What should an IS auditor do if they find that a database administrator has read and write access to production data?

When an IS auditor discovers that a database administrator (DBA) has read and write access to production data, the appropriate action is to assess the controls relevant to the DBA function. This is essential for several reasons.

First, the DBA has a critical role in managing database environments, which often includes not just maintenance but also data integrity. While it is common for DBAs to have such access due to their responsibilities, this access must be scrutinized to ensure that there are adequate controls in place to prevent misuse or accidental changes that could lead to data integrity issues or security breaches.

Assessing the controls involves evaluating the policies, procedures, and technical measures that govern access and operation within the database. This evaluation helps to determine whether the DBA's access is appropriately managed and monitored and that there are compensating controls in place that mitigate any risks associated with that access.

The outcome of this assessment could lead to recommendations for improvement, such as implementing logging and monitoring mechanisms, introducing separation of duties where appropriate, or enhancing the overall governance of data access. This approach helps to maintain a balance between operational effectiveness and security, ensuring that while the DBA can perform their duties, standard security protocols are followed to protect the organization’s data.

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