(ICT) audit plan incl. follow-up process of critical audit findings

(ICT) audit plan incl. follow-up process of critical audit findings

Mandatory ICT Internal Audit Requirements (Article 6(6) DORA)

For financial entities other than microenterprises, the ICT risk management framework must be:

Subject to Internal Audit

  • ICT internal audits must be performed on a regular basis,
  • in line with the financial entity’s audit plan.

Auditors‘ Competence Requirements

ICT auditors must possess:

  • sufficient knowledge, skills and expertise in ICT risk, and
  • appropriate independence.

Risk-Based Audit Frequency and Focus

  • The frequency and focus of ICT audits must be commensurate to the ICT risk of the financial entity.

Management Body Responsibilities (Article 5(2)(f) DORA)

The management body must:

Approve the ICT Internal Audit Plan

  • Approve the ICT internal audit plans,
  • Approve ICT audits, and
  • Approve material modifications to such plans.

Periodically Review the ICT Audit Plan

  • Conduct periodic reviews of the ICT internal audit plan to ensure it remains appropriate, risk-based and aligned with the ICT risk management framework.

Mandatory Follow-Up Process for Critical Findings (Article 6(7) DORA)

Based on the conclusions of the internal audit review, the financial entity must establish:

A Formal Follow-Up Process

The follow-up process must:

  • be formalised,
  • apply to all ICT audit findings, and
  • explicitly address critical findings.

Rules for Timely Verification of Remediation

The follow-up process must include rules for:

  • the timely verification that remediation actions have been completed, and
  • the timely remediation of critical ICT audit findings.

This follow-up process becomes part of the ICT risk management framework and must be fully aligned with Articles 6(1), 6(8) and the overall governance obligations under Article 5 DORA.

Article 6 (6) and (7)

Article 5 (2)(f) DORA