Information Technology Controls are specific safeguards put in place in a technology-driven environment to ensure that risks are reasonably stemmed, and business objectives are achieved.
Technology controls are a big deal in our technology-driven world of today, owing to the fact that almost all our activities, both at the personal and organizational level have a thing or two to do with technology. So, effective systems of control must be implemented to ensure that our set out objectives can be achieved.
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In this post, I am going to point out some seven common misconceptions about Information Technology controls, being a functional unit in an organization and I will also touch base on the reality of things.
| Misconception | Reality |
| 1. Information Technology control comes as a result of policies and rules within a company. Without policy there is no Information Control | Information Technology control is based on a strong control environment and standard business practices. Information Control is often time supported by policies and not the other way round. |
| 2. IT control is all about accounting and finance of the business. | IT control is essential in all facets of the business, so far, it’s Technology-driven. |
| 3. IT control is a set of “do not do this “rules. | IT control is a positive guide map to getting things done right. |
| 4. IT control ensures all business objectives are met. | IT control gives reasonable assurance not a 100% declaration that all business objectives will be met. |
| 5. IT control is strenuous, and it takes away value from the major activities of the business | When IT control is efficiently built in the business process, it blends efficiently with all business activities whether major or minor. |
| 6. IT control can detect all fraud and other malpractices in the business. | Absolute assurance is not assured by IT control, but it helps to prevent it. |
| 7. The higher your rank is in the company, the lower your subjection to IT control | No one should be above the IT control law. Every individual is subject to IT control. |
I believe you will agree with me that the importance of technology controls can’t be overemphasized, as it seeks to checkmate technology-related risks that might prevent the achievement of set out objectives.
Know of any misconception? I’d be glad to discuss it in the comment section.
