Practice Free CISA Exam Online Questions
Question #331
The PRIMARY reason for an IS auditor to perform a functional walk-through of a business process during the preliminary phase of an audit assignment is to:
- A . identify control weaknesses in the business process.
- B . optimize the business process.
- C . understand the key areas.
- D . understand the resource requirements.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in-Depth
During the preliminary phase, the auditor’s goal is to understand the key areas of the business process to identify potential risks and areas that need deeper examination. This understanding helps in planning the audit effectively.
Identifying weaknesses (Option A) occurs later, while optimization (Option B) and resource understanding (Option D) are not primary objectives at this stage.
ISACA CISA
Reference: Domain 1 – Information System Auditing Process
C
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in-Depth
During the preliminary phase, the auditor’s goal is to understand the key areas of the business process to identify potential risks and areas that need deeper examination. This understanding helps in planning the audit effectively.
Identifying weaknesses (Option A) occurs later, while optimization (Option B) and resource understanding (Option D) are not primary objectives at this stage.
ISACA CISA
Reference: Domain 1 – Information System Auditing Process
Question #332
Which of the following would present the GREATEST concern during a review of internal audit quality assurance (QA) and continuous improvement processes?
- A . The audit program does not involve periodic engagement with external assessors.
- B . Quarterly reports are not distributed to the audit committee.
- C . Results of corrective actions are not tracked consistently.
- D . Substantive testing is not performed during the assessment phase of some audits.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the ISACA CISA documentation, one of the requirements for internal audit quality assurance (QA) and continuous improvement processes is to have an external assessment at least once every five years by a qualified, independent reviewer or review team from outside the organization1. This is to ensure that the internal audit activity conforms to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (the Standards) and the Code of Ethics, and to identify opportunities for improvement2. Therefore, the lack of periodic engagement with external assessors would present the greatest concern during a review of internal audit QA and continuous improvement processes.
A
Explanation:
According to the ISACA CISA documentation, one of the requirements for internal audit quality assurance (QA) and continuous improvement processes is to have an external assessment at least once every five years by a qualified, independent reviewer or review team from outside the organization1. This is to ensure that the internal audit activity conforms to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (the Standards) and the Code of Ethics, and to identify opportunities for improvement2. Therefore, the lack of periodic engagement with external assessors would present the greatest concern during a review of internal audit QA and continuous improvement processes.
Question #333
Which of the following would BEST help to ensure that potential security issues are considered by the development team as part of incremental changes to agile-developed software?
- A . Assign the security risk analysis to a specially trained member of the project management office.
- B . Deploy changes in a controlled environment and observe for security defects.
- C . Include a mandatory step to analyze the security impact when making changes.
- D . Mandate that the change analyses are documented in a standard format.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The best way to ensure that potential security issues are considered by the development team as part of incremental changes to agile-developed software is to include a mandatory step to analyze the security impact when making changes. This will help to identify and mitigate any security risks or vulnerabilities that may arise from the changes, and to ensure that the software meets the security requirements and standards. The other options are not as effective, because they either delegate the security analysis to someone outside the development team, rely on post-deployment testing, or focus on documentation rather than analysis.
Reference: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.5
C
Explanation:
The best way to ensure that potential security issues are considered by the development team as part of incremental changes to agile-developed software is to include a mandatory step to analyze the security impact when making changes. This will help to identify and mitigate any security risks or vulnerabilities that may arise from the changes, and to ensure that the software meets the security requirements and standards. The other options are not as effective, because they either delegate the security analysis to someone outside the development team, rely on post-deployment testing, or focus on documentation rather than analysis.
Reference: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.5
Question #334
Which of the following control measures is the MOST effective against unauthorized access of confidential information on stolen or lost laptops?
- A . Remote wipe capabilities
- B . Disk encryption
- C . User awareness
- D . Password-protected files
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step
Thebest protectionfor a stolen laptop isfull disk encryption, which prevents unauthorized accesseven if the device is lost.
Option A (Incorrect): Remote wipe capabilitiesare useful, but theyrequire an internet connectionto function, which is not always available when a device is stolen.
Option B (Correct): Full disk encryption (FDE)ensures that data remainsunreadablewithout the correct decryption key, even if the hard drive is removed.
Option C (Incorrect): User awarenessis helpful, but itdoes not physically securedata on a lost device.
Option D (Incorrect): Password-protected filescan be bypassed by copying them to another system, making them an inadequate security measure.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual CDomain 5: Protection of Information AssetsC Coversencryption, data security, and endpoint protection.
B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step
Thebest protectionfor a stolen laptop isfull disk encryption, which prevents unauthorized accesseven if the device is lost.
Option A (Incorrect): Remote wipe capabilitiesare useful, but theyrequire an internet connectionto function, which is not always available when a device is stolen.
Option B (Correct): Full disk encryption (FDE)ensures that data remainsunreadablewithout the correct decryption key, even if the hard drive is removed.
Option C (Incorrect): User awarenessis helpful, but itdoes not physically securedata on a lost device.
Option D (Incorrect): Password-protected filescan be bypassed by copying them to another system, making them an inadequate security measure.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual CDomain 5: Protection of Information AssetsC Coversencryption, data security, and endpoint protection.
Question #335
Management receives information indicating a high level of risk associated with potential flooding near the organization’s data center within the next few years. As a result, a decision has been made to move data center operations to another facility on higher ground.
Which approach has been adopted?
- A . Risk avoidance
- B . Risk transfer
- C . Risk acceptance
- D . Risk reduction
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The approach adopted by management in this scenario is risk avoidance. Risk avoidance is the elimination of a risk by discontinuing or not undertaking an activity that poses a threat to the organization3. By moving data center operations to another facility on higher ground, management is avoiding the potential flooding risk that could disrupt or damage the data center. Risk transfer, risk acceptance and risk reduction are other possible approaches for dealing with risks, but they do not
apply in this case.
Reference: CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, page 641
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A
Explanation:
The approach adopted by management in this scenario is risk avoidance. Risk avoidance is the elimination of a risk by discontinuing or not undertaking an activity that poses a threat to the organization3. By moving data center operations to another facility on higher ground, management is avoiding the potential flooding risk that could disrupt or damage the data center. Risk transfer, risk acceptance and risk reduction are other possible approaches for dealing with risks, but they do not
apply in this case.
Reference: CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, page 641
CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database – 12 Month Subscription
Question #336
Which of the following areas of responsibility would cause the GREATEST segregation of duties conflict if the individual who performs the related tasks also has approval authority?
- A . Purchase requisitions and purchase orders
- B . Invoices and reconciliations
- C . Vendor selection and statements of work
- D . Good receipts and payments
Correct Answer: B
Question #337
A network analyst is monitoring the network after hours and detects activity that appears to be a brute-force attempt to compromise a critical server. After reviewing the alerts to ensure their accuracy, what should be done NEXT?
- A . Perform a root cause analysis.
- B . Document all steps taken in a written report.
- C . Isolate the affected system.
- D . Invoke the incident response plan.
Correct Answer: D
Question #338
Which of the following BEST indicates that the effectiveness of an organization’s security awareness program has improved?
- A . A decrease in the number of information security audit findings
- B . An increase in the number of staff who complete awareness training
- C . An increase in the number of phishing emails reported by employees
- D . A decrease in the number of malware outbreaks
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The effectiveness of an organization’s security awareness program can be measured by capturing data on changes in the way people react to threats, such as the ability to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks1. An increase in the number of phishing emails reported by employees indicates that they are more aware of the signs and risks of phishing, and are more likely to take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate the impact of such attacks23.
Reference
1: The Importance Of Measuring Security Awareness 2: Measuring the effectiveness of your security awareness program 3: How effective is security awareness training?
The effectiveness of an organization’s security awareness program can be measured by capturing data on changes in the way people react to threats, such as the ability to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks1. An increase in the number of phishing emails reported by employees indicates that they are more aware of the signs and risks of phishing, and are more likely to take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate the impact of such attacks23.
Reference
1: The Importance Of Measuring Security Awareness 2: Measuring the effectiveness of your security awareness program 3: How effective is security awareness training?
C
Explanation:
The effectiveness of an organization’s security awareness program can be measured by capturing data on changes in the way people react to threats, such as the ability to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks1. An increase in the number of phishing emails reported by employees indicates that they are more aware of the signs and risks of phishing, and are more likely to take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate the impact of such attacks23.
Reference
1: The Importance Of Measuring Security Awareness 2: Measuring the effectiveness of your security awareness program 3: How effective is security awareness training?
The effectiveness of an organization’s security awareness program can be measured by capturing data on changes in the way people react to threats, such as the ability to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks1. An increase in the number of phishing emails reported by employees indicates that they are more aware of the signs and risks of phishing, and are more likely to take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate the impact of such attacks23.
Reference
1: The Importance Of Measuring Security Awareness 2: Measuring the effectiveness of your security awareness program 3: How effective is security awareness training?
Question #339
In order to be useful, a key performance indicator (KPI) MUST
- A . be approved by management.
- B . be measurable in percentages.
- C . be changed frequently to reflect organizational strategy.
- D . have a target value.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A key performance indicator (KPI) is a quantifiable measure of performance over time for a specific objective1. KPIs help organizations and teams track their progress and achievements towards their strategic goals. To be useful, a KPI must have a target value, which is the desired level of performance
or outcome that the organization or team aims to achieve. A target value provides a clear direction and a benchmark for measuring success or failure. Without a target value, a KPI is meaningless, as it does not indicate whether the performance is good or bad, or how far or close the organization or team is from reaching their objective.
D
Explanation:
A key performance indicator (KPI) is a quantifiable measure of performance over time for a specific objective1. KPIs help organizations and teams track their progress and achievements towards their strategic goals. To be useful, a KPI must have a target value, which is the desired level of performance
or outcome that the organization or team aims to achieve. A target value provides a clear direction and a benchmark for measuring success or failure. Without a target value, a KPI is meaningless, as it does not indicate whether the performance is good or bad, or how far or close the organization or team is from reaching their objective.
Question #340
Which of the following is the PRIMARY advantage of using visualization technology for corporate applications?
- A . Improved disaster recovery
- B . Better utilization of resources
- C . Stronger data security
- D . Increased application performance
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Visualization technology is the use of software and hardware to create graphical representations of data, such as charts, graphs, maps, images, etc. Visualization technology can help users to understand, analyze, and communicate complex and large amounts of data in an intuitive and engaging way1.
One of the primary advantages of using visualization technology for corporate applications is that it can improve the utilization of resources, such as time, money, human capital, and physical assets.
Some of the ways that visualization technology can achieve this are:
Visualization technology can help users to quickly and easily explore, filter, and interact with data, reducing the need for manual data processing and analysis1. This can save time and effort for both data producers and consumers, and allow them to focus on more value-added tasks.
Visualization technology can help users to discover patterns, trends, outliers, correlations, and causations in data that may otherwise be hidden or overlooked in traditional reports or tables1. This can enable users to make better and faster decisions based on data-driven insights, and optimize their strategies and actions accordingly.
Visualization technology can help users to communicate and share data more effectively and persuasively with different audiences, such as customers, partners, investors, regulators, etc1. This can enhance the reputation and credibility of the organization, and foster collaboration and innovation among stakeholders.
Visualization technology can help users to monitor and measure the performance and impact of their activities, products, services, or processes1. This can help users to identify problems or opportunities for improvement, and adjust their plans or actions accordingly.
Visualization technology can help users to create engaging and interactive experiences for their customers or end-users1. This can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and generate more revenue or value for the organization.
Therefore, using visualization technology for corporate applications can help organizations to better utilize their resources and achieve their goals.
Reference: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2019
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TechRadar Blog, Best data visualization tools of 20232
IBM Blog, What is Data Visualization?3
TDWI Blog, Data Visualization Technology4
Tableau Blog, What are the advantages and disadvantages of data visualization?
B
Explanation:
Visualization technology is the use of software and hardware to create graphical representations of data, such as charts, graphs, maps, images, etc. Visualization technology can help users to understand, analyze, and communicate complex and large amounts of data in an intuitive and engaging way1.
One of the primary advantages of using visualization technology for corporate applications is that it can improve the utilization of resources, such as time, money, human capital, and physical assets.
Some of the ways that visualization technology can achieve this are:
Visualization technology can help users to quickly and easily explore, filter, and interact with data, reducing the need for manual data processing and analysis1. This can save time and effort for both data producers and consumers, and allow them to focus on more value-added tasks.
Visualization technology can help users to discover patterns, trends, outliers, correlations, and causations in data that may otherwise be hidden or overlooked in traditional reports or tables1. This can enable users to make better and faster decisions based on data-driven insights, and optimize their strategies and actions accordingly.
Visualization technology can help users to communicate and share data more effectively and persuasively with different audiences, such as customers, partners, investors, regulators, etc1. This can enhance the reputation and credibility of the organization, and foster collaboration and innovation among stakeholders.
Visualization technology can help users to monitor and measure the performance and impact of their activities, products, services, or processes1. This can help users to identify problems or opportunities for improvement, and adjust their plans or actions accordingly.
Visualization technology can help users to create engaging and interactive experiences for their customers or end-users1. This can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and generate more revenue or value for the organization.
Therefore, using visualization technology for corporate applications can help organizations to better utilize their resources and achieve their goals.
Reference: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2019
ISACA, CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database – 12 Month Subscription
TechRadar Blog, Best data visualization tools of 20232
IBM Blog, What is Data Visualization?3
TDWI Blog, Data Visualization Technology4
Tableau Blog, What are the advantages and disadvantages of data visualization?