We all know security is the hottest network topic these days, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that the role of the IT auditor has risen dramatically, as well. This week's Management Strategies article in Network World examines the ascension of the IT auditor, as well as new legislation that is making the job more prominent.

Given the catastrophic implosions of Enron, WorldCom and others in 2002, enterprises are paying close attention to IT auditors, folks who monitor a company's IT systems and employees for security breaches, unethical practices and other signs of trouble. Stealing trade secrets? Sharing company financials with competitors? These are the people who will find you out.

Today, IT auditors are a lot more than bean counters or Big Brothers. Because of last year's accounting scandals, these professionals have become relied-upon advisors to boards of directors. No longer just hanging out in the back of the IT department checking logs and running reports, the advisors have become an important part of management.

One reason for their rising star is The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which became law last year after the likes of WorldCom and Enron. Now being turned into a Securities and Exchange Commission regulation, the new law affects myriad financial accounting practices and requires that managers vouch for the "internal controls" the company places over areas that include transactions, electronic information and communications. An IT auditor, therefore, is an important part of this internal control.

And just like other IT professionals who are keen on chances for advancement, IT auditors are being encouraged to understand the business aspects of their enterprises, not just the technical ones. Like many technical people, the auditors can easily talk over the heads of those with solely a business background. As it's good advice for anyone, IT auditors are being encouraged to communicate in a language non-technical people can understand. And part of doing that successfully is understanding the business for which they work. A better handle on what the company does and how it does it allows the auditor, or any IT person for that matter, to better root out problems.

Simply put, IT auditing is hot. Learn about the profession by reading this week's Management Strategies article in its entirety http://www.nwfusion.com/careers/2003/0113man.html