An organization is considering outsourcing its IT services, and the internal auditor as assessing the...

When an organization outsources IT services, risks can be categorized as:

Risks specific to the organization – Risks that arise internally within the company.

Risks specific to the service provider – Risks that are under the control of the third-party provider.

Shared risks – Risks that require joint management by both the organization and the service provider.

Let’s analyze the answer choices:

Option A: Unexpected increases in outsourcing costs.

Incorrect. While cost increases can be a risk, they are often a shared risk because the organization and the provider negotiate pricing terms.

Option B: Loss of data privacy.

Incorrect. Data privacy concerns are shared between the organization (which must ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA) and the service provider (which must implement proper security controls).

Option C: Inadequate staffing.

Correct. The service provider is responsible for maintaining adequate staffing levels to deliver the contracted services effectively. If they fail to do so, service quality can deteriorate, posing risks to the organization.

IIA Reference: Internal auditors should assess vendor risk management, including the provider’s staffing capabilities. (IIA GTAG: Auditing IT Outsourcing)

Option D: Violation of contractual terms.

Incorrect. While the service provider may be responsible for upholding contract terms, the organization is also responsible for contract enforcement. This makes it a shared risk rather than one specific to the provider.