Field notes

Writing from the audit room

Short pieces on evidence habits, interview timing, and the decisions that show up again and again when organisations commission an audit of applications.

11 May 2026

What belongs in an application inventory before auditors arrive

How to build an application inventory that survives an audit of applications — owners, environments, and the fields that actually get tested.

2 April 2026

Sampling privileged access without drowning in exports

Practical notes on privileged access sampling during an audit of applications — window selection, HR matching, and emergency accounts.

17 February 2026

Timing evidence requests around Japanese fiscal calendars

Why application audit evidence requests should respect fiscal closes, Golden Week, and change freezes when planning an audit of applications in Japan.

8 January 2026

When a restore log is not a restore test

Distinguishing backup success messages from restore evidence in an audit of applications — what auditors look for and how to prepare.