Practice Free CISA Exam Online Questions
Question #41
Which of the following should be the PRIMARY purpose of conducting tabletop exercises when re-viewing a security incident response plan?
- A . To provide efficiencies for alignment with incident response test scenarios
- B . To determine process improvement options for the incident response plan
- C . To gather documentation for responding to security audit inquiries
- D . To confirm that technology is in place to support the incident response plan
Correct Answer: B
Question #42
An IS auditor is supporting a forensic investigation. An image of affected storage media has been captured while collecting digital forensic evidence.
Which of the following techniques would BEST enable an IS auditor to verify that the captured image is an exact, unchanged replica of the original media?
- A . Hash value
- B . Access control list
- C . File allocation table
- D . Size of the file
Correct Answer: A
Question #43
Which of the following provides the MOST assurance over the completeness and accuracy ol loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system?
- A . Comparing code between old and new systems
- B . Running historical transactions through the new system
- C . Reviewing quality assurance (QA) procedures
- D . Loading balance and transaction data to the new system
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The most assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system can be obtained by running historical transactions through the new system. Historical transactions are transactions that have been processed and recorded by the old system in the past. Running historical transactions through the new system can provide the most assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by comparing the results and outputs of the new system with those of the old system, and verifying whether they match or differ. This can help identify and resolve any errors or issues that may arise from the new system, such as data conversion, functionality, compatibility, etc. Comparing code between old and new systems is a possible way to obtain some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system, but it is not the most effective one. Code is a set of instructions or commands that define how a system operates or functions. Comparing code between old and new systems can provide some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by checking whether the logic, algorithms, or functions of the new system are consistent or equivalent with those of the old system. However, this may not be sufficient or reliable, as code may not reflect the actual performance or outcomes of the system, and may not detect any errors or issues that may occur at the data or user level. Reviewing quality assurance (QA) procedures is a possible way to obtain some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system, but it is not the most effective one. QA procedures are steps or activities that ensure that a system meets its quality standards and requirements, such as testing, verification, validation, etc. Reviewing QA procedures can provide some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by evaluating whether the new system has been properly tested and verified before implementation. However, this may not be adequate or accurate, as QA procedures may not cover all aspects or scenarios of loan application processing, and may not reveal any errors or issues that may arise after implementation. Loading balance and transaction data to the new system is a possible way to obtain some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system, but it is not the most effective one. Balance and transaction data are data that reflect the status and history of loan applications in a system, such as amounts, dates, payments, etc. Loading balance and transaction data to the new system can provide some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by transferring data from the old system to the new system and ensuring that they are consistent and correct. However, this may not be enough or valid, as balance and transaction data may not represent all aspects or features of loan application processing, and may not indicate any errors or issues that may arise
B
Explanation:
The most assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system can be obtained by running historical transactions through the new system. Historical transactions are transactions that have been processed and recorded by the old system in the past. Running historical transactions through the new system can provide the most assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by comparing the results and outputs of the new system with those of the old system, and verifying whether they match or differ. This can help identify and resolve any errors or issues that may arise from the new system, such as data conversion, functionality, compatibility, etc. Comparing code between old and new systems is a possible way to obtain some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system, but it is not the most effective one. Code is a set of instructions or commands that define how a system operates or functions. Comparing code between old and new systems can provide some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by checking whether the logic, algorithms, or functions of the new system are consistent or equivalent with those of the old system. However, this may not be sufficient or reliable, as code may not reflect the actual performance or outcomes of the system, and may not detect any errors or issues that may occur at the data or user level. Reviewing quality assurance (QA) procedures is a possible way to obtain some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system, but it is not the most effective one. QA procedures are steps or activities that ensure that a system meets its quality standards and requirements, such as testing, verification, validation, etc. Reviewing QA procedures can provide some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by evaluating whether the new system has been properly tested and verified before implementation. However, this may not be adequate or accurate, as QA procedures may not cover all aspects or scenarios of loan application processing, and may not reveal any errors or issues that may arise after implementation. Loading balance and transaction data to the new system is a possible way to obtain some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing with respect to the implementation of a new system, but it is not the most effective one. Balance and transaction data are data that reflect the status and history of loan applications in a system, such as amounts, dates, payments, etc. Loading balance and transaction data to the new system can provide some assurance over the completeness and accuracy of loan application processing, by transferring data from the old system to the new system and ensuring that they are consistent and correct. However, this may not be enough or valid, as balance and transaction data may not represent all aspects or features of loan application processing, and may not indicate any errors or issues that may arise
Question #44
Which of the following should an IS auditor review FIRST when planning a customer data privacy audit?
- A . Legal and compliance requirements
- B . Customer agreements
- C . Data classification
- D . Organizational policies and procedures
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The organizational policies and procedures are the first source of guidance for an IS auditor when planning a customer data privacy audit. They provide the framework and objectives for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, customer agreements and data classification. The IS auditor should review them first to understand the scope, roles and responsibilities, standards and controls related to customer data privacy in the organization. The other options are also important, but they are secondary sources of information that should be reviewed after the organizational policies and procedures.
References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) 1, Chapter
2: Governance and Management of Information Technology, Section 2.5: Privacy Principles and Policies.
D
Explanation:
The organizational policies and procedures are the first source of guidance for an IS auditor when planning a customer data privacy audit. They provide the framework and objectives for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, customer agreements and data classification. The IS auditor should review them first to understand the scope, roles and responsibilities, standards and controls related to customer data privacy in the organization. The other options are also important, but they are secondary sources of information that should be reviewed after the organizational policies and procedures.
References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version) 1, Chapter
2: Governance and Management of Information Technology, Section 2.5: Privacy Principles and Policies.
Question #45
Which of the following would BEST facilitate the successful implementation of an IT-related framework?
- A . Aligning the framework to industry best practices
- B . Establishing committees to support and oversee framework activities
- C . Involving appropriate business representation within the framework
- D . Documenting IT-related policies and procedures
Correct Answer: C
Question #46
Which of the following is the PRIMARY advantage of using an automated security log monitoring tool instead of conducting a manual review to monitor the use of privileged access?
- A . Reduced costs associated with automating the review
- B . Increased likelihood of detecting suspicious activity
- C . Ease of storing and maintaining log file
- D . Ease of log retrieval for audit purposes
Correct Answer: B
Question #47
An organization is permanently transitioning from onsite to fully remote business operations. When should the existing business impact analysis (BIA) be reviewed?
- A . During the next scheduled review
- B . At least one year after the transition
- C . As soon as the decision about the transition is announced
- D . As soon as the new operating model is in place
Correct Answer: D
Question #48
Which of the following should be of GREATEST concern to an IS auditor who is assessing an organization’s configuration and release management process?
- A . The organization does not use an industry-recognized methodology
- B . Changes and change approvals are not documented
- C . All changes require middle and senior management approval
- D . There is no centralized configuration management database (CMDB)
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The greatest concern to an IS auditor who is assessing an organization’s configuration and release
management process is that changes and change approvals are not documented. This is because documentation is essential for ensuring the traceability, accountability, and quality of the changes made to the configuration items (CIs) and the releases deployed to the production environment.
Without documentation, it would be difficult to verify the authenticity, validity, and authorization of the changes, as well as to identify and resolve any issues or incidents that may arise from the changes. Documentation also helps to maintain compliance with internal and external standards and regulations, as well as to facilitate audits and reviews.
The other options are not as concerning as option B, although they may also indicate some weaknesses in the configuration and release management process. The organization does not use an industry-recognized methodology, but this does not necessarily mean that their process is ineffective or inefficient. The organization may have developed their own methodology that suits their specific needs and context. However, using an industry-recognized methodology could help them adopt best practices and improve their process maturity. All changes require middle and senior management approval, but this may not be a problem if the organization has a clear and streamlined approval process that does not cause delays or bottlenecks in the change implementation. However, requiring too many approvals could also introduce unnecessary complexity and bureaucracy in the process. There is no centralized configuration management database (CMDB), but this does not mean that the organization does not have a way of managing their CIs and their relationships. The organization may use other tools or methods to store and access their configuration data, such as spreadsheets, documents, or repositories. However, having a centralized CMDB could help them improve their visibility, accuracy, and consistency of their configuration data.
References:
1: The Essential Guide to Release Management | Smartsheet
2: 5 steps to a successful release management process – Lucidchart
3: Configuration Management process overview – Micro Focus
4: Release and Deployment Management process overview – Micro Focus
B
Explanation:
The greatest concern to an IS auditor who is assessing an organization’s configuration and release
management process is that changes and change approvals are not documented. This is because documentation is essential for ensuring the traceability, accountability, and quality of the changes made to the configuration items (CIs) and the releases deployed to the production environment.
Without documentation, it would be difficult to verify the authenticity, validity, and authorization of the changes, as well as to identify and resolve any issues or incidents that may arise from the changes. Documentation also helps to maintain compliance with internal and external standards and regulations, as well as to facilitate audits and reviews.
The other options are not as concerning as option B, although they may also indicate some weaknesses in the configuration and release management process. The organization does not use an industry-recognized methodology, but this does not necessarily mean that their process is ineffective or inefficient. The organization may have developed their own methodology that suits their specific needs and context. However, using an industry-recognized methodology could help them adopt best practices and improve their process maturity. All changes require middle and senior management approval, but this may not be a problem if the organization has a clear and streamlined approval process that does not cause delays or bottlenecks in the change implementation. However, requiring too many approvals could also introduce unnecessary complexity and bureaucracy in the process. There is no centralized configuration management database (CMDB), but this does not mean that the organization does not have a way of managing their CIs and their relationships. The organization may use other tools or methods to store and access their configuration data, such as spreadsheets, documents, or repositories. However, having a centralized CMDB could help them improve their visibility, accuracy, and consistency of their configuration data.
References:
1: The Essential Guide to Release Management | Smartsheet
2: 5 steps to a successful release management process – Lucidchart
3: Configuration Management process overview – Micro Focus
4: Release and Deployment Management process overview – Micro Focus
Question #49
Which of the following is the PRIMARY role of key performance indicators (KPIs) in supporting business process effectiveness?
- A . To enable conclusions about me performance of the processes and target variances tor follow-up analysis
- B . To analyze workflows in order to optimize business processes and eliminate tasks that do not provide value
- C . To assess the functionality of a software deliverable based on business processes
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The primary role of key performance indicators (KPIs) in supporting business process effectiveness is to enable conclusions about the performance of the processes and target variances for follow-up analysis. KPIs are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively an organization is achieving its key objectives. KPIs can help to monitor and evaluate the performance, quality, and efficiency of the business processes. KPIs can also help to identify areas for improvement and benchmark against best practices or industry standards. KPIs can also provide feedback and guidance for decision making and corrective actions.
References:
CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 1, Section 1.3.21 CISA Online Review Course, Domain 5, Module 2, Lesson 22
A
Explanation:
The primary role of key performance indicators (KPIs) in supporting business process effectiveness is to enable conclusions about the performance of the processes and target variances for follow-up analysis. KPIs are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively an organization is achieving its key objectives. KPIs can help to monitor and evaluate the performance, quality, and efficiency of the business processes. KPIs can also help to identify areas for improvement and benchmark against best practices or industry standards. KPIs can also provide feedback and guidance for decision making and corrective actions.
References:
CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 1, Section 1.3.21 CISA Online Review Course, Domain 5, Module 2, Lesson 22
Question #50
After the merger of two organizations, which of the following is the MOST important task for an IS auditor to perform?
- A . Verifying that access privileges have been reviewed
- B . investigating access rights for expiration dates
- C . Updating the continuity plan for critical resources
- D . Updating the security policy
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
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.
A
Explanation:
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.