Practice Free CISA Exam Online Questions
Question #1
Which of the following operational log management considerations is MOST important for an organization undergoing a digital transformation?
- A . Changes in operating costs for log management
- B . Centralization of current log management
- C . Tuning of log reviews to provide enhanced oversight
- D . IT resource capability to manage application uptime
Correct Answer: B
Question #2
When developing customer-facing IT applications, in which stage of the system development life cycle (SDLC) is it MOST beneficial to consider data privacy principles?
- A . Systems design and architecture
- B . Software selection and acquisition
- C . User acceptance testing (UAT)
- D . Requirements definition
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The most beneficial stage of the system development life cycle (SDLC) to consider data privacy principles is D. Requirements definition. This is because data privacy principles should be integrated into the design and development of customer-facing IT applications from the very beginning, not as an afterthought or a retrofit1. By considering data privacy principles in the requirements definition stage, the developers can identify the personal data that will be collected, processed, stored, and shared by the application, and ensure that they comply with the relevant laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)2. They can also apply the principles of data minimization, purpose limitation, transparency, consent, and security to protect the privacy rights and interests of the customers3.
D
Explanation:
The most beneficial stage of the system development life cycle (SDLC) to consider data privacy principles is D. Requirements definition. This is because data privacy principles should be integrated into the design and development of customer-facing IT applications from the very beginning, not as an afterthought or a retrofit1. By considering data privacy principles in the requirements definition stage, the developers can identify the personal data that will be collected, processed, stored, and shared by the application, and ensure that they comply with the relevant laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)2. They can also apply the principles of data minimization, purpose limitation, transparency, consent, and security to protect the privacy rights and interests of the customers3.
Question #3
An IS auditor has been asked to review the integrity of data transfer between two business-critical systems that have not been tested since implementation.
Which of the following would provide the MOST useful information to plan an audit?
- A . Quality assurance (QA) testing
- B . System change logs
- C . IT testing policies and procedures
- D . Previous system interface testing records
Correct Answer: D
Question #3
An IS auditor has been asked to review the integrity of data transfer between two business-critical systems that have not been tested since implementation.
Which of the following would provide the MOST useful information to plan an audit?
- A . Quality assurance (QA) testing
- B . System change logs
- C . IT testing policies and procedures
- D . Previous system interface testing records
Correct Answer: D
Question #5
Which of the following BEST enables an organization to determine the effectiveness of its information security awareness program?
- A . Measuring user satisfaction with the quality of the training
- B . Evaluating the results of a social engineering exercise
- C . Reviewing security staff performance evaluations
- D . Performing an analysis of the number of help desk calls
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The effectiveness of an information security awareness program is best measured by assessing real-world behavior rather than subjective feedback or indirect metrics. Social engineering exercises simulate real-world attack scenarios, testing whether employees can identify and respond appropriately to security threats. This directly evaluates the program’s impact on employee behavior and awareness.
Measuring User Satisfaction (Option A): While useful for feedback, satisfaction does not measure the effectiveness of awareness in preventing security incidents.
Reviewing Security Staff Performance Evaluations (Option C): This focuses on staff capabilities rather than the awareness program’s effectiveness.
Analyzing Help Desk Calls (Option D): This might provide insight into recurring issues but does not directly measure the program’s success in changing user behavior.
Conducting social engineering exercises aligns with best practices for assessing organizational security awareness.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual, Job Practice Area 2: Information Systems Audit and Assurance.
B
Explanation:
The effectiveness of an information security awareness program is best measured by assessing real-world behavior rather than subjective feedback or indirect metrics. Social engineering exercises simulate real-world attack scenarios, testing whether employees can identify and respond appropriately to security threats. This directly evaluates the program’s impact on employee behavior and awareness.
Measuring User Satisfaction (Option A): While useful for feedback, satisfaction does not measure the effectiveness of awareness in preventing security incidents.
Reviewing Security Staff Performance Evaluations (Option C): This focuses on staff capabilities rather than the awareness program’s effectiveness.
Analyzing Help Desk Calls (Option D): This might provide insight into recurring issues but does not directly measure the program’s success in changing user behavior.
Conducting social engineering exercises aligns with best practices for assessing organizational security awareness.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual, Job Practice Area 2: Information Systems Audit and Assurance.
Question #6
Which of the following is MOST important for an effective control self-assessment (CSA) program?
- A . Determining the scope of the assessment
- B . Performing detailed test procedures
- C . Evaluating changes to the risk environment
- D . Understanding the business process
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Understanding the business process is the most important factor for an effective control self-assessment (CSA) program. A CSA program is a technique that allows managers and work teams directly involved in business units, functions or processes to participate in assessing the organization’s risk management and control processes1. A CSA program can help identify risks and potential exposures to achieving strategic business objectives, evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness ofcontrols, and implement remediation plans to address any gaps or weaknesses2. To conduct a successful CSA, it is essential to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the business process under review, including its objectives, inputs, outputs, activities, resources, dependencies, stakeholders, performance indicators, etc. This will help to identify the relevant risks and controls associated with the process, as well as to evaluate their impact and likelihood. Determining the scope of the assessment, performing detailed test procedures, and evaluating changes to the risk environment are also important factors for an effective CSA program, but not as important as understanding the business process. These factors are more related to the execution and monitoring phases of the CSA program, while understanding the business process is related to the planning and preparation phase. Without a solid understanding of the business process, the scope, testing, and evaluation of the CSA may not be accurate or complete.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition, page 310
D
Explanation:
Understanding the business process is the most important factor for an effective control self-assessment (CSA) program. A CSA program is a technique that allows managers and work teams directly involved in business units, functions or processes to participate in assessing the organization’s risk management and control processes1. A CSA program can help identify risks and potential exposures to achieving strategic business objectives, evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness ofcontrols, and implement remediation plans to address any gaps or weaknesses2. To conduct a successful CSA, it is essential to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the business process under review, including its objectives, inputs, outputs, activities, resources, dependencies, stakeholders, performance indicators, etc. This will help to identify the relevant risks and controls associated with the process, as well as to evaluate their impact and likelihood. Determining the scope of the assessment, performing detailed test procedures, and evaluating changes to the risk environment are also important factors for an effective CSA program, but not as important as understanding the business process. These factors are more related to the execution and monitoring phases of the CSA program, while understanding the business process is related to the planning and preparation phase. Without a solid understanding of the business process, the scope, testing, and evaluation of the CSA may not be accurate or complete.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition, page 310
Question #7
Which type of testing is used to identify security vulnerabilities in source code in the development environment?
- A . Interactive application security testing (IAST)
- B . Runtime application self-protection (RASP)
- C . Dynamic analysis security testing (DAST)
- D . Static analysis security testing (SAST)
Correct Answer: D
Question #8
An external attacker spoofing an internal Internet Protocol (IP) address can BEST be detected by which of the following?
- A . Comparing the source address to the domain name server (DNS) entry
- B . Using static IP addresses for identification
- C . Comparing the source address to the interface used as the entry point
- D . Using a state table to compare the message states of each packet as it enters the system
Correct Answer: D
Question #9
The due date of an audit project is approaching, and the audit manager has determined that only 60% of the audit has been completed.
Which of the following should the audit manager do FIRST?
- A . Determine where delays have occurred
- B . Assign additional resources to supplement the audit
- C . Escalate to the audit committee
- D . Extend the audit deadline
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The first thing that the audit manager should do when faced with a situation where only 60% of the audit has been completed and the due date is approaching is to determine where delays have occurred. This can help the audit manager to identify and analyze the root causes of the delays, such as unexpected issues, scope changes, resource constraints, communication problems, etc., and evaluate their impact on the audit objectives, scope, quality, and timeline. Based on this analysis, the audit manager can then decide on the best course of action to address the delays and complete the audit successfully. Assigning additional resources to supplement the audit is a possible option forresolving delays in an audit project, but it is not the first thing that the audit manager should do, as it may not be feasible or effective depending on the availability, cost, and suitability of the additional resources. Escalating to the audit committee is a possible option for communicating delays in an audit project and seeking guidance or support from senior management, but it is not the first thing that the audit manager should do, as it may not be necessary or appropriate depending on the severity and urgency of the delays. Extending the audit deadline is a possible option for accommodating delays in an audit project and ensuring sufficient time for completing the audit tasks and activities, but it is not the first thing that the audit manager should do, as it may not be possible or desirable depending on the contractual obligations, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements.
A
Explanation:
The first thing that the audit manager should do when faced with a situation where only 60% of the audit has been completed and the due date is approaching is to determine where delays have occurred. This can help the audit manager to identify and analyze the root causes of the delays, such as unexpected issues, scope changes, resource constraints, communication problems, etc., and evaluate their impact on the audit objectives, scope, quality, and timeline. Based on this analysis, the audit manager can then decide on the best course of action to address the delays and complete the audit successfully. Assigning additional resources to supplement the audit is a possible option forresolving delays in an audit project, but it is not the first thing that the audit manager should do, as it may not be feasible or effective depending on the availability, cost, and suitability of the additional resources. Escalating to the audit committee is a possible option for communicating delays in an audit project and seeking guidance or support from senior management, but it is not the first thing that the audit manager should do, as it may not be necessary or appropriate depending on the severity and urgency of the delays. Extending the audit deadline is a possible option for accommodating delays in an audit project and ensuring sufficient time for completing the audit tasks and activities, but it is not the first thing that the audit manager should do, as it may not be possible or desirable depending on the contractual obligations, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements.
Question #10
An IS auditor has been tasked to review the processes that prevent fraud within a business expense claim system.
Which of the following stakeholders is MOST important to involve in this review?
- A . Information security manager
- B . Quality assurance (QA) manager
- C . Business department executive
- D . Business process owner
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The business process owner is the most important stakeholder to involve in the review of the processes that prevent fraud within a business expense claim system. This is because the business process owner is responsible for defining, implementing, and monitoring the business rules and policies that govern the expense claim process. The business process owner also has the authority and accountability to approve or reject expense claims, as well as to investigate and report any suspicious or fraudulent activities. The business process owner can provide valuable insights and feedback to the IS auditor on the effectiveness and efficiency of the current processes, as well as the potential risks and controls that need to be addressed12.
The information security manager is not the most important stakeholder because their role is mainly focused on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information systems and data that support the expense claim process. The information security manager can help the IS auditor with assessing the technical aspects of the system, such as access controls, encryption, logging, and backup, but they may not have sufficient knowledge or authority over the business rules and policies that prevent fraud1.
The quality assurance (QA) manager is not the most important stakeholder because their role is mainly focused on ensuring the quality and reliability of the software applications and systems that support the expense claim process. The QA manager can help the IS auditor with testing and verifying the functionality and performance of the system, but they may not have sufficient knowledge or authority over the business rules and policies that prevent fraud1.
The business department executive is not the most important stakeholder because their role is mainly focused on overseeing the strategic objectives and financial performance of the business department that uses the expense claim system. The business department executive can help the IS auditor with understanding the business context and needs of the expense claim process, but they may not have sufficient knowledge or authority over the operational details and controls that prevent fraud
D
Explanation:
The business process owner is the most important stakeholder to involve in the review of the processes that prevent fraud within a business expense claim system. This is because the business process owner is responsible for defining, implementing, and monitoring the business rules and policies that govern the expense claim process. The business process owner also has the authority and accountability to approve or reject expense claims, as well as to investigate and report any suspicious or fraudulent activities. The business process owner can provide valuable insights and feedback to the IS auditor on the effectiveness and efficiency of the current processes, as well as the potential risks and controls that need to be addressed12.
The information security manager is not the most important stakeholder because their role is mainly focused on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information systems and data that support the expense claim process. The information security manager can help the IS auditor with assessing the technical aspects of the system, such as access controls, encryption, logging, and backup, but they may not have sufficient knowledge or authority over the business rules and policies that prevent fraud1.
The quality assurance (QA) manager is not the most important stakeholder because their role is mainly focused on ensuring the quality and reliability of the software applications and systems that support the expense claim process. The QA manager can help the IS auditor with testing and verifying the functionality and performance of the system, but they may not have sufficient knowledge or authority over the business rules and policies that prevent fraud1.
The business department executive is not the most important stakeholder because their role is mainly focused on overseeing the strategic objectives and financial performance of the business department that uses the expense claim system. The business department executive can help the IS auditor with understanding the business context and needs of the expense claim process, but they may not have sufficient knowledge or authority over the operational details and controls that prevent fraud