Press Release

 

New Book From ITGI Provides Missing Element in Information Integrity Frameworks 

Rolling Meadows, IL, USA (10 February 2005)—An organization’s information and other intangible assets account for more than 80 percent of its market value, according to the Brookings Institute. As a result, impairments to the integrity of information can be devastating to a company and its senior executives, who are held increasingly accountable for their organization’s financial information.

To minimize the risk of information errors, fraud or abuse, the IT Governance Institute (ITGI) recently released Managing Enterprise Information Integrity: Security, Control and Audit Issues, which is based on input from more than 35 international experts and guides management in identifying risk areas and applying controls.

“Managing Enterprise Information Integrity introduces an element that was missing in existing information integrity frameworks,” said author J.E. Boritz, University of Waterloo, Canada. “Today’s control and assurance efforts are limited because they have traditionally focused on financial information and have addressed only a small subset of issues affecting information integrity. Efforts must expand beyond financial information to other decision-related information, and a more complete set of issues must be addressed.”

In addition to a comprehensive information integrity framework, the book offers these practical recommendations:

  • Establish a comprehensive definition of information integrity, which the author defines as information that is complete, current/timely, accurate/correct and valid/authorized.
  • Understand the nature of information value and quality.
  • Perform a cost-benefit analysis of the information integrity program.
  • Tailor the integrity initiative to the corporation’s culture.
  • Pay attention to ongoing maintenance.
  • Set policies and procedures that help prevent and detect integrity impairments.
  • Ensure that information is transferred in a complete, timely and accurate manner.

“This discussion of information integrity is intriguing—and especially meaningful in today’s business environment,” said Marios Damianides, international president of ITGI.  “We live in an age that is almost entirely dependent on technology and information, while the governance of our IT and information is under increasing scrutiny.  None of us can afford to take the integrity of our information lightly.”

Managing Enterprise Information Integrity is available in print or electronic form for US $55 at www.isaca.org/bookstore.

About the IT Governance Institute

The IT Governance Institute® (ITGI) (www.itgi.org) was established in 1998 to advance international thinking and standards in directing and controlling an enterprise’s information technology. Effective IT governance helps ensure that IT supports business goals, optimizes business investment in IT, and appropriately manages IT-related risks and opportunities. ITGI offers COBIT®, symposia, original research and case studies to assist enterprise leaders and boards of directors in their IT governance responsibilities. 

Contact:

Deborah Vohasek, +1.847.590.7466, dvohasek@itgi.org
Kristen Bertholomey, +1.847.590.7455, kbertholomey@itgi.org

IT Governance Institute
3701 Algonquin Road, Suite 1010
Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008  USA