Free Isaca CISA Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 5

 Following a configuration management process to maintain applications is the primary reason for ensuring proper change control. Configuration management is a process of identifying, documenting, controlling, and verifying the configuration items and their interrelationships within an IT system or environment. Following a configuration management process can help to ensure that any changes to the applications are authorized, tested, documented, and tracked throughout their lifecycle. This will help to prevent unauthorized or improper changes that could affect the functionality, performance, or security of the applications. The other options are not the primary reasons for following a configuration management process, but rather possible benefits or outcomes of doing so. References:

CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 4, Section 4.3.31

CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 225

 Capacity management is a process that ensures that the IT resources of an organization are sufficient to meet the current and future demands of the business. Capacity management enables organizations toidentify the extent to which components need to be upgraded, by monitoring and analyzing the performance, utilization, and availability of the IT components, such as servers, networks, storage, applications, etc., and identifying any bottlenecks, gaps, or risks that may affect the service level agreements (SLAs) or quality of service (QoS). Capacity management also helps organizations to plan and optimize the use of IT resources, by forecasting the future demand and growth of the business, and aligning the IT capacity with the business needs and objectives. Forecasting technology trends is a possible outcome of capacity management, but it is not its main purpose. Establishing the capacity of network communication links is a part of capacity management, but it is not its main goal. Determining business transaction volumes is an input for capacity management, but it is not its main objective.

The most important task for an IS auditor to perform after the merger of two organizations is to verify that access privileges have been reviewed. Access privileges are the permissions granted to users, groups, or roles to access, modify, or manage IT resources, such as systems, applications, data, or networks. After a merger, the IS auditor should ensure that the access privileges of both organizations are aligned with the new business objectives, policies, and processes, and that there are no conflicts, overlaps, or gaps in the access rights. The IS auditor should also verify that the access privileges are based on the principle of least privilege, which means that users are granted only the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks.

The other options are not as important as verifying that access privileges have been reviewed:

Investigating access rights for expiration dates is a useful task, but it is not the most important one. Expiration dates are the dates when access rights are automatically revoked or suspended after a certain period of time or after a specific event. The IS auditor should check that the expiration dates are set appropriately and enforced consistently, but this is not as critical as reviewing the access privileges themselves.

Updating the continuity plan for critical resources is a necessary task, but it is not the most urgent one. A continuity plan is a document that outlines the procedures and actions to be taken in the event of a disruption or disaster that affects the availability of IT resources. The IS auditor should update the continuity plan to reflect the changes and dependencies introduced by the merger, but this can be done after verifying that the access privileges are secure and compliant.

Updating the security policy is an essential task, but it is not the most immediate one. A security policy is a document that defines the rules and guidelines for securing IT resources and protecting information assets. The IS auditor should update the security policy to incorporate the best practices and standards of both organizations, and to address any new risks or threats posed by the merger, but this can be done after verifying that the access privileges are aligned with the policy.

Business stakeholders being involved in approving the IT strategy best demonstrates that IT strategy is aligned with organizational goals and objectives. IT strategy is a plan that defines how IT resources andcapabilities will support and enable the achievement of business goals and objectives. Business stakeholders are the individuals or groups who have an interest or influence in the organization’s activities and outcomes. By involving business stakeholders in approving the IT strategy, the organization can ensure that the IT strategy reflects and supports the business needs, expectations, and priorities. The other options do not necessarily indicate that IT strategy is aligned with organizational goals and objectives, as they do not involve the participation or feedback of business stakeholders. References: CISAReview Manual, 27th Edition, page 97

 Identifying business processes associated with personal data exchange with the affected jurisdiction is the most helpful activity in making an assessment of the organization’s level of exposure in the affected country. An IS auditor should understand how the organization’s business operations and functions rely on or involve the cross-border transfer of personal data, as well as the potentialimpacts and risks of the new regulation on the business continuity and compliance. The other options are less helpful activities that may provide additional information or context for the assessment, but not its primary focus. References:

CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 7, Section 7.4.21

CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 221

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 requirea 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.

 Ensuring that the facts presented in the report are correct is the most important thing for an IS auditor to do during an exit meeting with an auditee. An IS auditor should confirm that the audit findings and observations are accurate, complete, and supported by sufficient evidence, as well as that the auditee understands and agrees with them. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes later on, as well as to enhance the credibility and quality of the audit report. The other options are less important things for an IS auditor to do during an exit meeting, as they may involve communicating the recommendations to senior management, specifying implementation dates for the recommendations, or requesting input in determining corrective action. References:

CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 2, Section 2.5.21

CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 222

The IS auditor’s primary concern when an organization has recently implemented a Voice-over IP (VoIP) communication system is a single point of failure for both voice and data communications. VoIP is a technology that allows voice communication over IP networks such as the internet. VoIP can offer benefits such as lower costs, higher flexibility, and better integration with other applications. However, VoIP also introduces risks such as dependency on network availability, performance, and security. If both voice and data communications share the same network infrastructure and devices, then a single point of failure can affect both services simultaneously and cause significant disruption to business operations. Therefore, the IS auditor should evaluate the availability and redundancy of the network components and devices that support VoIP communication. The other options are not as critical as a single point of failure for both voice and data communications, as they do not pose a direct threat to business continuity. References: CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, page 385

This should result in a finding because it violates the best practice of setting rules for groups rather than users. According to one of the web search results1, using group permissions instead of individual permissions can simplify the management and maintenance of ACLs, reduce the risk of human errors, and ensure consistency and compliance. Individual permissions can create conflicts, confusion, and security gaps in the ACLs. Therefore, the IS auditor should report this as a finding and recommend using group permissions instead.

 Reviewing a sample of system-generated backup logs is the best step to verify that regularly scheduled backups are timely and run to completion. Backup logs are records that document the details and results of backup operations, such as the date, time, duration, status, errors, and exceptions. By reviewing a sample of backup logs, the IS auditor can check whether the backups are performed according to the schedule and whether they are completed successfully or not. The other steps do not provide as much evidence or assurance as reviewing backup logs, as they do not show the actual outcome or performance of backup operations. References: CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, page 247

 Access rights provisioned according to scheme would best help to support an auditor’s conclusion about the effectiveness of an implemented data classification program. This would indicate that the data classification program has been properly implemented and enforced, and that the data is protected according to its sensitivity and value. The other options are not sufficient to demonstrate the effectiveness of a data classification program, as they do not show how the data is actually accessed and used by authorized users. References:

CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 6, Section 6.2.31

CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID 2042

Determining accountability of data owners is the most important activity in the data classification process. Data classification is a process that assigns categories or labels to data based on their value, sensitivity, criticality and risk to the organization. Data classification helps to determine the appropriate level of protection, access and retention for data. Determining accountability of data owners is an activity that identifies and assigns roles and responsibilities for data classification, protection and management to individuals or functions within the organization. Data owners are individuals or functions who have authority and responsibility for defining, classifying, protecting and managing data throughout their lifecycle. Determining accountability of data owners is essential for ensuring that data are classified correctly and consistently, and that data classification policies and procedures are followed and enforced. The other options are not as important as option C, as they are dependent on or derived from the accountability of data owners. Labeling the data appropriately is an activity that applies the categories or labels assigned by data owners to data based on their classification criteria. Identifying risk associated with the data is an activity that assesses the potential impact and likelihood of loss, disclosure, modification or destruction of data based on their classification level. Determining the adequacy of privacy controls is an activity that evaluates whether the controls implemented to protect personal or sensitive data are sufficient and effective based on their classification level. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) , Chapter 5: Protection of Information Assets, Section 5.3: Data Classification.

 The most efficient way to identify segregation of duties violations in a new system is to review a report of security rights in the system. Segregation of duties is a control principle that aims to prevent or detect errors, fraud, or abuse by ensuring that no single individual has the ability to perform incompatible or conflicting functions or activities within a system or process. A report of security rights in the system can provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of the roles, responsibilities, and access levels assigned to different users or groups in the system, and can help to identify any potential segregation of duties violations or risks. The other options are not as efficient as reviewing a report of security rights in the system, because they either rely on observation or testing rather than analysis, or they focus on existing rather than potential violations. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.2

The most concerning issue associated with a data center’s CCTV surveillance cameras is that the recordings are not regularly reviewed. This means that any unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, or other security incidents may go unnoticed and unreported. CCTV recordings are a valuable source of evidence and deterrence for data center security, and they should be monitored and audited periodically to ensure compliance with policies and regulations. If the recordings are not reviewed, the data center may face legal, financial, or reputational risks in case of a security breach or an audit failure.

The other options are less concerning because they do not directly affect the security of the data center. CCTV cameras are not required to be installed in break rooms, as they are not critical areas for data protection. CCTV records can be deleted after one year, as long as they comply with the data retention policy of the organization and the applicable laws. CCTV footage does not need to be recorded 24 x 7,as long as there is sufficient coverage of the data center during operational hours and when access is granted to authorized personnel. References:

ISACA Journal Article: Physical security of a data center1

Data Center Security: Checklist and Best Practices | Kisi2

Video Surveillance Best Practices | Taylored Systems

Access controls for source libraries are the features of a library control software package that would protect against unauthorized updating of source code. Access controls are the mechanisms that regulate who can access, modify, or delete the source code stored in the source libraries. Source libraries are the repositories that contain the source code files and their versions. By implementing access controls for source libraries, the library controlsoftware package can prevent unauthorized or malicious users from tampering with the source code and compromising its integrity, security, or functionality1.

The other options are not as effective as access controls for source libraries in protecting against unauthorized updating of source code. Option A, required approvals at each life cycle step, is a good practice but may not be sufficient to prevent unauthorized updates if the approval process is bypassed or compromised. Option B, date and time stamping of source and object code, is a useful feature but may not prevent unauthorized updates if the date and time stamps are altered or ignored. Option D, release-to-release comparison of source code, is a helpful feature but may not prevent unauthorized updates if the comparison results are not reviewed or acted upon.

References:

ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2019

ISACA, CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database - 12 Month Subscription

How to protect your source code from attackers2

How to Stop Unauthorized Use of Open Source Code

 Data classification is the process of organizing data into categories based on its sensitivity, value, and risk to the organization. Data classification helps to ensure that data is protected according to its importance and regulatory requirements. Data classification also enables data owners to make informed decisions about data access, retention, and disposal.

To implement a data classification program, it is most important to formalize data ownership. Data owners are the individuals or business units that have the authority and responsibility for the data they create or use. Data owners should be involved in defining the data classification levels, assigning the appropriate classification to their data, and ensuring that the data is handled according to the established policies and procedures. Data owners should also review and update the data classification periodically or when there are changes in the data or its usage.

The other options are not as important as formalizing data ownership when implementing a data classification program. Understanding the data classification levels is necessary, but it is not sufficient without identifying the data owners who will apply them. Developing a privacy policy is a good practice, but it is not specific to data classification. Planning for secure storage capacity is a technical consideration, but it does not address the business and legal aspects of data classification.

References:

ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2020, page 247

Data Classification: What It Is and Howto Implement It

Asset life cycle management is a technique of asset management where facility managers maximize the usable life of assets throughplanning, purchasing, using, maintaining, and disposing of assets1. The mainaim of assetlife cycle management is to reduce costs and increase productivity by optimizing the performance, reliability, and lifespan of assets2. Asset life cycle management can help prevent the situation of having unused applications by ensuring that the applications are aligned with the business needs, objectives, and strategies, and that they are regularly reviewed, updated, or retired as necessary3.

The other options are not as effective as asset life cycle management for preventing unused applications. A formal request for proposal (RFP) process is a method of soliciting bids from potential vendors or suppliers for a project or service. A RFP process can help select the best application for a specific requirement, but it does not ensure that the application will be used or maintained throughout its lifecycle. Business case development procedures are a set of steps that involve defining the problem, analyzing the alternatives, and proposing a solution for a project or initiative. Business case development procedures can help justify the need and value of an application, but they do not guarantee that the application will be utilized or supported after its implementation. An information asset acquisition policy is a document that outlines the rules and standards for acquiring information assets such as applications. An information asset acquisition policy can help ensure that the applications are acquired in a consistent and compliant manner, but it does not address how the applications will be managed or disposed of after their acquisition.

The best way to foster continuous improvement of IS audit processes and practices is to establish and embed quality assurance (QA) within the IS audit function, as this will ensure that the IS audit activities are aligned with the standards, expectations, and objectives of the organization and the stakeholders12. QA involves periodic internal and external assessments, benchmarking, feedback, and root cause analysis to identify and address gaps, issues, and opportunities for improvement34.

References

1: The Basics and Principles of Continuous Improvement4 2: ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on5 3: INSIGHTS TO QUALITY3 4: Continuous Auditing: Coordinating Continuous Auditing and Monitoring to Provide Continuous Assurance2

This method is known as creating a digital signature of the message. It ensures the integrity of the message by verifying that it has not been tampered with in transit. The process involves hashing the message and encrypting the hash value with the sender’s private key. Any changes to the message will result in a different hash value1. This method is used in DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), which verifies an email’s domain and helps show that the email has not been tampered with in transit2.

References:

Understanding Digital Signatures | CISA

Using DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) in your organisation

Transaction tagging is a technique by which transactions are marked with unique identifiers or headers and traced through the system using agents or sensors at each processing point1. Transaction tagging allows for continuous monitoring and analysis of transaction processing in a high-volume, real-time system by providing visibility into the performance, availability, and reliability of each transaction and its components1. Transaction tagging can also help to identify and isolate errors, bottlenecks, anomalies, and security issues in the system1.

A quality assurance (QA) team is a group of professionals who are responsible for ensuring that the products or services of an organization meet the quality standards and expectations of customers and stakeholders1. A QA team performs various activities, such as:

Planning, designing, and executing quality tests and audits to verify the quality of the products or services1

Identifying, analyzing, and reporting quality issues, defects, or non-conformities1

Recommending and implementing corrective and preventive actions to resolve quality problems and prevent recurrence1

Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the quality processes and improvements1

Establishing and maintaining quality documentation, records, and reports1

Providing quality training, guidance, and support to the staff and management1

One of the primary responsibilities of a QA team is to implement procedures to facilitate adoption of quality management best practices. Quality management best practices are the methods, techniques, or tools that have been proven to be effective in achieving and maintaining high-quality standards in an organization2. Some examples of quality management best practices are:

Adopting a customer-focused approach that aims to meet or exceed customer requirements and satisfaction2

Implementing a process approach that manages the interrelated activities as a coherent system2

Applying continuous improvement methods that seek to enhance the performance and value of the products or services2

Using evidence-based decision making that relies on factual data and information2

Developing a culture of engagement and empowerment that involves and motivates the people in the organization2

By implementing procedures to facilitate adoption of quality management best practices, a QA team can help the organization achieve the following benefits:

Improve the quality and reliability of the products or services2

Reduce the costs and risks associated with poor quality or non-compliance2

Increase the customer loyalty and retention2

Enhance the reputation and competitiveness of the organization2

Foster a culture of excellence and innovation in the organization2

The other options are not primary responsibilities of a QA team. Creating test data to facilitate the user acceptance testing (UAT) process is a task that can be performed by a QA team, but it is not their main duty. UAT is a process in which the end users test the product or service to ensure that it meets their needs and expectations before it is released or deployed3. A QA team can create test data to simulate real-world scenarios and conditions for UAT, but they are not directly involved in conducting UAT. Managing employee onboarding processes and background checks is not a responsibility of a QA team. Employee onboarding is a process in which new hires are integrated into the organization, while background checks are screenings that verify the identity, credentials, and history of potential employees4. These processes are usually handled by the human resources department or an external agency, not by a QA team. Advising the steering committee on quality management issues and remediation efforts is not a primary responsibility of a QA team. A steering committee is a group of senior executives or managers who provide strategic direction, oversight, and support for a project or program5. A QA team can advise the steering committee on quality management issues and remediation efforts, but they are not accountable for making decisions or implementing actions. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

References:

Quality Assurance Team: Roles & Responsibilities

What are the Best Practices in Quality Management?

User Acceptance Testing (UAT): A Complete Guide

Employee Onboarding Process: Definition & Best Practices

What Is A Steering Committee? - The Basics

When assessing the scope of privacy concerns for an IT project, the most important factor to consider is the applicable laws and regulations. These laws and regulations define the legal requirements for data privacy and protection that the project must comply with. They can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the type of data being processed, and non-compliance can result in significant penalties123. While data ownership, business requirements and data flows, and end-user access rights are also important considerations, they are typically guided by these legal requirements.

References: ISACA’s Information Systems Auditor Study Materials1

When identifying which servers are no longer required, reviewing server CPU usage trends is the most helpful approach. Monitoring the CPU usage over time provides insights into how actively a server is being utilized. Servers with consistently low CPU usage may be candidates for consolidation or decommissioning. By analyzing CPU utilization patterns, IT management can make informed decisions about which servers can be retired without impacting performance or availability1.

References:

1. ISACA. “Technical Guide on IT Migration Audit.” 1(http://kb.icai.org/pdfs/PDFFile5b278a12a66758.27269499.pdf)

2. Zapier. “IT audit: The ultimate guide [with checklist].” 2(https://zapier.com/blog/it-audit/)

3. ISACA. “CISA Certification | Certified Information Systems Auditor.” 3(https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa)

 Validation controls are used to check the input data from the user before processing it on the server. If the validation controls are moved from the server side to the browser, it means that the user can modify or bypass them using tools such as browser developer tools, JavaScript console, or proxy tools. This would increase the risk of a successful attack by structured query language (SQL) injection, which is a technique that exploits a security vulnerability in an application’s software layer that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database. SQL injection can result in data theft, data corruption, or unauthorized access to the system.

Buffer overflow, denial of service (DoS), and phishing are not directly related to the validation controls in a web application. Buffer overflow is a type of attack that exploits a memory management flaw in an application or system that allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer size and overwrite adjacent memory locations. DoS is a type of attack that prevents legitimate users from accessing a service or resource by overwhelming it with requests or traffic. Phishing is a type of attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.

References:

Client-side form validation - Learn web development | MDN

JavaScript: client-side vs. server-side validation - Stack Overflow

SQL Injection - OWASP

An insider attack poses the greatest risk to an organization’s most sensitive data. An insider attack is a type of cyberattack that is carried out by someone who has legitimate access to the organization’s network, systems, or data, such as an employee, contractor, or business partner. An insider attack can be intentional or unintentional, malicious or negligent, and can have various motives, such as financial gain, revenge, espionage, sabotage, or curiosity.

An insider attack poses the greatest risk to an organization’s most sensitive data because:

An insider has a high level of trust and privilege within the organization, which allows them to bypass security controls and access confidential or restricted data without raising suspicion or detection.

An insider has a deep knowledge of the organization’s operations, processes, policies, and vulnerabilities, which enables them to exploit them effectively and cause maximum damage or disruption.

An insider can use various techniques and tools to conceal their identity and actions, such as encryption, steganography, deletion, or alteration of logs or evidence.

An insider can cause significant harm or loss to the organization in terms of data integrity, availability, confidentiality, reputation, compliance, and profitability.

According to the 2023 Cost of Insider Threats Global Report by Ponemon Institute and ObserveIT 1, the average annual cost of insider threats for organizations worldwide was $11.45 million in 2022, a 31% increase from 2018. The report also found that the average number of incidents per organization was 77 in 2022, a 47% increase from 2018. The report classified insider threats into three categories: careless or negligent employees or contractors, criminal or malicious insiders, and credential thieves. The report revealed that careless or negligent insiders were the most common and costly type of insider threat, accounting for 62% of all incidents and $4.58 million in costs.

The other options are not the greatest risk to an organization’s most sensitive data, although they can still pose significant threats.

A password attack is a type of cyberattack that attempts to guess or crack a user’s password to gain unauthorized access to their account or system. A password attack can use various methods, such as brute force, dictionary, rainbow table, phishing, keylogging, or social engineering. A password attack can compromise the security and privacy of the user’s data and information. However, a password attack can be prevented or mitigated by using strong and unique passwords, changing passwords frequently, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

An eavesdropping attack is a type of cyberattack that intercepts or monitors the communication between two parties without their knowledge or consent. An eavesdropping attack can use various techniques, such as wiretapping, packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle (MITM), or side-channel. An eavesdropping attack can expose the content and metadata of the communication, such as messages, files, voice calls, emails, etc. However, an eavesdropping attack can be prevented or mitigated by using encryption, authentication, digital signatures, VPNs (virtual private networks), or secure protocols.

A spear phishing attack is a type of phishing attack that targets a specific individual or group with personalized and convincing emails that appear to come from a trusted source. A spear phishing attack aims to trick the recipient into clicking on a malicious link or attachment that can infect their device with malware or steal their credentials or data. A spear phishing attack can compromise the security and privacy of the recipient’s data and information. However, a spear phishing attack can be prevented or mitigated by verifying the sender’s identity and email address, checking the email content for spelling and grammar errors, hovering over links before clicking on them (or not clicking at all), scanning attachments for viruses before opening them (or not opening at all), and reporting suspicious emails to IT security staff.

The type of review that is most important to conduct when an IS auditor is informed that a recent internal exploitation of a bug has been discovered in a business application is C. Forensic audit. A forensic audit is a type ofaudit that involves collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence of fraud, corruption, or other illegal or unethical activities1. A forensic audit can help the IS auditor to identify and document the source, scope, and impact of the exploitation, as well as the perpetrators, motives, and methods involved. A forensic audit can also help the IS auditor to provide recommendations for preventing or mitigating future exploitations, and to support any legal actions or investigations that may arise from the incident2.

A data warehouse is a centralized repository of data that is collected from various sources and organized for analysis and reporting purposes. A data warehouse can help an organization gain insights into its business performance, trends, and opportunities. However, building a data warehouse requires careful planning, design, and implementation to ensure that it meets the needs of the organization.

One of the best practices that would provide management with the most reasonable assurance that a new data warehouse will meet the needs of the organization is A. Integrating data requirements into the system development life cycle (SDLC). The SDLC is a framework that defines the phases and activities involved in developing a software system, such as planning, analysis, design, testing, deployment, and maintenance1. By integrating data requirements into the SDLC, an organization can ensure that the data warehouse is aligned with the business objectives and expectations, and that it delivers value to the end users.

Some of the benefits of integrating data requirements into the SDLC are:

It helps to identify and prioritize the key business questions and metrics that the data warehouse should support2.

It helps to define and validate the data sources, models, structures, and quality standards that the data warehouse should follow3.

It helps to design and implement the data integration, transformation, and loading processes that the data warehouse should use4.

It helps to test and verify the functionality, performance, and accuracy of the data warehouse before deploying it to production.

It helps to monitor and maintain the data warehouse after deployment and incorporate feedback and changes as needed.

Data analytics is the process of collecting, transforming, analyzing, and visualizing data to gain insights and support decision making1. Data analytics can be used to facilitate the testing of a new account creation process by applying various techniques and methods to evaluate the quality, functionality, performance, and security of the process. One of the approaches that would utilize data analytics to test the new account creation process is to review new account applications submitted in the past month for invalid dates of birth. This approach would involve the following steps:

Extract the data of new account applications from the source system, such as a database or a web service, using appropriate tools and methods.

Transform and clean the data to ensure its accuracy, completeness, consistency, and validity, using techniques such as data profiling, data cleansing, data mapping, and data validation2.

Analyze the data to identify any anomalies, errors, or outliers in the date of birth field, using methods such as descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, or anomaly detection3.

Visualize the data to present the findings and insights in a clear and understandable way, using tools and techniques such as charts, graphs, dashboards, or reports.

By reviewing new account applications submitted in the past month for invalid dates of birth, the tester can use data analytics to:

Verify if the new account creation process is working as expected and meets the business requirements and specifications for the date of birth field.

Detect any defects or issues in the new account creation process that may cause invalid dates of birth to be accepted or rejected incorrectly.

Measure and monitor the performance and reliability of the new account creation process in terms of data quality, accuracy, and completeness.

Evaluate and improve the test coverage and effectiveness of the new account creation process by identifying any gaps or risks in the test cases or scenarios.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Option A is not correct because attempting to submit new account applications with invalid dates of birth is not a data analytics approach, but a functional testing approach that involves executing test cases or scenarios manually or automatically to validate the behavior and functionality of the new account creation process. Option B is not correct because reviewing the business requirements document for date of birth field requirements is not a data analytics approach, but a requirements analysis approach that involves examining and understanding the needs and expectations of the stakeholders for the new account creation process. Option D is not correct because evaluating configuration settings for date of birth field requirements is not a data analytics approach, but a configuration testing approach that involves verifying if the settings and parameters of the new account creation process are correct and consistent with the requirements.

References:

What is Data Analytics? Definition & Examples1

Data Transformation: Definition & Examples2

Data Analysis: Definition & Examples3

Data Visualization: Definition & Examples

Functional Testing: Definition & Examples

Requirements Analysis: Definition & Examples

Configuration Testing: Definition & Examples

The IS auditor should first determine whether the business impact analysis (BIA) is current with the organization’s structure and context. The BIA is a critical component of the BCP and should reflect thecurrent state of the organization. If the BIA is not up-to-date, it may not accurately reflect the impact of a disruption to the organization’s operations, including the closure of a production plant12.

References: ISACA’s Information Systems Auditor Study Materials1

The best option for the question is C, information owner. This is because:

The information owner is the person or entity that has the authority and responsibility for the business processes and functions that collect, use, store, and dispose of data1.

The information owner is accountable for ensuring that the data is handled in compliance with the applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards, such as the GDPR and the PIPEDA1234.

The information owner is in the best position to determine the purpose and necessity of collecting and retaining data, as well as the risks and benefits associated with it1.

The information owner should consult with other stakeholders, such as the risk manager, the database administrator (DBA), and the privacy manager, to establish and implement appropriate data classification policies and procedures2.

Data classification is the process of organizing data in groups based on their attributes and characteristics, and then assigning class labels that describe a set of attributes that hold true for the corresponding data sets345.

Data classification helps organizations to identify, manage, protect, and understand their data, as well as to comply with modern data privacy regulations345.

Data classification also helps to determine appropriate user access levels, which means defining who can access, modify, share, or delete data based on their roles, responsibilities, and needs345.

Therefore, the information owner should be responsible for the data classification in an ERP migration project from local systems to the cloud (option C), as they have the authority and accountability for the data and its protection.

The other options are not correct because:

The information security officer (option A) is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the security policies and practices of the organization that involve data6. The information security officer should advise and assist the information owner on the best practices and standards for data security, but not determine the data classification.

The database administrator (DBA) (option B) is responsible for installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining, and improving the performance of databases and data stores that contain data5. The DBA should support the information owner in implementing and enforcing the data classification policies and procedures, but not determine them.

The data architect (option D) is responsible for designing, modeling, and documenting the logical and physical structures of databases and data stores that contain data7. The data architect should collaborate with the information owner in creating and maintaining the data classification schema and metadata, but not determine them.

Parallel simulation involves running the same data through two systems and comparing the results1. In this case, the bank’s data would be processed using both the modified interest calculation program and an audit software. The results from both systems would then be compared to check for discrepancies1. This technique provides strong evidence of the correctness of interest calculations as it directly tests the program’s output against a known and trusted output1. While source code review23, manual verification of a sample of results4567, and review of QA test results8910 can also provide valuable insights, they do not offer the same level of direct, comparative evidence as parallel simulation1.

References:

Parallel simulation in IT testing - Universal CPA Review

5 code review best practices - Work Life by Atlassian

How to Make Good Code Reviews Better - Stack Overflow

Guidelines for the validation and verification of quantitative and qualitative test methods - Mathematics LibreTexts

Method Validation and Verification - University of Utah

Sample Procedure for Method Validation - NIST

Method validation and verification - CFS

Good Practices for Quality Assurance Reviewers: Assessing Evidence of Supervisory Review - IGNET

How do quality assurance engineers test calculations? - Software Quality Assurance & Testing Stack Exchange

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan and Procedures - UNFCCC

The first step when developing a DLP solution for a large organization is to conduct a data inventory and classification exercise. This step involves identifying and locating all the data assets that the organization owns, generates, or handles, and assigning them to different categories based on their sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements1. Data inventory and classification is essential for DLP because it helps to determine the scope and objectives of the DLP solution, as well as the appropriate level of protection and monitoring for each data category2. Data inventory and classification also enables the organization to prioritize its DLP efforts based on the risk and impact of data loss or leakage3.

Option B is not correct because identifying approved data workflows across the enterprise is a subsequent step after conducting data inventory and classification. Data workflows are the processes and channels through which data are created, stored, accessed, shared, or transmitted within or outside the organization4. Identifying approved data workflows helps to define the normal and legitimate use of data, as well as to detect and prevent unauthorized or anomalous data activities5. However, before identifying approved data workflows, the organization needs to know what data it has and how it should be classified.

Option C is not correct because conducting a threat analysis against sensitive data usage is another subsequent step after conducting data inventory and classification. Threat analysis is the process of identifying and assessing the potential sources, methods, and impacts of data loss or leakage incidents. Threat analysis helps to design and implement effective DLP controls and countermeasures based on the risk profile of each data category. However, before conducting threat analysis, the organization needs to know what data it has and how it should be classified.

Option D is not correct because creating the DLP policies and templates is the final step after conducting data inventory and classification, identifying approved data workflows, and conducting threat analysis. DLP policies and templates are the rules and configurations that specify how the DLP solution should monitor, detect, report, and respond to data loss or leakage events. DLP policies and templates should be aligned with the organization’s business needs, regulatory obligations, and risk appetite. However, before creating the DLP policies and templates, the organization needs to know what data it has, how it should be classified, how it should be used, and what threats it faces.

References:

Data Inventory & Classification: The First Step in Data Protection1

Data Classification: What It Is And Why You Need It2

How to Prioritize Your Data Loss Prevention Strategy in 20203

What Is Data Workflow? Definition & Examples4

How to Identify Data Workflows for Your Business5

Threat Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

How to Conduct a Threat Assessment for Your Business

What Is Data Loss Prevention (DLP)? Definition & Examples

How to Create Effective Data Loss Prevention Policies

 An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a document that defines the rules and guidelines for using an organization’s IT resources, such as networks, devices, and software. It aims to protect the organization’s assets, security, and productivity. An AUP should be formally acknowledged by users to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and obligations when using the IT resources. Without formal acknowledgment, users may not be held accountable for violating the AUP or may claim ignorance of the policy. This can expose the organization to legal, regulatory, reputational, or operational risks. Lack of data for measuring compliance, violation of industry standards, and noncompliance with documentation requirements are also possible risks from not having users acknowledge the AUP, but they are less significant than lack of user accountability. References: Workable: Acceptable use policy template, Wikipedia: Acceptable use policy

Beta testing is the process of releasing a near-final version of a software product to a group of external users, known as beta testers, who provide feedback and report bugs based on their real-world experiences. Beta testingoffers various benefits for both the developers and the users of the software product. Some of these benefits are:

It reduces product failure risk via customer validation12.

It helps to test post-launch infrastructure1.

It helps to improve product quality via customer feedback12.

It allows for thorough bug detection and issue resolution3.

It enhances usability and user experience3.

It increases customer satisfaction and loyalty3.

Based on these benefits, the most important advantage of participating in beta testing of software products is D. It enables an organization to gain familiarity with new products and their functionality. By being involved in beta testing, an organization can learn how to use the new product effectively, discover its features and benefits, and provide suggestions for improvement. This can help the organization to adopt the new product faster, easier, and more efficiently when it is officially released. It can also give the organization a competitive edge over other users who are not familiar with the new product.

 Management’s commitment to information security is the most critical factor for the success of an information security program, as it sets the tone and direction for the organization’s security culture and practices. Management’s commitment is demonstrated by establishing a clear security policy, providing adequate resources, assigning roles and responsibilities, enforcing compliance, and supporting continuous improvement. The other options are important elements of an information security program, but they depend on management’s commitment to be effective. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) 1, page 439.

A full interruption test is the most realistic and reliable way to ensure that recovery time objectives (RTOs) are met for an organization’s disaster recovery plan (DRP). RTOs are the maximum amount of time that a business can tolerate being offline after a disaster. A full interruption test involves shutting down the primary site and switching over to the backup site, simulating a real disaster scenario. This test can measure the actual time it takes to restore the systems, applications, and functions that are critical for the business continuity. A full interruption test can also reveal any issues or gaps in the DRP that might affect the recovery process.

The other options are not as effective as a full interruption test for ensuring RTOs are met. A cyber resilience test is a type of DR test that focuses on the ability to withstand and recover from cyberattacks. It does not necessarily cover other types of disasters or test the entire DRP. A tabletop test is a low-impact DR test that involves a walkthrough of the DRP with the key stakeholders and staff. It does not involve any actual switching over or testing of the backup systems. A parallel test is a type of DR test that involves running the backup systems alongside the primary systems, without disrupting the normal operations. It does not measure the time it takes to switch over or resume operations at the backup site.

References:

Best Practices For Disaster Recovery Testing

Disaster recovery testing

Disaster Recovery Testing: Everything to Know

An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a preventive control that sets out rules and guidelines for using an organization’s IT resources, including networks, devices, and software1. It defines acceptable andprohibited behaviors, aiming to protect assets, ensure security, and maintain a productive work environment1. By agreeing to and documenting an AUP for the equipment, both organizations can prevent potential misuse of IT resources2345.

References:

ISO 27001 Acceptable Use Policy Beginner’s Guide - High Table

Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology Resources

Acceptable Use Policies for Workplace Technology | Verizon

IT Governance: Your Must-Have Policies - How-To Geek

Acceptable use policy template - Workable

 The chain of custody has not been documented is a finding that should be of greatest concern for an IS auditor reviewing a forensic analysis process of an organization that has suffered a cyber attack. The chain of custody is a record of who handled, accessed, or modified the evidence during a forensic investigation. Documenting the chain of custody is essential to preserve the integrity, authenticity, and admissibility of the evidence in a court of law. The other options are less concerning findings that may not affect the validity or reliability of the forensic analysis process. References:

CISAReview Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 7, Section 7.51

CISA Review Questions, Answers &Explanations Database, Question ID 220

The best course of action for the IS auditor is A. Escalate to IT management for resolution. This is because IT management is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the IT activities and functions within the organization, and ensuring that they comply with the audit findings and recommendations1. IT management can help resolve the issue of finding ownership by:

Clarifying and communicating the roles and responsibilities of each IT team, and how they relate to the finding and its remediation2.

Evaluating and assigning the finding to the most appropriate IT team, based on their expertise, authority, and availability2.

Providing guidance and support to the assigned IT team, and monitoring their progress and performance in remediating the finding2.

Regression testing is crucial to ensure that new changes do not negatively impact existing functionalities. The IS auditor should recommend that regression testing be conducted to confirm that the system operates correctly after changes are made.

References

ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition, Page 256-257 (Testing Strategies)

A continuous integration/continuous development (CI/CD) process helps to reduce software failure risk by enabling smaller incremental changes to the software code, rather than large and infrequent updates12. Smaller incremental changes allow developers to detect and fix errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities more quickly and easily, and to ensure that the software is always in a working state34. Smaller incremental changes also reduce the complexity and uncertainty of the software development process, and improve the quality and reliability of the software product5.

References

1: What is CI/CD? Continuous integration and continuous delivery explained1 2: 5 CI/CD challenges—and how to solve them | TechBeacon4 3: Continuous Integration vs Continuous Delivery vs Continuous Deployment2 4: 7 CI/CD Challenges & their Must-Know Solutions | BrowserStack3 5: 5 common pitfalls of CI/CD—and how to avoid them | InfoWorld5

Low-priority jobs typically involve non-critical processes or tasks that do not immediately impact business operations. The best approach to handling such jobs is to schedule them subject to resource availability. This ensures that high-priority tasks can access resources when needed without being affected by the execution of low-priority tasks.

Avoiding Low-Priority Jobs (Option A)is not feasible because even low-priority tasks may be necessary for maintenance or support activities.

Including Major Functions in Low-Priority Jobs (Option B)contradicts the classification of "low-priority" because major functions are usually critical.

Allocating Optimal Resources to Low-Priority Jobs (Option C)is inefficient as resources should primarily be allocated to high-priority tasks.

Scheduling based on resource availability optimizes the use of resources, avoids unnecessary delays in high-priority activities, and ensures that low-priority tasks are executed without disrupting overall operations. This aligns with best practices in IT resource management and scheduling.