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Isaca CISA Sample Questions
Question # 1
The PRIMARY reason for an IS auditor to use data analytics techniques is to reduce which
type of audit risk?
A. Technology risk B. Detection risk C. Control risk D. Inherent risk
Answer: B Explanation:
The primary reason for an IS auditor to use data analytics techniques is to reduce detection
risk. Detection risk is the risk that an IS auditor will fail to detect material errors or
irregularities in the information systems environment. By using data analytics techniques,
such as data extraction, analysis, visualization, and reporting, an IS auditor can enhance
the audit scope, coverage, efficiency, and effectiveness. Data analytics techniques can
help an IS auditor to identify anomalies, patterns, trends, correlations, and outliers in large
volumes of data that may indicate potential issues or risks. Technology risk, control risk,
and inherent risk are types of audit risk that are not directly affected by the use of data
analytics techniques by an IS auditor. References: [ISACA Journal Article: Data Analytics
for Auditors]
Question # 2
A month after a company purchased and implemented system and performance monitoring
software, reports were too large and therefore were not reviewed or acted upon The MOST
effective plan of action would be to:
A. evaluate replacement systems and performance monitoring software. B. restrict functionality of system monitoring software to security-related events. C. re-install the system and performance monitoring software. D. use analytical tools to produce exception reports from the system and performance monitoring software
Answer: D Explanation:
Using analytical tools to produce exception reports from the system and performance
monitoring software is the most effective plan of action for a company that purchased and
implemented system and performance monitoring software. Exception reports are reports
that highlight deviations or anomalies from predefined thresholds or standards. Using
analytical tools to produce exception reports can help to reduce the size and complexity of
the system and performance monitoring reports, as well as to focus on the most relevant
and critical information for review and action. The other options are less effective plans of
action, as they may involve unnecessary costs, risks, or efforts. References:
CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 219
Question # 3
When planning an audit to assess application controls of a cloud-based system, it is MOST
important tor the IS auditor to understand the.
A. architecture and cloud environment of the system. B. business process supported by the system. C. policies and procedures of the business area being audited. D. availability reports associated with the cloud-based system.
Answer: B Explanation:
The business process supported by the system is the most important factor for an IS
auditor to understand when planning an audit to assess application controls of a cloud
based system. An IS auditor should have a clear understanding of the business objectives,
requirements, and risks of the process, as well as the expected outputs and outcomes of
the system. This will help the IS auditor to determine the scope, objectives, and criteria of
the audit, as well as to identify and evaluate the key application controls that ensure the
effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of the process. The other options are less important
factors that may provide additional information or context for the audit, but not its primary
focus. References:
CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 212
Question # 4
Which of the following findings should be of GREATEST concern for an IS auditor when
auditing the effectiveness of a phishing simu-lation test administered for staff members?
A. Staff members who failed the test did not receive follow-up education B. Test results were not communicated to staff members. C. Staff members were not notified about the test beforehand. D. Security awareness training was not provided prior to the test.
Answer: A Explanation:
The IS auditor should be most concerned about the lack of follow-up education for staff
members who failed the phishing simulation test. Phishing simulation tests are designed to
assess the level of awareness and susceptibility of staff members to phishing attacks, and
to provide feedback and training to improve their security behavior. If staff members who
failed the test do not receive follow-up education, they will not learn from their mistakes and
may continue to fall victim to real phishing attacks, which could compromise the security of
the organization. The other options are less concerning for the IS auditor: Test results were not communicated to staff members. This is not ideal, as staff
members should receive feedback on their performance and learn from the test
results. However, this does not necessarily mean that they did not receive any
training or education on how to avoid phishing attacks. Staff members were not notified about the test beforehand. This is a common
practice for phishing simulation tests, as it mimics the real-world scenario where
staff members do not know when they will receive a phishing email. The purpose
of the test is to measure their spontaneous reaction and awareness, not their
preparedness or compliance. Security awareness training was not provided prior to the test. This is not a major
concern, as the test can serve as a baseline measurement of the current level of
awareness and susceptibility of staff members, and as a starting point for providing
tailored training and education based on the test results.
Question # 5
During a follow-up audit, it was found that a complex security vulnerability of low risk was
not resolved within the agreed-upon timeframe. IT has stated that the system with the
identified vulnerability is being replaced and is expected to be fully functional in two months
Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
A. Require documentation that the finding will be addressed within the new system B. Schedule a meeting to discuss the issue with senior management C. Perform an ad hoc audit to determine if the vulnerability has been exploited D. Recommend the finding be resolved prior to implementing the new system
Answer: A Explanation:
Requiring documentation that the finding will be addressed within the new system is the
best course of action for a follow-up audit. An IS auditor should obtain evidence that the
complex security vulnerability of low risk will be resolved in the new system and that there
is a reasonable timeline for its implementation. The other options are not appropriate
courses of action, as they may be too costly, time-consuming, or impractical for a low-risk
finding. References:
CISA Review Questions, Answers& Explanations Database, Question ID 209
Question # 6
The BEST way to determine whether programmers have permission to alter data in the
production environment is by reviewing:
A. the access control system's log settings. B. how the latest system changes were implemented. C. the access control system's configuration. D. the access rights that have been granted.
Answer: D Explanation:
The best way to determine whether programmers have permission to alter data in the
production environment is by reviewing the access rights that have been granted. Access
rights are permissions or privileges that define what actions or operations a user can
perform on an information system or resource. By reviewing the access rights that have
been granted to programmers, an IS auditor can verify whether they have been authorized
to modify data in the production environment, which is where live data and applications are
stored and executed. The access control system’s log settings are parameters that define
what events or activities are recorded by the access control system, which is a system that
enforces the access rights and policies of an information system or resource. The access
control system’s log settings are not the best way to determine whether programmers have
permission to alter data in the production environment, as they do not indicate what
permissions or privileges have been granted to programmers. How the latest system
changes were implemented is a process that describes how software updates or
modifications are deployed to the production environment. How the latest system changes
were implemented is not the best way to determine whether programmers have permission
to alter data in the production environment, as it does not indicate what permissions or
privileges have been granted to programmers. The access control system’s configuration is
a set of rules or parameters that define how the access control system operates and
functions. The access control system’s configuration is not the best way to determine
whether programmers have permission to alter data in the production environment, as it
does not indicate what permissions or privileges have been granted to programmers.
Question # 7
An IS auditor should ensure that an application's audit trail:
A. has adequate security. B. logs ail database records. C. Is accessible online D. does not impact operational efficiency
Answer: A Explanation:
An application’s audit trail is a record of all actions or events that occur within or affect an
application, such as user activities, system operations, data changes, errors, exceptions,
etc. An audit trail can provide evidence and accountability for an application’s functionality
and performance, and support auditing, monitoring, troubleshooting, and investigation
purposes. An IS auditor should ensure that an application’s audit trail has adequate
security, which means that it is protected from unauthorized access, modification, deletion,
or disclosure. Adequate security can help ensure that an audit trail maintains its integrity,
reliability, and availability, and prevents tampering or manipulation by attackers or insiders
who want to hide their tracks or evidence of their actions. Logs all database records is a
possible feature of an application’s audit trail, but it is not the most important thing for an IS
auditor to ensure, as logging all database records may not be necessary or feasible for
some applications, and may generate excessive or irrelevant data that can affect the
storage or analysis of the audit trail. Is accessible online is a possible feature of an
application’s audit trail, but it is not the most important thing for an IS auditor to ensure, as
online accessibility may not be required or desirable for some applications, and may
introduce security or privacy risks for the audit trail. Does not impact operational efficiency
is a desirable outcome of an application’s audit trail, but it is not the most important thing
for an IS auditor to ensure, as operational efficiency may not be the primary objective or
concern of an application’s audit trail, and may depend on other factors or trade-offs such
as storage capacity, performance speed, or data quality.
Question # 8
An IS auditor finds a high-risk vulnerability in a public-facing web server used to process
online customer payments. The IS auditor should FIRST
A. document the exception in an audit report. B. review security incident reports. C. identify compensating controls. D. notify the audit committee.
Answer: C Explanation:
The first action that an IS auditor should take when finding a high-risk vulnerability in a
public-facing web server used to process online customer payments is to identify
compensating controls. Compensating controls are alternative or additional controls that
provide reasonable assurance of mitigating the risk of exploiting the vulnerability. The IS
auditor should assess the effectiveness of the compensating controls and determine
whether they reduce the risk to an acceptable level. If not, the IS auditor should
recommend remediation actions to address the vulnerability. Documenting the exception in
an audit report is an important action, but it should not be the first action, as it does not
address the urgency of the situation. Reviewing security incident reports is a useful action,
but it should not be the first action, as it does not provide assurance of preventing future
incidents. Notifying the audit committee is a necessary action, but it should not be the first
action, as it does not involve taking any corrective measures. References:
Which of the following is MOST helpful for measuring benefits realization for a new
system?
A. Function point analysis B. Balanced scorecard review C. Post-implementation review D. Business impact analysis (BIA)
Answer: C Explanation:
This is the most helpful method for measuring benefits realization for a new system,
because it involves evaluating the actual outcomes and impacts of the system after it has
been implemented and used for a certain period of time. A post-implementation review can
compare the actual benefits with the expected benefits that were defined in the business
case or the benefits realization plan, and identify any gaps, issues, or opportunities for
improvement. A post-implementation review can also assess the effectiveness, efficiency,
and satisfaction of the system’s users, stakeholders, and customers, and provide feedback
and recommendations for future enhancements or changes. The other options are not as helpful as post-implementation review for measuring benefits
realization for a new system: Function point analysis. This is a technique that measures the size and complexity
of a software system based on the number and types of functions it provides.
Function point analysiscan help estimate the cost, effort, and time required to
develop, maintain, or enhance a software system, but it does not measure the
actual benefits or value that the system delivers to the organization or its users.
Balanced scorecard review. This is a strategic management tool that measures the
performance of an organization or a business unit based on four perspectives:
financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth. A balanced
scorecard review can help align the organization’s vision, mission, and goals with
its activities and outcomes, but it does not measure the specific benefits or impacts
of a new system. Business impact analysis (BIA). This is a process that identifies and evaluates the
potential effects of a disruption or disaster on the organization’s critical business
functions and processes. A BIA can help determine the recovery priorities,
objectives, and strategies for the organization in case of an emergency, but it does
not measure the benefits or value of a new system.
Question # 10
Which of the following should an IS auditor consider FIRST when evaluating firewall rules?
A. The organization's security policy B. The number of remote nodes C. The firewalls' default settings D. The physical location of the firewalls
Answer: A Explanation:
This should be the first thing that an IS auditor considers when evaluating firewall rules,
because it defines the objectives, standards, and guidelines for securing the organization’s
network and information assets. The firewall rules should be aligned with the organization’s
security policy, and reflect the level of risk and protection required for each type of network
traffic, system, or data. The IS auditor should compare the firewall rules with the security
policy, and identify any discrepancies, gaps, or conflicts that could compromise the security
or performance of the network. The other options are not as important as the organization’s security policy when
evaluating firewall rules: The number of remote nodes. This is a factor that may affect the complexity and
scalability of the firewall rules, but it is not a primary consideration for the IS
auditor. Remote nodes are devices or systems that connect to the network from
outside locations, such as teleworkers, mobile users, or branch offices. The IS
auditor should ensure that the firewall rules provide adequate security and access
control for remote nodes, but this depends on the organization’s security policy
and business needs. The firewalls’ default settings. These are the predefined configurations that come
with the firewall devices or software, and that determine how they handle network
traffic by default. The IS auditor should review the firewalls’ default settings, and
verify that they are appropriate and secure for the organization’s network
environment. However, the firewalls’ default settings may not match the
organization’s security policy or specific requirements, and may need to be
customized or overridden by firewall rules.
The physical location of the firewalls. This is a factor that may affect the placement
and design of the firewall rules, but it is not a critical consideration for the IS
auditor. The physical location of the firewalls refers to where they are installed or
deployed in relation to the network topology, such as at the network perimeter,
between network segments, or on individual hosts. The IS auditor should ensure
that the firewall rules are consistent and coordinated across different locations, but
this depends on the organization’s security policy and network architecture.
Question # 11
The PRIMARY focus of a post-implementation review is to verify that:
A. enterprise architecture (EA) has been complied with. B. user requirements have been met. C. acceptance testing has been properly executed. D. user access controls have been adequately designed.
Answer: B Explanation:
The primary focus of a post-implementation review is to verify that user requirements have
been met. User requirements are specifications that define what users need or expect from
a system or service, such as functionality, usability, reliability, etc. User requirements are
usually gathered and documented at the beginning of a project, and used as a basis for
designing, developing, testing, and implementing a system or service. A post-implementation review is an evaluation that assesses whether a system or service meets
its objectives and delivers its expected benefits after it has been implemented. The primary
focus of a post-implementation review is to verify that user requirements have been met, as
this can indicate whether the system or service satisfies the user needs and expectations,
provides value and quality to the users, and supports the user goals and tasks. Enterprise
architecture (EA) has been complied with is a possible focus of a post-implementation
review, but it is not the primary one. EA is a framework that defines how an organization’s
business processes, information systems, and technology infrastructure are aligned and
integrated to support its vision and strategy. EA has been complied with, as this can
indicate whether the system or service fits with the organization’s current and future state,
and follows the organization’s standards and principles. Acceptance testing has been
properly executed is a possible focus of a post-implementation review, but it is not the
primary one. Acceptance testing is a process that verifies whether a system or service
meets the user requirements and expectations before it is accepted by the users or
stakeholders. Acceptance testing has been properly executed, as this can indicate whether
the system or service has been tested and validated by the users or stakeholders, and
whether any issues or defects have been identified and resolved. User access controls
have been adequately designed is a possible focus of a post-implementation review, but it
is not the primary one. User access controls are mechanisms that ensure that only
authorized users can access or use a system or service, and prevent unauthorized access
or use. User access controls have been adequately designed, as this can indicate whether
the system or service has appropriate security and privacy measures in place, and whether
any risks or threats have been mitigated.
Question # 12
The GREATEST benefit of using a polo typing approach in software development is that it
helps to:
A. minimize scope changes to the system. B. decrease the time allocated for user testing and review. C. conceptualize and clarify requirements. D. Improve efficiency of quality assurance (QA) testing
Answer: C Explanation:
The greatest benefit of using a prototyping approach in software development is that it
helps to conceptualize and clarify requirements. A prototyping approach is a method of
creating a simplified or partial version of a software product to demonstrate its features and
functionality. A prototyping approach can help to elicit, validate, and refine the requirements
of the software product, as well as to obtain feedback from the users and stakeholders. The
other options are not the greatest benefits of using a prototyping approach, but rather
possible outcomes or advantages of doing so. References:
CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 227
Question # 13
Which of the following MUST be completed as part of the annual audit planning process?
A. Business impact analysis (BIA) B. Fieldwork C. Risk assessment D. Risk control matrix
Answer: C Explanation:
Risk assessment is a mandatory part of the annual audit planning process, as it helps to
identify and prioritize the areas that pose the highest risk to the organization’s objectives
and operations. Risk assessment involves analyzing the internal and external factors that
affect the organization’s risk profile, evaluating the likelihood and impact of potential events
or scenarios, assessing the existing controls and mitigation strategies, and determining the
residual risk level. Based on the risk assessment results, the IS auditor can allocate
resources and schedule audits accordingly. A business impact analysis (BIA) is a process
that identifies and evaluates the critical business functions and processes that could be
disrupted by a disaster or incident, and estimates the potential impact on the organization’s
operations, reputation and finances. A BIA is not a mandatory part of the annual audit
planning process, but it can be used as an input for risk assessment or as a subject for
audit. Fieldwork is the phase of an audit where the IS auditor collects evidence to support
the audit objectives and conclusions. Fieldwork is not part of the annual audit planning
process, but it is part of each individual audit engagement. A risk control matrix is a tool
that maps the risks identified in a risk assessment to the controls that mitigate them. A risk
control matrix is not a mandatory part of the annual audit planning process, but it can be
used as an output of risk assessment or as a tool for audit testing. References: CISA
Review Manual (Digital Version) 1, Chapter 1: Information Systems Auditing Process,
Section 1.2: Audit Planning.
Question # 14
Which of the following is the BEST way for an organization to mitigate the risk associated
with third-party application performance?
A. Ensure the third party allocates adequate resources to meet requirements. B. Use analytics within the internal audit function C. Conduct a capacity planning exercise D. Utilize performance monitoring tools to verify service level agreements (SLAs)
Answer: D Explanation:
The best way for an organization to mitigate the risk associated with third-party application
performance is to utilize performance monitoring tools to verify service level agreements
(SLAs). Performance monitoring tools are software or hardware devices that measure and
report the performance of an application or system, such as speed, availability, reliability,
etc. Performance monitoring tools can help mitigate the risk associated with third-party
application performance, by allowing the organization to verify whether the third-party
provider is meeting the SLAs, which are contracts or agreements that define the expected
level and quality of service for an application or system. Performance monitoring tools can
also help identify and resolve any performance issues or problems that may arise from the
third-party application. Ensuring the third party allocates adequate resources to meet
requirements is a possible way to mitigate the risk associated with third-party application
performance, but it is not the best one, as it may not be feasible or effective depending on
the availability, cost, and suitability of the resources. Using analytics within the internal
audit function is a possible way to mitigate the risk associated with third-party application
performance, but it is not the best one, as it may not be timely or relevant depending on the
frequency, scope, and quality of the analytics. Conducting a capacity planning exercise is a
possible way to mitigate the risk associated with third-party application performance, but it
is not the best one, as it may not be accurate or reliable depending on the assumptions,
methods, and data used for the capacity planning.
Question # 15
An IS auditor learns the organization has experienced several server failures in its
distributed environment. Which of the following is the BEST recommendation to limit the
potential impact of server failures in the future?
A. Redundant pathways B. Clustering C. Failover power D. Parallel testing
Answer: B Explanation:
Clustering is a technique that allows multiple servers to work together as a single system,
providing high availability, load balancing, and fault tolerance. Clustering can limit the
potential impact of server failures in a distributed environment, as it can automatically
switch the workload to another server in the cluster if one server fails, without interrupting
the service. Redundant pathways, failoverpower, and parallel testing are also useful for
improving the reliability and availability of servers, but they do not directly address the issue
of server failures.
Question # 16
Which of the following is a social engineering attack method?
A. An employee is induced to reveal confidential IP addresses and passwords by answering questions over the phone. B. A hacker walks around an office building using scanning tools to search for a wireless network to gain access. C. An intruder eavesdrops and collects sensitive information flowing through the network and sells it to third parties. D. An unauthorized person attempts to gain access to secure premises by following an authorized person through a secure door.
Answer: A Explanation:
Social engineering is a technique that exploits human weaknesses, such as trust, curiosity,
or greed, to obtain information or access from a target. An employee is induced to reveal
confidential IP addresses and passwords by answering questions over the phone is an
example of a social engineering attack method, as it involves manipulating the employee
into divulging sensitive information that can be used to compromise the network or system.
A hacker walks around an office building using scanning tools to search for a wireless
network to gain access, an intruder eavesdrops and collects sensitive information flowing
through the network and sells it to third parties, and an unauthorized person attempts to
gain access to secure premises by following an authorized person through a secure door
are not examples of social engineering attack methods, as they do not involve human
interaction or deception. References: [ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition], page
361.
Question # 17
While auditing a small organization's data classification processes and procedures, an IS
auditor noticed that data is often classified at the incorrect level. What is the MOST
effective way for the organization to improve this situation?
A. Use automatic document classification based on content. B. Have IT security staff conduct targeted training for data owners. C. Publish the data classification policy on the corporate web portal. D. Conduct awareness presentations and seminars for information classification policies.
Answer: B
Explanation:
This is the most effective way for the organization to improve its data classification
processes and procedures, because data owners are the ones who are responsible for
assigning the appropriate level of classification to the data they create, collect, or manage.
Data owners should be aware of the data classification policy, the criteria for each level of
classification, and the implications of misclassification. IT security staff can provide tailored
training for data owners based on their roles, functions, and types of data they handle.
The other options are not as effective as having IT security staff conduct targeted training
for data owners: Use automatic document classification based on content. This is a possible option,
but it may not be feasible or accurate for a small organization. Automatic
document classification is a process that uses artificial intelligence or machine
learning to analyze the content of a document and assign a class label based on
predefined rules or models. However, this process may require a lot of resources,
expertise, and maintenance, and it may not capture all the nuances and context of
the data. The IS auditor should also verify the reliability and validity of the
automatic document classification system. Publish the data classification policy on the corporate web portal. This is a good
practice, but it is not enough to improve the data classification situation. Publishing
the data classification policy on the corporate web portal can increase the visibility
and accessibility of the policy, but it does not ensure that data owners will read,
understand, and follow it. The IS auditor should also monitor and enforce the
compliance with the policy. Conduct awareness presentations and seminars for information classification
policies. This is a useful measure, but it is not the most effective one. Conducting
awareness presentations and seminars can raise the general awareness and
knowledge of information classification policies among all employees, but it may
not address the specific needs and challenges of data owners. The IS auditor
should also provide more in-depth and practical training for data owners.
Question # 18
Which of the following would lead an IS auditor to conclude that the evidence collected
during a digital forensic investigation would not be admissible in court?
A. The person who collected the evidence is not qualified to represent the case. B. The logs failed to identify the person handling the evidence. C. The evidence was collected by the internal forensics team. D. The evidence was not fully backed up using a cloud-based solution prior to the trial.
Answer: B Explanation:
The evidence collected during a digital forensic investigation would not be admissible in
court if the logs failed to identify the person handling the evidence. This would violate the
chain of custody principle, which requires that the evidence be properly documented,
secured, and tracked throughout the investigation process. The chain of custody ensures
that the evidence is authentic, reliable, andtrustworthy, and that it has not been tampered
with or altered. The person who collected the evidence, whether qualified or not, is not
relevant to the admissibility of the evidence, as long as they followed the proper procedures
and protocols. The evidence collected by the internal forensics team can be admissible in
court, as long as they are independent, objective, and competent. The evidence does not
need to be fully backed up using a cloud-based solution prior to the trial, as long as it is
preserved and protected from damage or loss. References: ISACA Journal Article: Digital
Forensics: Chain of Custody
Question # 19
An IS auditor Is reviewing a recent security incident and is seeking information about me
approval of a recent modification to a database system's security settings Where would the
auditor MOST likely find this information?
A. System event correlation report B. Database log C. Change log D. Security incident and event management (SIEM) report
Answer: C Explanation:
A change log is a record of all changes made to a system or application, including the date,
time, description, and approval of each change. A change log can help an IS auditor to
trace the source and authorization of a modification to a system’s security settings. A
system event correlation report is a tool that analyzes data from multiple sources to identify
patterns and anomalies that indicate potential security incidents. A database log is a record
of all transactions and activities performed on a database, such as queries, updates, and
backups. A security incident and event management (SIEM) report is a tool that collects,
analyzes, and reports on data from various sources to detect and respond to security
incidents.
Question # 20
In an environment that automatically reports all program changes, which of the following is
the MOST efficient way to detect unauthorized changes to production programs?
A. Reviewing the last compile date of production programs B. Manually comparing code in production programs to controlled copies C. Periodically running and reviewing test data against production programs D. Verifying user management approval of modifications
Answer: A Explanation:
Reviewing the last compile date of production programs is the most efficient way to detect
unauthorized changes to production programs, as it can quickly identify any discrepancies
between the expected and actual dates of program modification. The last compile date is a
timestamp that indicates when a program was last compiled or translated from source code
to executable code. Any changes to the source code would require a recompilation, which
would update the last compile date. The IS auditor can compare the last compile date of
production programs with the authorizedchange requests and reports to verify that only
approved changes were implemented. The other options are not as efficient as option A, as
they are more time-consuming, labor-intensive or error-prone. Manually comparing code in
production programs to controlled copies is a method of verifying that the code in
production matches the code in a secure repository or library, but it requires access to both
versions of code and a tool or technique to compare them line by line. Periodically running
and reviewing test data against production programs is a method of verifying that the
programs produce the expected outputs and results, but it requires designing, executing
and evaluating test cases for each program. Verifying user management approval of
modifications is a method of verifying that the changes to production programs were
authorized and documented, but it does not ensure that the changes were implemented
correctly or accurately. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) , Chapter 4:
Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience, Section 4.3: Change
Management Practices.
Question # 21
To develop meaningful recommendations 'or findings, which of the following is MOST
important 'or an IS auditor to determine and understand?
A. Root cause B. Responsible party C. impact D. Criteria
Answer: A Explanation:
Root cause is the most important thing for an IS auditor to determine and understand to
develop meaningful recommendations for findings. A root cause is the underlying factor or
condition that leads to a problem or issue. A finding is a statement that describes a problem
or issue identified during an audit. A recommendation is a suggestion or advice that aims to
address or resolve a finding. To develop meaningful recommendations for findings, an IS
auditor should determine and understand the root cause of each finding, as this can help to
identify the most effective and appropriate actions to prevent or correct the problem or
issue. The other options are not as important as determining and understanding the root
cause, as they do not directly address or resolve the finding. References: CISA Review
Manual, 27th Edition, page 434
Question # 22
Which of the following BEST Indicates that an incident management process is effective?
A. Decreased time for incident resolution B. Increased number of incidents reviewed by IT management C. Decreased number of calls lo the help desk D. Increased number of reported critical incidents
Answer: A Explanation:
Decreased time for incident resolution is the best indicator that an incident management
process is effective. Incident management is a process that aims to restore normal service
operation as quickly as possible after an incident, which is an unplanned interruption or
reduction in quality of an IT service. Decreased time for incident resolution means that the
incident management process is able to identify, analyze, respond to, and resolve incidents
efficiently and effectively. The other indicatorsdo not necessarily reflect the effectiveness of
the incident management process, as they may depend on other factors such as the
nature, frequency, and severity of incidents. References: CISA Review Manual, 27th
Edition, page 372
Question # 23
Due to system limitations, segregation of duties (SoD) cannot be enforced in an accounts
payable system. Which of the following is the IS auditor's BEST recommendation for a
compensating control?
A. Require written authorization for all payment transactions B. Restrict payment authorization to senior staff members. C. Reconcile payment transactions with invoices. D. Review payment transaction history
Answer: A Explanation:
Requiring written authorization for all payment transactions is the IS auditor’s best
recommendation for a compensating control in an environment where segregation of duties
(SoD) cannot be enforced in an accounts payable system. SoD is a principle that requires
different individuals or functions to perform different tasks or roles in a business process,
such as initiating, approving, recording and reconciling transactions. SoD reduces the risk
of errors, fraud and misuse of resources by preventing any single person or function from
having excessive or conflicting authority or responsibility. A compensating control is a
control that mitigates or reduces the risk associated with the absence or weakness of
another control. Requiring written authorization for all payment transactions is a
compensating control that provides an independent verification and approval of each
transaction before it is processed by the accounts payable system. This control can help to
detect and prevent unauthorized, duplicate or erroneous payments, and to ensure
compliance with policies and procedures. The other options are not as effective as option
A, as they do not provide an independent verification or approval of payment transactions.
Restricting payment authorization to senior staff members is a control that limits the
number of people who can authorize payments, but it does not prevent them from initiating
or processing payments themselves, which could violate SoD. Reconciling payment
transactions with invoices is a control that verifies that the payments match the invoices,
but it does not prevent unauthorized, duplicate or erroneous payments from being
processed by the accounts payable system. Reviewing payment transaction history is a
control that monitors and analyzes thepayment transactions after they have been
processed by the accounts payable system, but it does not prevent unauthorized, duplicate
or erroneous payments from occurring in the first place. References: CISA Review Manual
(Digital Version) , Chapter 5: Protection of Information Assets, Section 5.2: Logical Access.
Question # 24
An IS auditor performs a follow-up audit and learns the approach taken by the auditee to fix
the findings differs from the agreed-upon approach confirmed during the last audit. Which
of the following should be the auditor's NEXT course of action?
A. Evaluate the appropriateness of the remedial action taken. B. Conduct a risk analysis incorporating the change. C. Report results of the follow-up to the audit committee. D. Inform senior management of the change in approach.
Answer: A Explanation:
The auditor’s next course of action should be to evaluate the appropriateness of the
remedial action taken by the auditee. The auditor should assess whether the alternative
approach taken by the auditee is effective, efficient, and aligned with the audit objectives
and recommendations. The auditor should also consider the impact of the change on the
audit scope, criteria, and risk assessment. Conducting a risk analysis incorporating the
change, reporting results of the follow-up to the audit committee, and informing senior
management of the change in approach are possible subsequent actions that the auditor
may take after evaluating the appropriateness of the remedial action taken. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version): Chapter 1 - Information
Systems Auditing Process
Question # 25
An organization has assigned two now IS auditors to audit a now system implementation.
One of the auditors has an IT-related degree, and one has a business degree. Which ol the
following is MOST important to meet the IS audit standard for proficiency?
A. The standard is met as long as one member has a globally recognized audit certification. B. Technical co-sourcing must be used to help the new staff. C. Team member assignments must be based on individual competencies. D. The standard is met as long as a supervisor reviews the new auditors' work.
Answer: C Explanation:
Team member assignments based on individual competencies is the most important factor
to meet the IS audit standard for proficiency. Proficiency is the ability to apply knowledge,
skills and experience to perform audit tasks effectively and efficiently. The IS audit standard
for proficiency requires that IS auditors must possess the knowledge, skills and discipline to
perform audit tasks in accordance with applicable standards, guidelines and procedures.
Team member assignments based on individual competencies is a way to ensure that each
IS auditor is assigned to audit tasks that match their level of proficiency, and that the audit
team as a whole has sufficient and appropriate proficiency to conduct the audit. The other
options are not as important as option C, as they do not ensure that the IS auditors have
the required proficiency to perform audit tasks. Having a globally recognized audit
certification is a way to demonstrate proficiency in IS auditing, but it does not guarantee
that the IS auditor has the specific knowledge, skills and experience needed for a particular
audit task or system. Technical co-sourcing is a way to supplement the proficiency of the IS
audit team by hiring external experts or consultants to perform certain audit tasks or
functions, but it does not replace the need for internal IS auditors to have adequate
proficiency. Having a supervisor review the new auditors’ work is a way to ensure quality
and accuracy of the audit work, but it does not ensure that the new auditors have the
necessary proficiency to perform audit tasks independently or
competently. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) , Chapter 1: Information
Systems Auditing Process, Section 1.4: Audit Skills and Competencies.
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Deng Yifan
Some scenario questions about risk management were quite detailed.
Deng Yifan
Some scenario questions about risk management were quite detailed.