Cybersecurity-Audit-Certificate ISACA Cybersecurity Audit Certificate Exam Questions and Answers

 Imaging is the process used by an IS auditor to create a bit-for-bit copy of data. This method ensures that an exact replica of the data is made, preserving all the information in the same structure and format as the original. Imaging is essential for tasks such as digital forensics, where maintaining the integrity of the data is critical.

References: The Cybersecurity Audit resources by ISACA cover the importance of accurate data replication in the context of an audit. Imaging is a standard practice in cybersecurity audits for preserving the state of data at a specific point in time, which is crucial for any subsequent analysis or investigation1.

The intrusion detection system component that is responsible for collecting data in the form of network packets, log files, or system call traces is sensors. This is because sensors are components of an intrusion detection system that are deployed on various locations or points of the network or system, such as routers, switches, servers, etc., and that capture and collect data from the network traffic or system activities. Sensors then forward the collected data to another component of the intrusion detection system, such as analyzers, for further processing and analysis. The other options are not components of an intrusion detection system that are responsible for collecting data in the form of network packets, log files, or system call traces, but rather different components or techniques that are related to intrusion detection or prevention, such as packet filters (A), analyzers (B), or administration modules C.

The GREATEST drawback when using the AICPA/CICA Trust Services to evaluate a cloud service provider is the lack of specificity in the principles. This is because the AICPA/CICA Trust Services are a set of principles and criteria that provide guidance for evaluating and reporting on controls over information systems and services. However, the principles and criteria are very broad and generic, and do not address the specific risks and challenges that are associated with cloud services, such as data sovereignty, multi-tenancy, portability, etc. The other options are not drawbacks when using the AICPA/CICA Trust Services to evaluate a cloud service provider, but rather different aspects or benefits of using the AICPA/CICA Trust Services to evaluate a cloud service provider, such as compatibility (A), confidentiality C, or reporting (D).

The MOST significant limitation of vulnerability scanning is the fact that modern scanners only detect known vulnerabilities. This is because vulnerability scanners rely on databases or repositories of known vulnerabilities, such as CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), to compare and identify the weaknesses or flaws in systems or applications. Vulnerability scanners cannot detect unknown vulnerabilities, such as zero-day vulnerabilities, that have not been reported or disclosed yet, and may be exploited by attackers before they are patched or fixed. The other options are not the most significant limitation of vulnerability scanning, because they either involve detecting common (A), unknown (B), or zero-day (D) vulnerabilities, which are not the capabilities or limitations of modern scanners.

The FIRST thing that an IS auditor should do to ensure cyber security-related legal and regulatory requirements are followed by an organization is to determine if the cybersecurity program is mapped to relevant legal and regulatory requirements. This is because mapping the cybersecurity program to relevant legal and regulatory requirements helps to ensure that the organization has identified and addressed all the applicable laws and regulations that affect its cybersecurity posture, such as data protection, privacy, breach notification, etc. Mapping the cybersecurity program to relevant legal and regulatory requirements also helps to evaluate the alignment and compliance of the organization’s cybersecurity policies, procedures, controls,and practices with the legal and regulatory requirements. The other options are not the first thing that an IS auditor should do to ensure cyber security-related legal and regulatory requirements are followed by an organization, but rather follow after determining if the cybersecurity program is mapped to relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as reviewing the most recent legal and regulatory audit report (B), determining if there is a formal process to review changes in legal and regulatory requirements C, or obtaining a list of relevant legal and regulatory requirements (D).

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides additional protection to messages transmitted using portable wireless devices by creating a secure and encrypted tunnel for data transmission. This helps protect the data from being intercepted or accessed by unauthorized entities. While encryption secures the content of the messages, a VPN secures the transmission path, adding an extra layer of security.

References: The use of VPNs for enhancing the security of mobile devices is discussed in ISACA’s resources. VPNs are recommended as a measure to protect data in transit, especially when using public or unsecured networks, which is a common scenario for portable wireless devices

 The presence of known dangerous artifacts like malicious IP addresses or domain names on a network typically indicates that a security breach has occurred or is in progress. These artifacts are often recognized as indicators of compromise (IoCs), which are pieces of forensic data, such as system log entries or files, that identify potentially malicious activity on a system or network. Identifying IoCs is crucial for cybersecurity as it allows organizations to detect breaches quickly and respond to them promptly.

References: The concept of indicators of compromise is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity audits, as it relates to the identification and analysis of evidence that points to a security incident. This is covered in various ISACA resources, including the Cybersecurity Audit Certificate Study Guide, which provides guidance on understanding risk and implementing controls to protect against cyber threats1.

The primary purpose of a Security Operations Center (SOC) team is to continuously monitor and improve an organization’s security posture. They are responsible for the detection, analysis, and response to cybersecurity incidents, using a combination of technology solutions and a strong set of processes.

References = ISACA’s resources highlight the role of SOC teams in enhancing the security measures of an organization. They are integral to the proactive defense against cyber threats and play a key role in the strategic planning of security measures123.

The FIRST phase of the ISACA framework for auditors reviewing cryptographic environments is inventory and discovery. This is because the inventory and discovery phase helps auditors to identify and document the scope, objectives, and approach of the audit, as well as the cryptographic assets, systems, processes, and stakeholders involved in the cryptographic environment. The inventory and discovery phase also helps auditors to assess the maturity and effectiveness of the cryptographic governance and management within the organization. The other phases are not the first phase of the ISACA framework for auditors reviewing cryptographic environments, but rather follow after the inventory and discovery phase, such as evaluation of implementation details (A), hands-on testing (B), or risk-based shakeout C.

An objective of public key infrastructure (PKI) is to independently authenticate the validity of the sender’s public key. PKI is a system that uses cryptographic keys to secure communications and transactions. PKI involves a trusted third party called a certificate authority (CA) that issues digital certificates that link a public key with an identity. The recipient can use the CA’s public key to verify the sender’s certificate and public key.

Tracing the access and origin of an intrusion is crucial for performing a root cause analysis. This process involves identifying the underlying factors that led to the security breach. By understanding how the intrusion happened, organizations can better address the specific vulnerabilities that were exploited and implement more effective security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

References: ISACA’s resources on cybersecurity audit emphasize the importance of root cause analysis in the event of an intrusion. It is a key step in the cybersecurity audit process to understand the weaknesses that led to the incident and to improve the overall security posture of the organization1.

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It establishes a barrier between a secure internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the internet. This system is designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from private networks and is a fundamental piece of a comprehensive security framework for any organization.

References: The concept of a firewall as a system that enforces a boundary between networks is well-established in cybersecurity literature. It is recognized as a critical component for protecting network resources by filtering traffic and blocking unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communication to pass123.

When passwords are used in key generation, they serve as a component of the encryption process. The strength of the encryption algorithm itself is not inherently affected by the use of passwords for key generation. Instead, the security of the encryption relies on the strength and complexity of the password, the key generation process, and the encryption algorithm’s resilience to attacks. A strong, complex password can contribute to a robust encryption key, thereby maintaining the intended strength of the encryption algorithm.

References: While I cannot provide direct references from the ISACA Cybersecurity Audit Manual, it is generally understood in cybersecurity practices that the encryption algorithm’s strength is determined by its design and resistance to cryptanalysis, not solely by the elements used in key generation. The use of passwords in key generation is a common practice and, when implemented correctly, does not diminish the algorithm’s strength. For specific references, please consult the ISACA Cybersecurity Audit resources or related study guides.

A cloud service provider is used to perform analytics on an organization’s sensitive data. A data leakage incident occurs in the service provider’s network. From a regulatory perspective, the organization is responsible for the data breach. This is because the organization is the data owner and has the ultimate accountability and liability for the security and privacy of its data, regardless of where it is stored or processed. The organization cannot transfer or delegate its responsibility to the service provider, even if there is a contractual agreement or service level agreement that specifies the security obligations of the service provider. The other options are not correct, because they either imply that the service provider is responsible (A), or that the responsibility depends on the nature of breach (B) or specific regulatory requirements C, which are not relevant factors.

From a regulatory perspective, the MOST important thing for the healthcare organization to determine when outsourcing its patient information processing to a third-party Software as a Service (SaaS) provider is the incident escalation procedures. This is because incident escalation procedures define how security incidents involving patient information are reported, communicated, escalated, and resolved between the healthcare organization and the SaaS provider. This is essential for complying with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, which mandate timely notification and response to breaches of protected health information. The other options are not as important as incident escalation procedures from a regulatory perspective, because they either relate to technical aspects that may not affect compliance (A, B), or operational aspects that may not affect patient information security (D).

The device that is at GREATEST risk from activity monitoring and data retrieval is mobile devices. This is because mobile devices are devices that are portable, wireless, and connected to the Internet or other networks, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. Mobile devices are at greatest risk from activity monitoring and data retrieval, because they can be easily lost, stolen, or compromised by attackers who can access or extract the data stored or transmitted on the devices. Mobile devices can also be subject to activity monitoring and data retrieval by third-party applications or services that may collect or share the user’s personal or sensitive information without their consent or knowledge. The other options are not devices that are at greatest risk from activity monitoring and data retrieval, but rather different types of devices that may have different levels of risk or protection from activity monitoring and data retrieval, such as cloud storage devices (B), desktop workstations C, or printing devices (D).

When roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity are not clearly identified and formalized, it can lead to confusion and gaps in the cybersecurity posture of anorganization. Without clear accountability, certain risks may not be identified, managed, or mitigated effectively, leading to potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

References = The importance of defining roles and responsibilities is highlighted in various cybersecurity frameworks and best practices, including those recommended by ISACA. It is a common theme in cybersecurity governance to ensure that all individuals within an organization understand their role in maintaining cybersecurity1.

The increasing amount of storage space available on mobile devices poses the greatest concern for organizations needing to protect sensitive data. Larger storage capacities allow for more data to be stored on a device, which can include sensitive organizational information. If such a device is lost, stolen, or compromised, the potential for sensitive data to be accessed increases significantly. Additionally, the more data a device can hold, the more attractive it becomes as a target for attackers.

References = ISACA’s resources highlight the risks associated with mobile devices’ storage capabilities, especially when they contain sensitive organizational data. The threats, vulnerabilities, and risks related to the storage of sensitive data on mobile devices are discussed, emphasizing the importance of protecting such data from unauthorized access123.

Secret key encryption, also known as symmetric encryption, involves a single key for both encryption and decryption. This method provides the best protection for data on a computer that is stolen because it renders the data unreadable without the key. Even if the thief has access to the physical hardware, without the secret key, the data remains secure and inaccessible.

References: ISACA’s resources emphasize the importance of encryption in protecting information assets. Encryption is a critical control for ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data, especially for devices that may be lost or stolen. The use of secret key encryption is a widely recommended practice for safeguarding sensitive data on mobile devices and laptops as part of an organization’s data protection strategy123.

The main objective of an intrusion detection system (IDS) policy is to establish the criteria for what constitutes an intrusion event and the reporting requirements once such an event is detected. This includes defining what activities are considered anomalies, ensuring that security breaches are identified, and specifying how and to whom these incidents should be reported. The policy sets the foundation for how intrusions are detected, assessed, and managed within an organization’s network infrastructure1.

References: ISACA’s resources on cybersecurity highlight the importance of having a clear IDS policy that outlines the detection and response procedures for security incidents. Such a policy is crucial for the effective monitoring and management of potential security breaches, ensuring that they are promptly identified and addressed1.

When defining actions for an IDS policy, the most important consideration is the level of risk to the organization’s data. This involves assessing the potential impact of the intrusion on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, which guides the prioritization and response efforts.

References = ISACA’s guidance on cybersecurity incident response highlights the importance of understanding the risk to data as a key factor in shaping the response to intrusions. This includes evaluating the severity of the threat and the sensitivity of the affected data to determine the appropriate actions123.

The BEST method of maintaining the confidentiality of digital information is using access controls, file permissions, and encryption. This is because these techniques help to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification of digital information, by restricting who can access the information, what they can do with it, and how they can access it. The other options are not as effective as using access controls, file permissions, and encryption, because they either relate to protecting availability (B), integrity C, or awareness (D).

Broad network access refers to the computing capabilities that are available over a network and can be accessed by diverse client platforms, such as personal computers, mobile phones, and tablets. This characteristic is one of the essential features of cloud computing, which allows users to access services using a variety of devices through standard mechanisms.

References: The concept of broad network access is integral to the understanding of cloud services and is often discussed in cybersecurity resources, including those provided by ISACA, which emphasize the importance of securing access to these services across different platforms1

An attack is the actual occurrence of a threat, which is a potential activity that could harm an asset. An attack is the result of a threat actor exploiting a vulnerability in a system or network to achieve a malicious objective. For example, a denial-of-service attack is the occurrence of a threat that aims to disrupt the availability of a service.

The MOST important factor to ensure the successful implementation of continuous auditing is top management support. This is because top management support helps to provide the vision, direction, and resources for implementing continuous auditing within the organization. Top management support also helps to overcome any resistance or challenges that may arise from implementing continuous auditing, such as cultural change, stakeholder buy-in, process reengineering, etc. Top management support also helps to ensure that the results and findings of continuous auditing are communicated and acted upon by the relevant decision-makers and stakeholders. The other options are not factors that are more important than top management support for ensuring the successful implementation of continuous auditing, but rather different aspects or benefits of continuous auditing, such as storage hardware (A), technical resources (B), or processing capacity (D).

Hashing is a method used to ensure the integrity of digital assets. It involves applying a hash function to the digital asset’s data to produce a unique hash value. This value acts as a digital fingerprint; any alteration to the data will result in a different hash value when the hash function is reapplied. This makes it easy to detect unauthorized changes to the data, thereby protecting the integrity of the digital assets.

References: ISACA’s resources on cybersecurity audit emphasize the importance of using hashing as a control mechanism. Hashing is highlighted as a reliable method for maintaining the integrity of digital assets, as it provides a way to verify that the data has not been tampered with1.

The MOST cost-effective technique for implementing network security for human resources (HR) desktops and internal laptop users in an organization is using a virtual local area network (VLAN). A VLAN is a logical grouping of network devices that share the same broadcast domain regardless of their physical location or connection. A VLAN can enhance network security by isolating different types of traffic or users from each other and applying different security policies or rules based on the VLAN membership. For example, an organization can create a VLAN for HR desktops and internal laptop users that restricts their access to only HR-related systems or resources. A VLAN can also reduce network costs by saving bandwidth, improving performance, and simplifying management.

The MOST critical thing to guiding and managing security activities throughout an organization to ensure objectives are met is establishing metrics to measure and monitor security performance. This is because metrics provide quantifiable and objective data that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of security activities, as well as identify gaps and areas for improvement. Metrics also enable communication and reporting of security performance to stakeholders, such as senior management, board members, auditors, regulators, customers, etc. The other options are not as critical as establishing metrics, because they either involve spending money without knowing the return on investment (A), adopting standards without customizing them to fit the organization’s context and needs (B), or conducting training without assessing its impact on behavior change (D).

The MOST important consideration when choosing between different types of cloud services is the overall risk and benefits. This is because choosing between different types of cloud services involves weighing the trade-offs between the risk and benefits of each type of cloud service, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). For example, SaaS may offer more benefits in terms of cost savings, scalability, and usability, but also more risks in terms of security, privacy, and compliance. On the other hand, IaaS may offer more benefits in terms of flexibility, customization, and control, but also more risks in terms of complexity, management, and maintenance. The other options are not the most important consideration when choosing between different types of cloud services, but rather different aspects or factors that affect the choice of cloud services, such as emerging risk and infrastructure scalability (A), security features available on demand (B), or reputation of the cloud providers (D).

SSH, or Secure Shell, is a network protocol that operates at the Application layer of the OSI model. This is the topmost layer, which allows users to interact with the network through applications. SSH provides a secure channel over an unsecured network in a client-server architecture, enabling users to log into another computer over a network, to execute commands in a remote machine, and to move files from one machine to another.

References: The information aligns with the OSI model’s definition, where the Application layer is responsible for providing network services to the applications of the user12.

In public key cryptography, digital signatures are primarily used to prove sender authenticity. A digital signature is a cryptographic technique that allows the sender of a message to sign it with their private key, which can only be decrypted by their public key. The recipient can verify that the message was sent by the sender and not tampered with by using the sender’s public key.

A data loss prevention (DLP) program helps protect an organization from exfiltration of sensitive data. This is because exfiltration of sensitive data is a type of cyberattack that involves stealing or leaking sensitive or confidential information from an organization’s systems or networks to an external destination or party. Exfiltration of sensitive data can cause serious harm to an organization’s reputation, operations, finances, legal compliance, etc. A DLP program helps to prevent exfiltration of sensitive data by detecting and blocking any unauthorized or suspicious attempts to access, copy, transfer, or share sensitive data by users or applications. The other options are not cyberattacks that a DLP program helps protect an organization from, but rather different types of cyberattacks that affect other aspects or objectives of information security, such as crypto ransomware infection (A), unauthorized access to servers and applications (B), or unauthorized data modification C.

The backup procedure that would only copy files that have changed since the last backup was made is an incremental backup. This is because an incremental backup is a type of backup that only copies the files that have been created or modified since the previous backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. An incremental backup helps to reduce the backup time and storage space, as well as the recovery time, as only the changed files need to be restored. The other options are not backup procedures that would only copy files that have changed since the last backup was made, but rather different types of backup procedures that copy files based on different criteria, such as daily backup (B), differential backup C, or full backup (D).

The SLOWEST method of restoring data from backup media is an incremental backup. This is because an incremental backup is a type of backup that only copies the files that have been created or modified since the previous backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. An incremental backup makes the restoration process slower, as it requires restoring multiple backups in a specific order and sequence, starting from the last full backup and then applying each incremental backup until the desired point in time is reached. The other options are not methods of restoring data from backup media that are slower than an incremental backup, but rather different types of backup procedures that copy files based on different criteria, such as monthly backup (A), full backup (B), or differential backup C.

 Heuristic-based anti-malware is designed to detect new, previously unknown viruses and exploits by looking for known suspicious behavior patterns or anomalies. Unlike signature-based anti-malware, which relies on a database of known malware signatures, heuristic analysis can identify new threats without prior knowledge of the specific malware, making it more effective against unknown malware.

References: The effectiveness of heuristic-based anti-malware is supported by cybersecurity resources that highlight its ability to catch and block new and emerging threats before they can cause harm, as well as its capability to reduce false positives by evaluating the behavior of a file or program1. Additionally, heuristic analysis is recognized for its proactive threat detection, offering protection against malware that has yet to be discovered2.

The GREATEST challenge to information risk management when outsourcing IT function to a third party is that providers may be reluctant to share technical details on the extent of their information protection mechanisms. This is because providers may consider their information protection mechanisms as proprietary or confidential, or may not want to reveal their weaknesses or vulnerabilities. This makes it difficult for the outsourcing organization to assess the level of security and compliance of the provider, and to monitor and audit their performance. The other options are not as challenging as providers being reluctant to share technical details, because they either involve legal or contractual aspects that can be clarified or negotiated before outsourcing (A, D), or human resource aspects that can be verified or validated by the provider C.

The second line of defense in cybersecurity includes risk management monitoring, and measurement of controls. This is because the second line of defense is responsible for ensuring that the first line of defense (the operational managers and staff who own and manage risks) is effectively designed and operating as intended. The second line of defense also provides guidance, oversight, and challenge to the first line of defense. The other options are not part of the second line of defense, but rather belong to the first line of defense (A), the third line of defense C, or an external service provider (D).