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The best recommendation to include in an organization’s bring your own device (BYOD) policy to help prevent data leakage is to require multi-factor authentication on BYOD devices. BYOD is a practice that allows employees to use their own personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, to access the organization’s network, data, and systems. Data leakage is a risk that involves the unauthorized or accidental disclosure or transfer of sensitive or confidential data from the organization to external parties or devices. Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify their identity and access rights, such as passwords, tokens, biometrics, or codes. Multi-factor authentication can help prevent data leakage by reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to the organization’s data and systems throughBYOD devices, especially if they are lost, stolen, or compromised. The other options are not as effective as requiring multi-factor authentication on BYOD devices, because they either do not prevent data leakage directly, or they are reactive rather than proactive measures. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.3

 The best way to help ensure new IT implementations align with enterprise architecture (EA) principles and requirements is to conduct EA reviews as part of the change advisory board (CAB). A CAB is a committee that evaluates and authorizes changes to IT services, such as new IT implementations. By conducting EA reviews as part of the CAB process, the organization can ensure that the proposed changes are consistent with the EA vision, goals, standards, and guidelines. This can help avoid potential conflicts, risks, or inefficiencies that may arise from misaligned IT implementations. Additionally, EA reviews can help identify opportunities for improvement, optimization, or innovation in the IT services.

The other options are not the best ways to help ensure new IT implementations align with EA principles and requirements. Documenting the security view as part of the EA is important, but it does not guarantee that new IT implementations will follow the security requirements or best practices. Considering stakeholder concerns when defining the EA is also essential, but it does not ensure that new IT implementations will meet the stakeholder expectations or needs. Performing mandatory post-implementation reviews of IT implementations is a good practice, but it does not prevent potential issues or problems that may arise from misaligned IT implementations.

The first step when planning an IS audit of a third-party service provider that monitors network activities is to review the roles and responsibilities of the third-party provider. This will help to establish the scope, objectives, and expectations of the audit, as well as to identify any potential risks, issues, or gaps in the service level agreement (SLA) between the organization and the provider. Reviewing the third party’s monitoring logs and incident handling, evaluating the organization’s third-party monitoring process, and determining if the organization has a secure connection to the provider are important steps, but they should be performed after reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the provider. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)1, page 269.

 A feasibility study is an assessment that determines the likelihood of a proposed project being successful, such as a new system development1. A feasibility study typically covers various aspects of the project, such as technical, economic, operational and legal feasibility2. The IS auditor’s role is to audit the feasibility study and ensure that it is objective, realistic and reliable3.

One of the most important aspects of a feasibility study is the economic feasibility, which analyzes the costs and benefits of the proposed system and compares them with alternative solutions2. Theeconomic feasibility study should include a detailed breakdown of the development, implementation and operational costs, as well as the expected revenues, savings and intangible benefits of the system3. The IS auditor should review the cost-benefit documentation for reasonableness and accuracy, and verify that the assumptions and calculations are valid and supported by evidence3.

The other options are not directly related to auditing the feasibility study of a system development project. Reviewing qualifications of key members of the project team (option A) is more relevant to auditing the project management and human resources aspects of the project. Reviewing the request for proposal (RFP) to ensure that it covers the scope of work (option B) is more relevant to auditing the procurement and vendor selection process of the project. Ensuring that vendor contracts are reviewed by legal counsel (option D) is more relevant to auditing the legal and contractual aspects of the project.

 Internet Protocol (IP) address restrictions are used in a firewall to protect the entity’s internal resources by allowing or denying access to specific IP addresses or ranges of IP addresses based on predefined rules. Remote access servers, Secure Sockets Layers (SSLs), and failover services are not directly related to firewall protection, but rather to other aspects of network security, such as authentication, encryption, and availability. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 5: Protection of Information Assets, Section 5.2: Network Security Devices and Technologies

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

A key aspect ofbackup managementis ensuring backups are performed on time and without manual intervention to avoid human error.

Option A (Incorrect):While separation of duties is important, the concern here is not aconflict of interestbut rather the reliability of backup execution.

Option B (Incorrect):Load balancer configuration relates tonetwork traffic management, which is not directly relevant to backup reliability.

Option C (Incorrect):Cloud-based backups can be a good option, but the immediate priority is toverify if backups are consistently executedbefore suggesting alternative solutions.

Option D (Correct):Reviewing backup logs provides concreteevidenceof whether backups are performed on schedule and if they weremisseddue to peak usage periods. If issues are found, automation or scheduling adjustments may be recommended.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

AnIT strategymust bealigned with business objectives, not solely based onmarket trends.

Strategic IT Goals Derived Solely from Market Trends (Correct Answer – D)

IT strategy should supportorganizational goals, not justfollow industry trends.

Example:A company investing inAIjust because it’strendy, without considering business needs.

Previous Year’s IT Goals Not Achieved (Incorrect – A)

A concern, butdoes not indicate a fundamental strategy flaw.

Target Architecture Defined at a Technical Level (Incorrect – B)

Technical details are important for implementation.

Financial Estimates Included (Incorrect – C)

Cost transparency is agood practice.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Open-source solutions provide flexibility and reduce vendor lock-in, allowing organizations to modify, enhance, and support software independently.

Option A (Incorrect):Open-source software often lacksformalizedsupport levels compared to proprietary solutions, which provide structured SLAs (Service Level Agreements).

Option B (Incorrect):While some open-source solutions are user-friendly, implementation complexity depends on the software and required customization.

Option C (Correct):A key benefit of open-source solutions is thefreedom from vendor dependence. Organizations can customize the software, hire independent developers, or switch providers without being locked into a specific vendor's ecosystem.

Option D (Incorrect):Security in open-source software depends on the community and organization managing the solution. Some open-source tools have excellent security, while others may require additional hardening.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:Enterprise architecture (EA) governance ensures that IT and business alignment is maintained and that new processes and technologies integrate well with existing structures.

Option A (Correct):The primary purpose of EA governance is to ensure that new technologies, processes, and systems align and harmonize with existing architecture to maintain operational efficiency and consistency.

Option B (Incorrect):While adaptability to emerging technology trends is important, EA governance focuses more on structure, consistency, and compliance rather than just adaptability.

Option C (Incorrect):Compliance with regulations is crucial, but it is just one component of governance. EA governance has a broader scope, including strategic alignment and process integration.

Option D (Incorrect):Ensuring ROI is an important financial consideration, but it is not themainobjective of EA governance.

Changing default passwords is a critical security measure for IoT devices. Many IoT devices come with default credentials that are widely known and easily exploitable by attackers. Ensuring that these default passwords are changed to strong, unique passwords significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. While logging, monitoring, firmware compliance, and network diagram reviews are important security practices, they are secondary to the fundamental step of securing device access through strong authentication.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

ADLP strategyaims toprevent data breachesby ensuringusers handle data securely.

Option A (Incorrect):Avoiding financial and reputational risk is anoutcome, but not theprimary goalof training.

Option B (Incorrect):Data availabilityis important but is notdirectly relatedto DLP user training.

Option C (Correct):User training should focus on secure data handling, as human error is a leading cause of data loss incidents.

Option D (Incorrect):Data governanceensurescompliance, but secure handling practices are themain goal of DLP training.

The success of a DLP implementation relies heavily on accurately defining and configuring the policies and rule sets. These configurations ensure that the DLP tool effectively monitors and controls the movement of sensitive data within the organization, thereby preventing data loss.

References

ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition, Page 301-302 (Data Loss Prevention)

In reviewing the IT strategic plan, the IS auditor should consider whether it identifies the major IT initiatives that are aligned with the organization’s vision, mission, and objectives, and that support the business strategy and priorities12. The major IT initiatives should also be realistic, measurable, and achievable, and should have clear timelines, budgets, and responsibilities34.

References

1: IT Strategy Template for a Successful Strategic Plan | Gartner2 2: IT Strategy Template for a Successful Strategic Plan | Gartner4 3: Conduct a Strategic Plan Review & Assessment - Governance3 4: Time To Conduct A Strategy Review? Here’s How To Get Started1

The best way to enable the organization to work toward improvement in its security threat and vulnerability management program is to use a capability maturity model to identify a path to an optimized program. A capability maturity model is a framework that helps organizations assess their current level of performance and maturity in a specific domain, and provides guidance and best practices to achieve higher levels of excellence12. A capability maturity model for vulnerability management can help the organization to evaluate its current practices, identify gaps and weaknesses, and implement improvement actions based on the defined criteria and objectives34.

References

1: What is a Capability Maturity Model?1 2: Capability Maturity Model - Wikipedia2 3: Vulnerability Management Maturity Model - SANS Institute4 4: 5 Stages Of Vulnerability Management Maturity Model - SecPod Blog3

Regression testing is crucial to ensure that new changes do not negatively impact existing functionalities. The IS auditor should recommend that regression testing be conducted to confirm that the system operates correctly after changes are made.

References

ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition, Page 256-257 (Testing Strategies)

Unauthorized modifications to scripts (D) pose the greatest risk because they can lead to unintended processing errors, security vulnerabilities, or fraudulent activities. Change management controls should be in place to prevent unauthorized script changes.

Other options:

Minor overrides not authorized (A) is a concern but does not pose as much risk as unauthorized script changes.

Bots incapable of learning (B) is a limitation but not a security risk.

Recording user interactions (C) raises privacy concerns but is not as critical as unauthorized script modifications.

The DRP is a set of procedures and resources that enable an organization to restore its critical IT functions and operations in the event of a disaster or disruption. The DRP should be tested regularly to ensure its effectiveness, validity, and readiness. Testing the DRP can help to identify and resolve any gaps, issues, or weaknesses in the plan, as well as to evaluate the performance and capability of the recovery team and resources. If the DRP has not been tested during the past three years, it may not reflect the current IT environment, business requirements, or recovery objectives, and it may fail to meet the expectations and needs of the stakeholders.

References

ISACA CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, page 255

Disaster Recovery Plan Testing: The Ultimate Checklist

What is a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) and How Do You Write One?

A hardware-based media write blocker (Option A) ensures that forensic investigators can acquire digital evidence without altering the original data, maintaining its integrity for legal proceedings.

ISACA CISA Reference: Digital forensics best practices emphasize write-blocking devices to prevent contamination of evidence.

Risk Implication: Without a write blocker, evidence may be tampered with, compromising its admissibility in court.