Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Auditing Cybersecurity Controls

Cyber attacks are a top risk for boards, and internal audit must provide assurance over cyber defences. This course covers auditing cybersecurity: cyber frameworks, identity and access, vulnerability and patch management, network and endpoint security, monitoring and incident response, third-party cyber risk and reporting to the board.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Boards want independent assurance over cyber risk. You will learn to plan and perform meaningful cybersecurity audits.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Framework-based audit planning, control testing exercises, incident case studies and reporting practice.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply cybersecurity frameworks to audit planning
Audit identity and access management
Evaluate vulnerability and patch management
Review network, endpoint and monitoring controls
Assess incident response readiness
Report cyber audit results to the board

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

IT auditors
Internal audit managers
Information security professionals
Risk managers
Compliance staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Cyber framework use
Control testing
Incident readiness assessment
Third-party assessment
Board reporting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Cyber Audit Planning

09:00–10:08Threat landscape
10:08–11:00Frameworks
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Frameworks (continued)
11:45–12:53Scoping
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Identity and Access

09:00–10:08Privileged access
10:08–11:00Authentication
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Authentication (continued)
11:45–12:53Access reviews
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Technical Controls

09:00–10:08Vulnerabilities and patching
10:08–11:00Network and endpoint
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Network and endpoint (continued)
11:45–12:53Logging and monitoring
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Incident Response

09:00–10:08Plans and testing
10:08–11:00Recovery
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Recovery (continued)
11:45–12:53Case study
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Third Parties and Reporting

09:00–10:08Vendor cyber risk
10:08–11:00Board reporting
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Board reporting (continued)
11:45–12:53Follow-up
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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