Practice Free CISA Exam Online Questions
Question #341
Which of the following would BEST protect the confidentiality of sensitive data in transit between multiple offices?
- A . Hash algorithms
- B . Digital signatures
- C . Public key infrastructure (PKI)
- D . Kerberos
Correct Answer: C
Question #342
An IS auditor is conducting a review of a data center.
Which of the following observations could indicate an access control Issue?
- A . Security cameras deployed outside main entrance
- B . Antistatic mats deployed at the computer room entrance
- C . Muddy footprints directly inside the emergency exit
- D . Fencing around facility is two meters high
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
An IS auditor is conducting a review of a data center. An observation that could indicate an access control issue is muddy footprints directly inside the emergency exit. Access control is a process that ensures that only authorized entities or individuals can access or use an information system or resource, and prevents unauthorized access or use. Access control can be implemented using various methods or mechanisms, such as physical, logical, administrative, etc. Muddy footprints directly inside the emergency exit could indicate an access control issue, as they could suggest that someone has entered the data center through the emergency exit without proper authorization or authentication, and potentially compromised the security or integrity of the data center. Security cameras deployed outside main entrance is not an observation that could indicate an access control issue, but rather a control that could enhance access control, as security cameras are devices that capture and record video footage of the surroundings, and can help monitor and deter unauthorized access or activity. Antistatic mats deployed at the computer room entrance is not an observation that could indicate an access control issue, but rather a control that could prevent static electricity damage, as antistatic mats are devices that dissipate or reduce static charges from people or objects, and can help protect electronic equipment from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Fencing around facility is two meters high is not an observation that could indicate an access control issue, but rather a control that could improve physical security, as fencing is a barrier that encloses or surrounds an area, and can help prevent unauthorized entry or intrusion.
C
Explanation:
An IS auditor is conducting a review of a data center. An observation that could indicate an access control issue is muddy footprints directly inside the emergency exit. Access control is a process that ensures that only authorized entities or individuals can access or use an information system or resource, and prevents unauthorized access or use. Access control can be implemented using various methods or mechanisms, such as physical, logical, administrative, etc. Muddy footprints directly inside the emergency exit could indicate an access control issue, as they could suggest that someone has entered the data center through the emergency exit without proper authorization or authentication, and potentially compromised the security or integrity of the data center. Security cameras deployed outside main entrance is not an observation that could indicate an access control issue, but rather a control that could enhance access control, as security cameras are devices that capture and record video footage of the surroundings, and can help monitor and deter unauthorized access or activity. Antistatic mats deployed at the computer room entrance is not an observation that could indicate an access control issue, but rather a control that could prevent static electricity damage, as antistatic mats are devices that dissipate or reduce static charges from people or objects, and can help protect electronic equipment from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Fencing around facility is two meters high is not an observation that could indicate an access control issue, but rather a control that could improve physical security, as fencing is a barrier that encloses or surrounds an area, and can help prevent unauthorized entry or intrusion.
Question #343
Which of the following is the MOST important consideration for patching mission critical business application servers against known vulnerabilities?
- A . Patches are implemented in a test environment prior to rollout into production.
- B . Network vulnerability scans are conducted after patches are implemented.
- C . Vulnerability assessments are periodically conducted according to defined schedules.
- D . Roles and responsibilities for implementing patches are defined
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The most important consideration for patching mission critical business application servers against known vulnerabilities is A. Patches are implemented in a test environment prior to rollout into production. This is because patching mission critical business application servers involves a high level of risk and complexity, and requires careful planning and testing before applying the patches to the live environment. Patches may introduce new bugs, errors, or conflicts that could affect the functionality, performance, or security of the application servers, and cause system downtime, data loss, or business disruption1. Therefore, it is essential to implement patches in atest environment first, where the patches can be verified and validated for their effectiveness and compatibility, and any issues or defects can be identified and resolved before they impact the production environment2.
A
Explanation:
The most important consideration for patching mission critical business application servers against known vulnerabilities is A. Patches are implemented in a test environment prior to rollout into production. This is because patching mission critical business application servers involves a high level of risk and complexity, and requires careful planning and testing before applying the patches to the live environment. Patches may introduce new bugs, errors, or conflicts that could affect the functionality, performance, or security of the application servers, and cause system downtime, data loss, or business disruption1. Therefore, it is essential to implement patches in atest environment first, where the patches can be verified and validated for their effectiveness and compatibility, and any issues or defects can be identified and resolved before they impact the production environment2.
Question #344
During planning for a cloud service audit, audit management becomes aware that the assigned IS auditor is unfamiliar with the technologies in use and their associated risks to the business.
To ensure audit quality, which of the following actions should audit management consider FIRST?
- A . Conduct a follow-up audit after a suitable period has elapsed.
- B . Reschedule the audit assignment for the next financial year.
- C . Reassign the audit to an internal audit subject matter expert.
- D . Extend the duration of the audit to give the auditor more time.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The best action that audit management should consider first is to reassign the audit to an internal audit subject matter expert. This is because cloud service audits require specialized knowledge and skills to assess the risks and controls associated with the cloud service provider and the cloud service customer. An IS auditor who is unfamiliar with the technologies in use and their associated risks to the business may not be able to perform an effective and efficient audit, and may miss important issues or provide inaccurate recommendations. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the IS auditor assigned to the cloud service audit has the appropriate competence and experience.
The other options are not as good as reassigning the audit to an internal audit subject matter expert. Conducting a follow-up audit after a suitable period has elapsed may not address the quality issues of the initial audit, and may also delay the identification and remediation of any problems. Rescheduling the audit assignment for the next financial year may expose the organization to unnecessary risks and may not meet the audit objectives or expectations. Extending the duration of the audit to give the auditor more time may not be feasible or cost-effective, and may not guarantee that the auditor will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in time.
Reference: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2019, p. 1391
ISACA, Cloud Computing: Business Benefits With Security, Governance and Assurance Perspectives, 2009, p. 14
C
Explanation:
The best action that audit management should consider first is to reassign the audit to an internal audit subject matter expert. This is because cloud service audits require specialized knowledge and skills to assess the risks and controls associated with the cloud service provider and the cloud service customer. An IS auditor who is unfamiliar with the technologies in use and their associated risks to the business may not be able to perform an effective and efficient audit, and may miss important issues or provide inaccurate recommendations. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the IS auditor assigned to the cloud service audit has the appropriate competence and experience.
The other options are not as good as reassigning the audit to an internal audit subject matter expert. Conducting a follow-up audit after a suitable period has elapsed may not address the quality issues of the initial audit, and may also delay the identification and remediation of any problems. Rescheduling the audit assignment for the next financial year may expose the organization to unnecessary risks and may not meet the audit objectives or expectations. Extending the duration of the audit to give the auditor more time may not be feasible or cost-effective, and may not guarantee that the auditor will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in time.
Reference: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2019, p. 1391
ISACA, Cloud Computing: Business Benefits With Security, Governance and Assurance Perspectives, 2009, p. 14
Question #345
An organization is enhancing the security of a client-facing web application following a proposal to acquire personal information for a business purpose.
Which of the following is MOST important to review before implementing this initiative?
- A . Regulatory compliance requirements
- B . Data ownership assignments
- C . Encryption capabilities
- D . Customer notification procedures
Correct Answer: A
Question #346
When assessing the overall effectiveness of an organization’s disaster recovery planning process, which of the following is MOST important for the IS auditor to verify?
- A . Management contracts with a third party for warm site services.
- B . Management schedules an annual tabletop exercise.
- C . Management documents and distributes a copy of the plan to all personnel.
- D . Management reviews and updates the plan annually or as changes occur.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The overall effectiveness of an organization’s disaster recovery planning process depends on how well the plan reflects the current and future needs and risks of the organization, and how well the plan is tested, communicated, and maintained. Among the four options given, the most important one for the IS auditor to verify is that management reviews and updates the plan annually or as changes occur.
A disaster recovery plan is not a static document that can be created once and forgotten. It is a dynamic and evolving process that requires regular review and update to ensure that it remains relevant, accurate, and effective. A disaster recovery plan should be reviewed and updated at least annually, or whenever there are significant changes in the organization’s structure, operations, environment, or regulations. These changes could affect the business impact analysis, risk assessment, recovery objectives, recovery strategies, roles and responsibilities, or resources of the disaster recovery plan. If the plan is not updated to reflect these changes, it could become obsolete, incomplete, or inconsistent, and fail to meet the organization’s recovery needs or expectations.
The other three options are not as important as reviewing and updating the plan, although they may also contribute to the effectiveness of the disaster recovery planning process. Contracting with a third party for warm site services is a possible recovery strategy that involves using a partially equipped facility that can be quickly activated in case of a disaster. However, this strategy may not be suitable or sufficient for every organization or scenario, and it does not guarantee the success of the disaster recovery plan. Scheduling an annual tabletop exercise is a good practice that involves simulating a disaster scenario and testing the plan in a hypothetical setting. However, this exercisemay not be enough to evaluate the feasibility or readiness of the plan, and it should be complemented by other types of tests, such as walkthroughs, drills, or full-scale exercises. Documenting and distributing a copy of the plan to all personnel is an essential step that ensures that everyone involved in or affected by the plan is aware of their roles and responsibilities, and has access to the relevant information and instructions. However, this step alone does not ensure that the plan is understood or followed by all personnel, and it should be accompanied by proper training, education, and awareness programs.
Therefore, reviewing and updating the plan annually or as changes occur is the best answer.
D
Explanation:
The overall effectiveness of an organization’s disaster recovery planning process depends on how well the plan reflects the current and future needs and risks of the organization, and how well the plan is tested, communicated, and maintained. Among the four options given, the most important one for the IS auditor to verify is that management reviews and updates the plan annually or as changes occur.
A disaster recovery plan is not a static document that can be created once and forgotten. It is a dynamic and evolving process that requires regular review and update to ensure that it remains relevant, accurate, and effective. A disaster recovery plan should be reviewed and updated at least annually, or whenever there are significant changes in the organization’s structure, operations, environment, or regulations. These changes could affect the business impact analysis, risk assessment, recovery objectives, recovery strategies, roles and responsibilities, or resources of the disaster recovery plan. If the plan is not updated to reflect these changes, it could become obsolete, incomplete, or inconsistent, and fail to meet the organization’s recovery needs or expectations.
The other three options are not as important as reviewing and updating the plan, although they may also contribute to the effectiveness of the disaster recovery planning process. Contracting with a third party for warm site services is a possible recovery strategy that involves using a partially equipped facility that can be quickly activated in case of a disaster. However, this strategy may not be suitable or sufficient for every organization or scenario, and it does not guarantee the success of the disaster recovery plan. Scheduling an annual tabletop exercise is a good practice that involves simulating a disaster scenario and testing the plan in a hypothetical setting. However, this exercisemay not be enough to evaluate the feasibility or readiness of the plan, and it should be complemented by other types of tests, such as walkthroughs, drills, or full-scale exercises. Documenting and distributing a copy of the plan to all personnel is an essential step that ensures that everyone involved in or affected by the plan is aware of their roles and responsibilities, and has access to the relevant information and instructions. However, this step alone does not ensure that the plan is understood or followed by all personnel, and it should be accompanied by proper training, education, and awareness programs.
Therefore, reviewing and updating the plan annually or as changes occur is the best answer.
Question #347
Which of the following BEST protects an organization’s proprietary code during a joint-development activity involving a third party?
- A . Statement of work (SOW)
- B . Nondisclosure agreement (NDA)
- C . Service level agreement (SLA)
- D . Privacy agreement
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
A nondisclosure agreement (NDA) is the best way to protect an organization’s proprietary code during a joint-development activity involving a third party. An NDA is a legal contract that binds the parties involved in a joint-development activity to keep confidential any information, data or materials that are shared or exchanged during the activity. An NDA specifies what constitutes confidential information, how it can be used, disclosed or protected, how long it remains confidential, what are the exceptions and remedies for breach of confidentiality, and other terms and conditions. An NDA can help to protect an organization’s proprietary code from being copied, modified, distributed or exploited by unauthorized parties without its consent or knowledge. The other options are not as effective as option B, as they do not address confidentiality issues specifically. A statement of work (SOW) is a document that defines the scope, objectives, deliverables, tasks, roles, responsibilities, timelines and costs of a joint-development activity, but it does not cover confidentiality issues explicitly. A service level agreement (SLA) is a document that defines the quality, performance and availability standards and metrics for a service provided by one party to another party in a joint-development activity, but it does not cover confidentiality issues explicitly. A privacy agreement is a document that defines how personal information collected from customers or users is collected, used, disclosed and protected by one party or both parties in a joint-development activity, but it does not cover confidentiality issues related to proprietary code.
Reference: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) , Chapter 3: Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation, Section 3.2: Project Management Practices.
B
Explanation:
A nondisclosure agreement (NDA) is the best way to protect an organization’s proprietary code during a joint-development activity involving a third party. An NDA is a legal contract that binds the parties involved in a joint-development activity to keep confidential any information, data or materials that are shared or exchanged during the activity. An NDA specifies what constitutes confidential information, how it can be used, disclosed or protected, how long it remains confidential, what are the exceptions and remedies for breach of confidentiality, and other terms and conditions. An NDA can help to protect an organization’s proprietary code from being copied, modified, distributed or exploited by unauthorized parties without its consent or knowledge. The other options are not as effective as option B, as they do not address confidentiality issues specifically. A statement of work (SOW) is a document that defines the scope, objectives, deliverables, tasks, roles, responsibilities, timelines and costs of a joint-development activity, but it does not cover confidentiality issues explicitly. A service level agreement (SLA) is a document that defines the quality, performance and availability standards and metrics for a service provided by one party to another party in a joint-development activity, but it does not cover confidentiality issues explicitly. A privacy agreement is a document that defines how personal information collected from customers or users is collected, used, disclosed and protected by one party or both parties in a joint-development activity, but it does not cover confidentiality issues related to proprietary code.
Reference: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) , Chapter 3: Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation, Section 3.2: Project Management Practices.
Question #348
Which of the following is the MOST important determining factor when establishing appropriate timeframes for follow-up activities related to audit findings?
- A . Availability of IS audit resources
- B . Remediation dates included in management responses
- C . Peak activity periods for the business
- D . Complexity of business processes identified in the audit
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The most important determining factor when establishing appropriate timeframes for follow-up activities related to audit findings is the remediation dates included in management responses. The IS auditor should ensure that the follow-up activities are aligned with the agreed-upon action plans and deadlines that management has committed to in response to the audit findings. The follow-up activities should verify that management has implemented the corrective actions effectively and in a timely manner, and that the audit findings have been resolved or mitigated.
The other options are less important factors for establishing timeframes for follow-up activities:
Availability of IS audit resources. This is a practical factor that may affect the scheduling and execution of follow-up activities, but it should not override the priority and urgency of verifying management’s corrective actions.
Peak activity periods for the business. This is a factor that may affect the availability and cooperation of auditees during follow-up activities, but it should not delay or postpone the verification of management’s corrective actions beyond reasonable limits.
Complexity of business processes identified in the audit. This is a factor that may affect the scope and depth of follow-up activities, but it should not affect the timeframe for verifying management’s corrective actions.
B
Explanation:
The most important determining factor when establishing appropriate timeframes for follow-up activities related to audit findings is the remediation dates included in management responses. The IS auditor should ensure that the follow-up activities are aligned with the agreed-upon action plans and deadlines that management has committed to in response to the audit findings. The follow-up activities should verify that management has implemented the corrective actions effectively and in a timely manner, and that the audit findings have been resolved or mitigated.
The other options are less important factors for establishing timeframes for follow-up activities:
Availability of IS audit resources. This is a practical factor that may affect the scheduling and execution of follow-up activities, but it should not override the priority and urgency of verifying management’s corrective actions.
Peak activity periods for the business. This is a factor that may affect the availability and cooperation of auditees during follow-up activities, but it should not delay or postpone the verification of management’s corrective actions beyond reasonable limits.
Complexity of business processes identified in the audit. This is a factor that may affect the scope and depth of follow-up activities, but it should not affect the timeframe for verifying management’s corrective actions.
Question #349
The waterfall life cycle model of software development is BEST suited for which of the following situations?
- A . The protect requirements are wall understood.
- B . The project is subject to time pressures.
- C . The project intends to apply an object-oriented design approach.
- D . The project will involve the use of new technology.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited for situations where the project requirements are well understood. The waterfall life cycle model is a sequential and linear approach to software development that consists of several phases, such as planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Each phase depends on the completion and approval of the previous phase before proceeding to the next phase. The waterfall life cycle model is best suited for situations where the project requirements are well understood, as it assumes that the requirements are clear, stable, and fixed at the beginning of the project, and do not change significantly throughout the project. The project is subject to time pressures is not a situation where the waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited, as it may not be flexible or agile enough to accommodate changes or adjustments in the project schedule or timeline. The waterfall life cycle model may involve long delays or dependencies between phases, and may not allow for early feedback or delivery of software products. The project intends to apply an object-oriented design approach is not a situation where the waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited, as it may not be compatible or effective with the object-oriented design approach. The object-oriented design approach is a technique that models software as a collection of interacting objects that have attributes and behaviors. The object-oriented design approach may require iterative and incremental development methods that allow for dynamic and adaptive changes in software design and functionality. The project will involve the use of new technology is not a situation where the waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited, as it may not be able to cope with the uncertainty or complexity of new technology. The waterfall life cycle model may not allow for sufficient exploration or experimentation with new technology, and may not be able to handle changes or issues that arise from new technology.
A
Explanation:
The waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited for situations where the project requirements are well understood. The waterfall life cycle model is a sequential and linear approach to software development that consists of several phases, such as planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Each phase depends on the completion and approval of the previous phase before proceeding to the next phase. The waterfall life cycle model is best suited for situations where the project requirements are well understood, as it assumes that the requirements are clear, stable, and fixed at the beginning of the project, and do not change significantly throughout the project. The project is subject to time pressures is not a situation where the waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited, as it may not be flexible or agile enough to accommodate changes or adjustments in the project schedule or timeline. The waterfall life cycle model may involve long delays or dependencies between phases, and may not allow for early feedback or delivery of software products. The project intends to apply an object-oriented design approach is not a situation where the waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited, as it may not be compatible or effective with the object-oriented design approach. The object-oriented design approach is a technique that models software as a collection of interacting objects that have attributes and behaviors. The object-oriented design approach may require iterative and incremental development methods that allow for dynamic and adaptive changes in software design and functionality. The project will involve the use of new technology is not a situation where the waterfall life cycle model of software development is best suited, as it may not be able to cope with the uncertainty or complexity of new technology. The waterfall life cycle model may not allow for sufficient exploration or experimentation with new technology, and may not be able to handle changes or issues that arise from new technology.
Question #350
An organization has decided to reengineer business processes to improve the performance of overall IT service delivery.
Which of the following recommendations from the project team should be the GREATEST concern to the IS auditor?
- A . Disable operational logging to enhance the processing speed and save storage.
- B . Adopt a service delivery model based on insights from peer organizations.
- C . Delegate business decisions to the chief risk officer (CRO).
- D . Eliminate certain reports and key performance indicators (KPIs)
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Disabling operational logging compromises critical functions such as security monitoring, troubleshooting, and compliance reporting. Logs are essential for tracking system activities, identifying anomalies, and conducting forensic investigations in case of incidents. Enhancing processing speed and saving storage should not come at the cost of reducing logging, as this increases security risks and weakens the organization’s ability to detect and respond to threats.
Adopting a Peer-Inspired Service Delivery Model (Option B): This might pose risks if not customized for the organization’s context, but it is not as critical as the loss of operational logging.
Delegating Business Decisions to the CRO (Option C): While unconventional, this does not inherently introduce risks to IT service delivery unless operational control issues arise.
Eliminating Reports and KPIs (Option D): This could hinder performance tracking but does not compromise operational security as severely as disabling logging.
Operational logging is foundational to maintaining security, reliability, and accountability in IT environments.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual, Job Practice Area 3: Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience.
A
Explanation:
Disabling operational logging compromises critical functions such as security monitoring, troubleshooting, and compliance reporting. Logs are essential for tracking system activities, identifying anomalies, and conducting forensic investigations in case of incidents. Enhancing processing speed and saving storage should not come at the cost of reducing logging, as this increases security risks and weakens the organization’s ability to detect and respond to threats.
Adopting a Peer-Inspired Service Delivery Model (Option B): This might pose risks if not customized for the organization’s context, but it is not as critical as the loss of operational logging.
Delegating Business Decisions to the CRO (Option C): While unconventional, this does not inherently introduce risks to IT service delivery unless operational control issues arise.
Eliminating Reports and KPIs (Option D): This could hinder performance tracking but does not compromise operational security as severely as disabling logging.
Operational logging is foundational to maintaining security, reliability, and accountability in IT environments.
Reference: ISACA CISA Review Manual, Job Practice Area 3: Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience.