Disaster Recovery Journal Fall 2025

The Hidden Gap: How Internal Audit Uncovers Weaknesses in Risk Management and Disaster Preparedness By NADA AL-SHAHRI I n a world where risks are increas ing and crises are becoming more complex, organizations are making significant efforts to build disaster preparedness plans and strengthen risk management. However, these plans often look solid on paper, but when put to the test, a painful reality is revealed – a hidden gap between what is written and what is actually practiced. This gap is not always visible, yet it can be the very reason why organizations fail to respond effectively in times of crisis. Internal audit plays a critical role

in identifying this gap. It goes beyond reviewing documents and policies, diving deeper to evaluate the actual effectiveness of execution and the true level of readiness – not just theoretical preparedness. In this article, I’ll explore how internal audit con tributes to uncovering vulnerabilities and guiding organizations toward corrective Many organizations believe they are well-prepared for disasters simply because they have documented plans in place. These plans are often reviewed annually, signed off by leadership, and stored neatly in internal systems. However, when a real crisis hits – whether it’s a flood, cyberat tack, or public health emergency – the actual response often reveals major flaws. The issue lies not in the absence of plan ning, but in the overconfidence it creates. This illusion of readiness is fueled action before disaster strikes. The Illusion of Readiness

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