The JOSA Audit framework involves a comprehensive and iterative process to help organizations identify and manage their digital security risks. This process consists of several key steps, including information gathering, risk assessment, and capacity building.

Audit Phases

Implementing the JOSA Audit framework requires careful planning and execution. Here are the key steps to take before, during, and after the audit.

Preparing for the Audit

Before the audit, it’s essential to prepare the necessary materials and resources. Here are some steps to take:

Planning

Planning the audit and its scope: The audit plan should outline the scope of the audit, the objectives, and the methodology.

Sample Audit Plan Outline:

  • Scope statement: A clear description of what is included and excluded from the audit.
  • Audit objectives: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the audit.
  • Assumptions and limitations: Any assumptions made or limitations of the audit.
  • Timeline: A schedule for the audit, including key milestones and deadlines.
  • Resources: A list of the personnel, equipment, and other resources required for the audit.
  • Risk assessment: A description of the potential risks and threats to the organization’s digital security.

Preparation

Preparing the necessary materials and resources: The audit team should gather all necessary materials and resources, including documentation, equipment, and personnel.

Example Audit Materials:

  • Documentation: Gather all relevant documentation, such as policies, procedures, and contracts.
  • Equipment: Ensure that all necessary equipment, such as laptops and scanners, are available and in good working condition.
  • Personnel: Ensure that all personnel, including auditors and support staff, are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Conducting the Audit

During the audit, the audit team will collect and analyze data, identify and assess vulnerabilities and threats, and report on the findings.

Data Collection

Collecting and analyzing data: The audit team will collect and analyze data from various sources, including documentation, interviews, and observations.

Example Data Collection Methods:

  • Documentation review: Review all relevant documentation, such as policies, procedures, and contracts.
  • Interviews: Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including staff, management, and contractors.
  • Observations: Observe key processes and systems to identify vulnerabilities and threats.

Risk Assessment

Identifying and assessing vulnerabilities and threats: The audit team will identify and assess vulnerabilities and threats to the organization’s digital security.

Example Risk Assessment Methods:

  • Vulnerability scanning: Use vulnerability scanning tools to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Threat modeling: Use threat modeling techniques to identify potential threats.
  • Risk assessment: Use risk assessment methods to determine the likelihood and impact of identified vulnerabilities and threats.

Reporting and Follow-up

After the audit, the audit team will report on the findings and follow up with the organization to ensure implementation of recommendations.

Reporting

Presenting the audit findings and recommendations: The audit team will present the audit findings and recommendations to the organization in a clear and concise manner.

Example Audit Report:

  • Executive summary: Provide a brief summary of the audit findings and recommendations.
  • Findings: Present the audit findings, including vulnerabilities and threats identified.
  • Recommendations: Provide recommendations for remediation and improvement.

Follow-up

Following up with the organization to ensure implementation of recommendations: The audit team will follow up with the organization to ensure implementation of recommendations and provide ongoing support as needed.

Example Follow-up Activities:

  • Progress monitoring: Monitor the organization’s progress in implementing recommendations.
  • Support: Provide ongoing support to the organization as needed.
  • Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of the audit and identify areas for improvement.

Information Gathering

Information gathering is a critical step in the audit process. It involves collecting data about actors, activities, and assets to identify vulnerabilities and threats. Here are some methods used for information gathering:

Interviews

Conducting interviews with key stakeholders: Interviews are a valuable method for gathering information about an organization’s digital security risks. Key stakeholders, such as staff, board members, and contractors, can provide valuable insights into the organization’s processes, systems, and culture.

Example Interview Questions:

  • What are the most critical assets and data that the organization needs to protect?
  • What are the most common threats and vulnerabilities that the organization faces?
  • What are the organization’s policies and procedures for managing digital security risks?

Surveys

Administering surveys to gather data: Surveys can be an effective method for gathering data from a large number of stakeholders. They can help identify trends and patterns in the organization’s digital security practices.

Example Survey Questions:

  • What is your role in the organization?
  • What are your responsibilities related to digital security?
  • Have you experienced any digital security incidents in the past year?

Observations

Observing key processes and systems: Observations can provide valuable insights into an organization’s digital security practices. They can help identify vulnerabilities and threats that may not be apparent through other methods.

Example Observation Areas:

  • Network configurations and security controls
  • System vulnerabilities and patch management
  • Staff training and awareness programs

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a critical step in the audit process. It involves identifying and assessing vulnerabilities and threats to an organization’s digital security. Here are some methods used for risk assessment:

Vulnerability Scanning

Identifying potential vulnerabilities: Vulnerability scanning is a method for identifying potential vulnerabilities in an organization’s digital infrastructure. Example Vulnerability Scanning Tools:

  • Nessus
  • OpenVAS
  • Qualys
Threat Modeling

Identifying potential threats: Threat modeling is a method for identifying potential threats to an organization’s digital security. Example Threat Modeling Techniques:

  • STRIDE
  • PASTA
  • Threat Modeling Canvas

Capacity Building

Capacity building is a critical step in the audit process. It involves building the capacity of the organization to manage its digital security risks. Here are some methods used for capacity building:

Training

Providing training to staff and stakeholders: Training is a critical method for building the capacity of an organization to manage its digital security risks. It can help staff and stakeholders understand digital security best practices and develop the skills they need to manage digital security risks.

Example Training Topics:

  • Digital security fundamentals
  • Threat modeling and risk assessment
  • Incident response and disaster recovery

Support

Providing support to staff and stakeholders: Support is a critical method for building the capacity of an organization to manage its digital security risks. It can help staff and stakeholders develop the skills and knowledge they need to manage digital security risks and provide ongoing support to ensure successful implementation.

Example Support Services:

  • Digital security consulting
  • Incident response and disaster recovery services
  • Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of digital security controls

Next Steps

To implement the JOSA Audit framework and achieve its goals, consider the following next steps:

  • Develop an audit plan: Outline the scope, objectives, and methodology of the audit.

    Download the Audit Planning Guide to get started.

  • Prepare for the audit: Gather necessary materials and resources, and ensure that all personnel are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

    Download the Audit Preparation Checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

  • Conduct the audit: Collect and analyze data, identify and assess vulnerabilities and threats, and report on the findings.

    Download the Initial Data Equipping Templates to help you stay organized. Download the Initial Data Equipping Templates to help you stay organized. Download the Initial Data Equipping Templates to help you stay organized.

  • Implement recommendations: Work with the organization to implement recommendations and provide ongoing support as needed.

    Download the Implementation Plan Template to help you develop a plan for implementing recommendations.

  • Evaluate and improve: Evaluate the effectiveness of the audit and identify areas for improvement.

    Download the Audit Evaluation Checklist to help you assess the audit’s effectiveness.

By following these next steps and using the provided guides and templates, you can successfully implement the JOSA Audit framework and achieve its goals of identifying and mitigating digital security risks.