AuditM

AuditM is a hypothetical framework for automated auditing in information systems, conceived as a conceptual model to standardize and improve transparency, reproducibility, and governance of audits across IT environments. It envisions a modular set of artifacts and processes that organizations can adapt to varying sizes and risk profiles.

The framework aims to provide a common vocabulary for audit artifacts, enable traceable evidence collection, and support risk-based prioritization. Its building blocks include an audit registry to coordinate audits, an evidence collection layer that aggregates logs and artifacts, a workflow engine for audit tasks, a risk scoring module, and a reporting and dashboard layer. An audit trail records all activities with cryptographic tagging to deter tampering.

AuditM emphasizes interoperability with existing standards and practices. It is designed to align with frameworks such as ISO 19011, NIST SP 800-53, and SOC 2, incorporating concepts like data lineage, tamper-evident logs, and role-based access controls. The model supports both on-premises and cloud environments and can be integrated into development and deployment pipelines to enable continuous auditing alongside traditional periodic reviews.

Operationally, AuditM differentiates continuous auditing from scheduled checks, allowing for real-time risk monitoring or planned assurance activities. Governance features specify roles, approvals, and least-privilege principles to manage who can initiate, modify, or certify audits. Privacy considerations and data minimization are central to component design.

Reception of AuditM as a concept highlights its potential to increase audit transparency and consistency, while noting that widespread adoption would require community-driven standards and careful management of implementation overhead and complexity. See also: auditing, compliance, governance, data lineage.