ISACA Podcast

The Future of IT Audit: Key Changes in ITAF 5

Technology is transforming how organizations operate — and IT audit and assurance must evolve alongside it. In this episode, Paul Phillips sits down with Mary Carmichael, contributor to the newly updated IT Audit and Assurance Framework (ITAF 5), to discuss how audit professionals can adapt to today’s increasingly complex digital enterprise.

 

Together, they explore the major shifts shaping modern audit, including AI governance, digital ecosystems, automation, evolving risk landscapes, cloud environments, and the growing need for stronger data literacy within audit teams. Mary also shares practical guidance on how organizations can begin modernizing their audit approach without overhauling everything overnight.

 

Key discussion topics include:

• The evolution from traditional control testing to outcome-based assurance
• Why audit teams need stronger technology and data capabilities
• AI governance, automation, and digital risk considerations
• Building practical audit modernization strategies
• How ITAF 5 supports governance, credibility, and audit relevance in modern enterprises

 

Whether you're an auditor, governance professional, cybersecurity leader, or risk practitioner, this conversation provides valuable insight into the future of audit and assurance in a technology-driven world.

 

Related Resources & Stay Connected

Download ITAF 5: https://www.isaca.org/resources/itaf-is-a-framework

 

Explore More ISACA Podcast Episodes: Dive deeper into cybersecurity, governance, risk, and emerging tech insights. https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library

 

▶️Subscribe to ISACA on YouTube: Stay ahead with expert interviews, industry analysis, and cybersecurity leadership insights. https://www.youtube.com/@IsacaHq

 

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of IT audit, governance, risk, and cybersecurity.

 

#ITAudit #ITAF5 #AuditAndAssurance #Cybersecurity #Governance #RiskManagement #AI #ISACA #DigitalTransformation #InternalAudit

​​Breaking the Compliance Mentality​

In today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape, strong leadership is the foundation of an effective security posture. Yet many agencies struggle when a “compliance mentality” takes hold, where meeting minimum requirements overshadows proactive risk management.

In this ISACA Podcast episode, Lisa Cook, ISACA's Principal Research Analyst, sits down with Patrick Bevill, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explore how agency leaders can establish a strong tone at the top and foster a culture that prioritizes security resilience over check-the-box compliance.​

Related Resources & Stay Connected

Learn more about Williams Adley: Discover how Williams Adley helps organizations navigate audit, assurance, cybersecurity, risk, and advisory services with a focus on integrity and innovation. https://www.williamsadley.com/

Explore More ISACA Podcast Episodes: Dive deeper into cybersecurity, governance, risk, and emerging tech insights. https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library 

Subscribe to ISACA on YouTube: Stay ahead with expert interviews, industry analysis, and cybersecurity leadership insights. https://www.youtube.com/@IsacaHq 

 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of IT and cybersecurity.

Audit-Ready by Design: How AI Powers Smarter Identity Security

Compliance does not have to be a stressful, last-minute scramble. In this episode, we explore how AI-driven control and automation transforms identity security from a costly headache into an audit-ready powerhouse. We break down the steps to simplify your regulatory processes, reduce operational costs, and enhance security by effectively managing human and non-human identities.

You will learn why gaining centralized visibility is your crucial first step, how to instantly spot and remediate risky orphan accounts, and the secret to running seamless, automated access certifications. Join our identity security experts as they share practical strategies to strengthen your defenses without draining your IT resources. Expect actionable tips that will help you build a sustainable, AI-powered compliance process tailored to your organization.

Related Resources & Stay Connected

• Learn more about SailPoint:
  Explore how SailPoint is helping organizations modernize identity security, strengthen governance, and simplify compliance in an AI-driven world.
  https://www.sailpoint.com/
• Explore More ISACA Podcast Episodes:
  Dive deeper into cybersecurity, governance, risk, and emerging tech insights.
  https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library
• Subscribe to ISACA on YouTube:
  Stay ahead with expert interviews, industry analysis, and cybersecurity leadership insights.
  https://www.youtube.com/@IsacaHq

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of IT and cybersecurity.

SheLeadsTech Fireside Chat: Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity

Women in cybersecurity leaders share their stories and career advice in this SheLeadsTech fireside chat celebrating International Women’s Day.

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, ISACA’s SheLeadsTech initiative brings together three inspiring leaders in cybersecurity for a special fireside conversation.

Join Debbie Lew and Jo Stewart-Rattray, both ISACA Hall of Fame inductees and recipients of the Eugene Frank Founders Award, as they sit down with Gail Coury, who will be inducted into the ISACA Hall of Fame in 2026.

In this warm and engaging discussion, they reflect on their journeys into cybersecurity, the evolving role of women in technology, and the power of mentorship, leadership, and community in shaping the future of the profession.

In this episode, they discuss:
• Their personal paths into cybersecurity and IT
• How opportunities for women in tech have evolved over time
• Lessons learned from leadership and service within the ISACA community
• Advice for the next generation of women entering the field

The conversation wraps up with a fun rapid-fire round that offers a glimpse into the personalities behind these accomplished careers.

Whether you're an experienced professional or just beginning your journey in technology, this fireside chat offers inspiration, insight, and encouragement from women helping shape the future of cybersecurity.

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🔗 Learn more about ISACA’s SheLeadsTech initiative:
https://www.isaca.org/membership/sheleadstech

🎧 Explore more ISACA Podcasts:
https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library

📺 Subscribe to ISACA on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@IsacaHq

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#WomenInCybersecurity
#SheLeadsTech
#WomenInTech

Humans Are IT Security’s Weakest Link

On this episode of the ISACA Podcast, host Chris McGowan is joined by Amit Patel, Senior Vice President at Consulting Solutions, to explore one of the most underestimated threats in cybersecurity: the human element. From accidental errors to insider breaches, they discuss why employee behavior is at the heart of most security incidents—and what organizations can do about it.

 

Amit shares insights on how ongoing training, strong policies, and AI-powered tools like behavior analytics can help bridge the gap between tech and human responsibility. Whether you're a cybersecurity leader or simply navigating today’s digital landscape, this episode offers practical strategies to strengthen your organization’s human-centric security posture.

📚 Related Resources & Stay Connected

📖 Read the full article:
Humans Are IT Security’s Weakest Link
https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/industry-news/2024/humans-are-it-securitys-weakest-link

🎙 Explore More ISACA Podcast Episodes:
Dive deeper into cybersecurity, governance, risk, and emerging tech insights.
https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library

▶️ Subscribe to ISACA on YouTube:
Stay ahead with expert interviews, industry analysis, and cybersecurity leadership insights.
https://www.youtube.com/@IsacaHq

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of IT and cybersecurity.

Secure Your Privacy: A security and privacy podcast: real conversations, real consequences, real solutions?

You’re listening to Secure Your Privates™ brought to you by ISACA Podcasts - where security meets privacy, risk meets reality, and governance finally makes sense. We’re here to cut through the noise and get real about what’s actually happening in cyber. The no-BS podcast on security and privacy. We talk about what’s broken, what’s working, and what nobody’s telling you in between.

Securing Data in the Age of AI with DSPM: Lessons from a High-Impact ISACA Webinar

In this ISACA Podcast episode, host Safia Kazi, Principal Research Analyst – Privacy, is joined by Dirk Schrader, VP of Security Research at Netwrix, to discuss how generative AI is revealing long-standing gaps in enterprise data security and governance.

This episode builds on insights from a recent ISACA webinar that explored how generative AI is exposing weaknesses in enterprise data security and governance. The discussion examines why many organizations lack visibility into where sensitive data resides and who can access it, particularly across hybrid and cloud environments. The conversation also addresses emerging risks introduced by AI tools, including non-human access and overexposed data. Listeners will gain practical, governance-focused guidance on how DSPM helps organizations assess risk, support compliance, and prepare data responsibly for AI initiatives.

Related Resources:

• Watch the ISACA Webinar from the ISACA Virtual Summit 2025: “Securing Data in the Age of AI with DSPM”
  https://www.isaca.org/training-and-events/online-training/virtual-summits/ai-governance-strategies

• Learn more from Netwrix:
  https://netwrix.com/en/resources/

• Explore more ISACA Podcasts:
  https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library

• ISACA on YouTube:
  https://www.youtube.com/@IsacaHq

Elevate Your Career with Lauren Hasson

Lauren Hasson is the Founder of DevelopHer, an award-winning career development platform. In this podcast, she'll share a bit about her background and give a sneak peek at her upcoming CPE-eligible event. 

Cyberrisk Quantification: Strengthening Financial Resilience

In this episode, ISACA's Lisa Cook engages with Yakir Golan, Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of Kovrr, to explore the critical role of Cyberrisk Quantification (CRQ) in enhancing organizational financial resilience. They discuss how CRQ solutions provide objective assessments of an organization's cybersecurity posture, enabling leaders to make informed decisions that align risk mitigation strategies with business objectives. The conversation also highlights the importance of translating cyberrisk exposure into monetary terms to facilitate high-level discussions and protect shareholder confidence.

Listen & Subscribe Catch this episode—and more—on the ISACA Podcast Library: https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-podcast-library

or on your favorite podcast platform.

Securing Desktops and Data from Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware remains one of the most formidable cybersecurity threats facing organizations worldwide.

In this episode of the ISACA Podcast, host Chris McGowan speaks with Netwrix endpoint protection expert Jeremy Moskowitz, who explains how ransomware infiltrates and cripples desktop environments. He explains cybercriminals' tactics to exploit social engineering and system misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access, offering actionable insights on the most effective prevention and mitigation strategies.

Additionally, Jeremy delivers practical advice that security teams can use to resist ransomware. He shares tips on safeguarding locally stored data, implementing robust backup solutions, enforcing strict access controls and system patching, and educating staff on common red flags associated with ransomware.

 Listen & Subscribe to ISACA Podcast 

Catch this episode—and more—on the ISACA Podcast Library
or on your favorite podcast platform.

 Connect & Learn More about Netwrix

• Netwrix Data Loss Prevention Solution: Learn more
• Follow Netwrix on LinkedIn: Netwrix Corporation: Posts | LinkedIn
• Additional Resources Provided by Netwrix:
  • CISA’s Ransomware Guidance
  • SANS Institute White Papers on Ransomware
  • NIST SP 800-61 Rev. 2 – Incident Handling Guide
  • Krebs on Security – Ransomware Articles