CISA Exam Dumps - Certified Information Systems Auditor

The greatest concern for an IS auditor when auditing an organization’s IT strategy development process is that information security was not included as a key objective in the IT strategic plan. Information security is a vital component of IT strategy, as it ensures the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information assets, and supports the business objectives and regulatory compliance. The other options are not as significant as the lack of information security in the IT strategic plan. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 1, Section 1.31

The primary advantage of using virtualization technology for corporate applications is to achieve better utilization of resources, such as hardware, software, network and storage. Virtualization technology allows multiple applications to run on a single physical server or device, which reduces the need for additional hardware and maintenance costs. Virtualization technology also enables dynamic allocation and reallocation of resources according to the demand and priority of the applications, which improves efficiency and flexibility. The other options are not the primary advantage of using virtualization technology, although they may be some of the benefits or challenges depending on the implementation and configuration. References:

ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, chapter 4, section 4.21

ISACA, COBIT 2019 Framework: Introduction and Methodology, section 3.23

In a bare metal or native virtualization, the hypervisor runs without a host operating system. A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor or VMM, is a type of virtualization software that supports the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs) by separating a computer’s software from its hardware. A bare metal hypervisor, also called a Type I or Native hypervisor, is virtualization software that runs onhost machine hardware directly, without requiring an underlying operating system12. This means that the bare metal hypervisor is the host or the operating system (OS) of the hardware1.

A guest operating system is an operating system that runs inside a virtual machine, on top of the hypervisor. A bare metal hypervisor can run multiple guest operating systems simultaneously, each with its own applications and resources. A guest operating system is not required for a bare metal hypervisor to run, but it is necessary for running applications on the virtual machine13.

Applications are software programs that perform specific tasks or functions for users. Applications can run on either the host operating system or the guest operating system, depending on the type of virtualization. In a bare metal virtualization, applications can run on the guest operating system, but not on the host operating system, since there is no host operating system. However, applications are not essential for a bare metal hypervisor to run, as they are only used by the users of the virtual machines

The quality assurance (QA) phase is the phase where the IS auditor should first examine requirements from an in-house SDLC project that has not met user specifications. This is because the QA phase is the phase where the system is tested and verified against the user specifications and the design specifications to ensure that it meets the functional and non-functional requirements, as well as the quality standards and expectations. The QA phase involves various testing activities, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing, performance testing, security testing, etc., to identify and resolve any defects, errors, or deviations from the specifications12.

The configuration phase is not the phase where the IS auditor should first examine requirements from an in-house SDLC project that has not met user specifications. The configuration phase is the phase where the system is installed and configured on the target environment, such as hardware, software, network, etc., to prepare it for deployment and operation. The configuration phase may involve activities such as installation, customization, migration, integration, etc., to ensure that the system is compatible and interoperable with the existinginfrastructure and systems34.

The user training phase is not the phase where the IS auditor should first examine requirements from an in-house SDLC project that has not met user specifications. The user training phase is the phase where the end-users are trained and educated on how to use the system effectively and efficiently. The user training phase may involve activities such as developing training materials, conducting training sessions, providing feedback and support, etc., to ensure that the users are familiar and comfortable with the system features and functions56.

The development phase is not the phase where the IS auditor should first examine requirements from an in-house SDLC project that has not met user specifications. The development phase is the phase where the system is coded and built based on the design specifications and the user specifications. The development phase may involve activities such as programming, debugging, documenting, etc., to create a working prototype or a final product of the system

 The best approach to determine whether IT service delivery is based on consistently effective processes is to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively an organization is achieving its key objectives. KPIs can help the IT governance body to monitor and assess the performance, quality, and efficiency of the IT service delivery processes. KPIs can also help to identify areas for improvement and benchmark against best practices or industry standards. References:

CISA Review Manual (DigitalVersion), Chapter 1, Section 1.3.21

CISA Online Review Course, Domain 5, Module 2, Lesson 22

The answer D is correct because the most important thing to determine when conducting an audit of an organization’s data privacy practices is whether the systems inventory containing personal data is maintained. A systems inventory is a list of all the systems, applications, databases, and devices that store, process, or transmit personal data within the organization. Maintaining a systems inventory is essential for data privacy because it helps the organization to identify, classify, and protect the personal data it holds, as well as to comply with the relevant privacy laws and regulations. A systems inventory also enables the organization to perform data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), data breach notifications, data subject access requests, and data retention and disposal policies.

The other options are not as important as option D. Whether a disciplinary process is established for data privacy violations (option A) is a policy issue that may deter or sanction the employees who violate the data privacy rules, but it does not directly affect the data privacy practices of the organization. Whether strong encryption algorithms are deployed for personal data protection (option B) is a technical issue that may enhance the security and confidentiality of the personal data, but it does not address the other aspects of data privacy, such as accuracy, consent, and purpose limitation.Whether privacy technologies are implemented for personal data protection (option C) is also a technical issue that may support the data privacy practices of the organization, but it does not guarantee that the organization follows the best practices or complies with the applicable laws and regulations.

The best approach for determining the overall IT risk appetite of an organization when business units use different methods for managing IT risks is to prioritize the organization’s IT risk scenarios. IT risk appetite is the amount and type of IT risk that an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives. IT risk scenarios are hypothetical situations that describe the potential impact of IT risk events on the organization’s objectives, processes, and resources. By prioritizing the organization’s IT risk scenarios, the IS auditor can identify the most significant IT risks that affect the organization as a whole, and align them with the organization’s strategic goals, values, and culture. Prioritizing the organization’s IT risk scenarios can also help to communicate and monitor the IT risk appetite across the organization, and facilitate consistent and informed decision making. The other approaches (A, B and D) are not effective for determining the overall IT risk appetite of an organization, as they do not consider the impact and likelihood of IT risks on the organization’s objectives, nor do they account for the diversity and complexity of IT risks across different business units. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 2: Governance and Management of Information Technology, Section 2.3: Information Technology Risk Management

The primary role of an internal audit function in the management of identified business risks is to validate the enterprise risk management (ERM) process and provide assurance on its effectiveness. The internal audit function should evaluate whether the ERM process is aligned with the organization’s objectives, strategies, policies and culture, and whether it covers all relevant risks and controls. The internal audit function should also assess whether the ERM process is operating as designed and producing reliable and timely information for decision making. The other options are not the primary role of an internal audit function, but rather the responsibilities of senior management, board of directors or risk owners. References:

ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27thEdition, chapter 1, section 1.41

ISACA, IT Audit and Assurance Standards, Guidelines and Tools and Techniques for IS Audit and Assurance Professionals, section 12072