial audit of such an entity would uncover any existing relevant gaps in the entity's application of information security best practices which, when remediated, should improve the effectiveness of information security function.