COBIT or Control Objectives for Information and Technology, is a globally recognized information technology governance framework. It provides standards, processes, and control objectives to align information technology with business objectives. Essential for IT professionals such as CIOs, CISOs, etc. COBIT promotes transparent, efficient and secure management of IT systems. Learn how to implement this framework and benefit from it within a business.
IT governance covers all management strategies that allow companies to control their IT systems. It therefore brings together the processes, procedures, organization, security, and everything relating to the information system. COBIT (Control objectives for information and technology) is a popular framework that assists organizations in achieving a number of business objectives. It specifies the applications and processes that should be used in an organization for optimal corporate governance. Its goal is to create perfect alignment between business sectors and IT so that communication within the company is not impaired.
The COBIT standard was developed in 1994. It was then published in 1996 by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and became an essential certification for IT business process managers.
COBIT aims to equip IT managers with a model that allows them to create value for businesses. The framework allows them to implement best practices for managing risks associated with IT processes in the digital age. It is therefore a complete management tool which is used to organize the management of the organization and all the functions of the IT department for the improvement of performance. COBIT is also used as part of audits of company information systems.
The five principles of the COBIT framework are as follows:
COBIT is used globally by all IT business process managers. It was developed by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) to help businesses manage and govern their information and technology environments effectively. COBIT is used to increase the value gained from IT, enable compliance with legislation and regulations, and to provide a framework for IT governance that aligns with business objectives.
The COBIT framework evolves over time to adapt to innovations and changes that companies face during their lifetime. It is updated regularly and has several versions:
To implement COBIT, there is not necessarily a universal way to proceed. The essential thing for each organization is to find a balance between its objectives, its priorities and its organizational constraints on which the change must be applied.
The first thing a CIO or CISO needs to do is identify the specific needs of the organization in terms of information technology governance and management. You must clearly define the business objectives you want to achieve using COBIT. Then, for the smooth running of the implementation, set up a team dedicated to the implementation of COBIT.
The deployment method and tools used depend on your business. In reality, it is necessary for organizations to adopt and adapt COBIT 5 or COBIT 2019 to their specific needs and context. The ISACA publication is not the only way to get it right, and you do not need to follow it to the letter. These are just guidelines which allow us to understand how to proceed to improve the quality of IT systems management. The choice of processes and tools is up to you.
The benefits of implementing COBIT for an organization or IT professional are plentiful, starting with business process improvement. Due to the emerging challenges of automation of functions, dematerialization and digital transformation, business processes are becoming more and more dependent on IT or IS. Implementing good governance of information systems makes it possible to effectively optimize all workflows. The company therefore increases its productivity and achieves greater efficiency at all levels.
COBIT certification helps organizations, regardless of their size, use IS effectively to achieve their business objectives. IT can help promote operational excellence if it is subject to good governance. Additionally, COBIT makes it easier to get a return on investment when it comes to IT spending within a business. Being COBIT Certified also allows you to comply with laws, regulations and contractual agreements.
Implementing the COBIT framework can face you with several challenges. Among the difficulties that the manager encounters, we can mention:
Resistance to change can be particularly significant if existing processes need to be significantly modified by the COBIT framework. To overcome these obstacles, effective communication must be put in place by the IT administrator. The aim is to actively involve stakeholders at all levels and adapt the COBIT implementation step by step. Adjusting processes based on feedback can also contribute to successful adoption of COBIT within the organization.
Integrating COBIT into your IT strategy allows you to optimize the governance and management of information technologies. This framework makes it possible to comply with regulations, benefit from increased security and better risk management. IT professionals will find COBIT an essential guide to aligning operations with business objectives, ensuring long-term business success in an ever-changing technology landscape.