Which audit assesses the software development life cycle?

The assessment of the software development life cycle is specifically addressed through an SDLC Audit. This type of audit focuses on the processes and practices involved in the development of software systems, ensuring that they adhere to established standards and guidelines throughout each phase, from planning and design to implementation and maintenance. The audit aims to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the software development process, identify potential risks, and ensure proper documentation and controls are in place.

An SDLC Audit often includes examining requirements gathering, design specifications, coding practices, testing methodologies, and post-deployment procedures. It helps ensure that the software is developed in a way that meets the organization’s needs while also being compliant with any legal, regulatory, and industry standards that may pertain to software development.

In contrast, the other types of audits focus on different aspects. A User Permissions Audit looks at user access and permissions related to systems and data. A Data Integrity Audit assesses the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle, while a Compliance Audit evaluates adherence to laws, regulations, and policies across an organization. Thus, these audits do not specifically address the intricacies of the software development life cycle as an SDLC Audit does.