Expert Product Reviews - Cybersecurity

We are pleased to share a comprehensive review of "IT Audit Field Manual", published by Packt, and written by the reviewer Abbas Kudrati. This review offers an in-depth exploration of the book's key themes and insights, providing readers with a thorough understanding of its value.Please find the review below:Lewis Heuermann’s "IT Audit Field Manual" is an impressive guide for anyone involved in IT auditing, especially if you’re working in cybersecurity. It’s clear that Heuermann knows the field well, and he’s made it easy for both beginners and seasoned pros to gain real, applicable knowledge from this book. Let me break down why I think this book is a gem and who might get the most out of it. What Makes This Book Stand OutOne of the best things about "IT Audit Field Manual" is its no-nonsense approach. Heuermann explains complex audit concepts in a way that’s clear and practical without getting too bogged down in technical jargon. He dives into essential topics—like frameworks (COBIT, NIST, etc.) and how they play out in real-world scenarios—showing how IT audits can really boost an organization’s cybersecurity. Unlike some other audit books that feel like just checklists, these treats IT auditing as a strategic, impactful function.The case studies are especially valuable. For example, Heuermann walks you through how a financial institution avoided a potential data breach because of an IT audit. These examples aren’t just theoretical; they show the real impact of good auditing practices. For anyone new to IT auditing, these scenarios make the concepts relatable and easy to understand.Who Should Read This?Whether you’re just starting out as an IT auditor, a system administrator, or even a more experienced IT manager, there’s something here for everyone. Newcomers will appreciate the clear breakdown of audit planning, risk assessment, and resource management, all written with beginners in mind. But for those who’ve been around the block, there’s still a lot to gain—especially in areas like continuous auditing and real-time monitoring, which are becoming essential in today’s fast-paced cyber landscape.Industries with heavy regulatory needs—like finance and healthcare—would find this book particularly useful. The chapters on compliance with laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS give specific, actionable advice, so this book is practical if you’re in a field where compliance is critical.How This Compares to Other IT Audit BooksWhat really sets "IT Audit Field Manual" apart is its forward-thinking approach. It’s not just about making sure your organization’s systems meet today’s requirements. Heuermann encourages readers to view IT audits as strategic tools that can strengthen cybersecurity and align with big-picture goals. This angle is missing in a lot of similar books, which often focus only on the technical details.Another plus is the book’s coverage of modern audit challenges, like cloud security, endpoint auditing, and even AI. Heuermann’s tips on how to audit platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure make this book especially relevant as cloud adoption continues to grow.A Bit of Personal PerspectiveIn my own work, I’ve seen the importance of IT audits that go beyond just checking boxes. The best audits are the ones that reveal risks impacting not just cybersecurity but also business resilience. I really connected with Heuermann’s focus on continuous monitoring—it reflects the shift in cybersecurity from occasional assessments to more ongoing vigilance, which is crucial in our threat-filled world.Final Thoughts"IT Audit Field Manual" is more than a technical guide—it’s a blueprint for auditors who want to make a meaningful difference in their organizations. It’s packed with practical tips, forward-thinking insights, and strategies that make IT auditing not only relevant but essential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, this book has everything you need to make your audits impactful in today’s digital world.Reviewer BioAbbas Kudrati, a long-time cybersecurity practitioner and CISO, is Microsoft Asia’s Chief Cybersecurity Advisor. In addition to his work at Microsoft, he serves as an executive advisor to Deakin University, HITRUST, EC Council, and several security and technology start-ups. He supports the broader security community through his work with ISACA Chapters and student mentorship. He is the Technical Editor of various books and the bestselling author of books such as, "Threat Hunting in the Cloud" and "Zero Trust and Journey Across the Digital Estate". He is also a part-time Professor of Practice with LaTrobe University and a keynote speaker on Zero-Trust, Cybersecurity, Cloud Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance.