Data breaches can carry significant financial and operational consequences. In 2025, the average cost of a data breach was $4.4 million, according to IBM.
An information technology (IT) auditor can help organizations identify vulnerabilities before system weaknesses escalate into full-scale crises. According to ISACA, a digital security professional association, the cost of conducting an audit can be as little as 5% of the cost of recovering from an attack, making IT auditing a cost-effective risk management strategy.
Individuals interested in this challenging, in-demand career path can begin by building foundational skills through a technology degree program, gaining real-world experience, and pursuing professional certifications to demonstrate their expertise.
What Does an IT Auditor Do?
IT auditors generally fall into one of two categories: internal or external. Internal IT auditors work directly for the organizations they serve and typically focus on continuous improvement of systems and controls. Consulting firms often employ external IT auditors to provide an independent assessment. Public companies with regulatory reporting requirements often hire external IT auditors to review their control environment. Both roles carry significant responsibility, including evaluating systems, documenting findings, flagging risks, and recommending corrective actions.
Core responsibilities of an IT auditor typically include:
- Ensuring that systems run accurately and efficiently: IT auditors review technology infrastructure to ensure that systems operate as intended. They test controls, examine data flows, and verify that the information driving business decisions is reliable.
- Keeping security protocols current: IT auditors evaluate whether existing systems meet current security standards and identify outdated protocols that could expose the organization to new threats.
- Reporting issues and recommending solutions: IT auditors communicate findings and recommend solutions, translating technical issues into clear, actionable guidance for nontechnical stakeholders.
- Evaluating newly developed systems: IT auditors ensure that new or updated systems meet company standards and comply with relevant regulations before deployment, identifying and addressing risks throughout the process.
Why Is IT Auditing Important?
Nearly 75% of respondents in an Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) survey identified cybersecurity as a high-risk area over the next 12 months, while 54% said advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, including generative AI, present substantial risks within the next two to three years. As the threat landscape expands, so does the need for IT auditors, who help organizations identify vulnerabilities, evaluate compliance, and build remediation plans.
Proactive IT audits help organizations catch problems early and can:
- Reduce risk: IT audits assess how well controls reduce exposure by identifying gaps in security protocols, access management, and operational procedures. The findings give leadership a clearer view of potential vulnerabilities.
- Improve efficiency: IT auditors identify inefficiencies in systems and processes. For example, hardware audits can reveal underused or poorly maintained assets, helping reduce downtime and avoid wasteful spending.
- Meet regulations: IT audits help ensure that systems and processes align with relevant laws and standards. This is especially important in regulated industries such as healthcare and e-commerce.
How to Become an IT Auditor
The IT auditing field spans multiple industries, offering several entry points for candidates with different backgrounds. However, most professionals follow a path that includes formal education, relevant experience, skill development, and certification.
Obtain an Education
Most IT auditors hold a bachelor’s degree in a field that provides technical and analytical grounding, such as information systems management, computer science, accounting, and finance. Some professionals pursue graduate study in information security or business administration as they advance in their careers.
Gain Experience
Many IT auditors begin in adjacent roles, such as IT support or systems analysis, before transitioning into audit positions. Entry-level roles in internal audit departments provide hands-on experience with control frameworks and compliance processes, laying the groundwork for more advanced roles.
Develop Skills
Through education and experience, IT auditors develop technical skills in information systems, data analysis, risk assessment, and control frameworks, along with strong attention to detail. Communication skills are also essential for presenting findings and writing clear reports for management teams.
Pursue Certification
Certification is frequently required for advancement to more senior roles. Common credentials include the certified internal auditor (CIA), certified information systems auditor (CISA), and certified information systems security professional (CISSP). These certifications typically require passing an exam and meeting specific education and professional experience requirements.
IT Auditor Salary and Job Outlook
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for an IT auditor is about $85,000 as of March 2026. Salaries can vary based on role, industry, education, and experience.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which reports average job growth for various careers, doesn’t track IT auditors as a separate occupation. However, related roles, such as information security analysts, are projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average across all occupations.
Start Your Journey to Becoming an IT Auditor
As AI adoption accelerates and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the role of IT auditor offers an opportunity to join a growing field. Professionals in this field need strong risk assessment, information systems, and cybersecurity skills.
The technology degree programs from Mid-America Christian University, including an Associate of Science (AS) in Network Management and Security and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity, help students build the skills they need for IT auditing and related roles. The two programs are structured to build on one another, allowing students to enter the workforce at the associate level while continuing toward a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, both are available in online and on-campus formats, offering flexibility for different schedules and learning preferences.
Learn more about how MACU’s programs can support your career goals in IT auditing and digital security.
Recommended Readings
Are Tech Jobs Still in Demand?
Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science: Comparing Educational Paths and Career Outcomes
Sources:
IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025
Indeed, “What Is an IT Auditor? (With Duties, Skills and Salary)”
InvGate, What Is an IT Audit? Process, Best Practices, and Checklist
ISACA, “Managing Data Privacy and Information Security With IT Audits”
ISACA, “The Importance of Independent IT Audit”
ISACA, What Is the CISA Difference?
ISC2, CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Payscale, Average Information Technology (IT) Auditor Salary
TechTarget, “IT Audit (Information Technology Audit)”
The Institute of Internal Auditors, Become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts