COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is a framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT (Information Technology). It was first developed by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in 1996, and has since been updated several times to reflect changes in the technology landscape and business needs.
The COBIT framework provides a comprehensive set of guidelines, principles, and best practices for IT governance, risk management, and compliance. It is designed to help organizations align their IT strategies with their business goals, and ensure that their IT systems and processes are efficient, effective, and secure. The framework is organized around five key domains:
- Governance and management: This domain focuses on the overall governance and management of IT, including strategic planning, risk management, and performance management.
- Information architecture: This domain covers the design, development, and maintenance of information systems and databases, as well as the management of information quality and security.
- IT processes: This domain covers the management of IT processes, including the planning, design, delivery, and support of IT services.
- IT organization and people: This domain covers the management of IT personnel and the organizational structure of the IT function, including the recruitment, training, and retention of IT staff.
- IT infrastructure: This domain covers the management of IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and data centers.
COBIT is widely used by organizations of all sizes and in various industries, and is often used in conjunction with other frameworks and standards, such as ITIL, ISO 27001, and NIST.