Isaca Cisa Certified Information Systems Auditor Practice Test - Set 1

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CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor - Exam Information

Exam Information

Exam Code

Isaca Cisa Certified Information Systems Auditor

Exam Title

CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor

Vendor

ISACA

Difficulty

Advanced

Duration

4 Hours

Question Format

Multiple Choice

Last Updated

March 7, 2025

CISA certification is a globally recognized standard for assessing the knowledge of information systems audit, control, and security.

1. Which of the following is a key area in a CISA audit process?

Information system acquisition, development, and implementation
Software marketing strategies
Personal productivity improvement
Graphic design principles

2. What is the primary purpose of a CISA audit?

To assess the effectiveness of IT controls
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

3. Which framework is commonly used for IT audits?

COBIT
ITIL
TOGAF
PRINCE2

4. What is the role of a CISA auditor in risk management?

To identify and assess IT risks
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

5. Which domain focuses on IT operations and business resilience?

Protection of information assets
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

6. What is the purpose of an audit trail?

To provide evidence of transactions and activities
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

7. Which domain focuses on governance and management of IT?

Governance and management of IT
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

8. What is the role of a CISA auditor in compliance?

To ensure adherence to regulatory requirements
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

9. Which domain focuses on information system operations and maintenance?

Information system operations and maintenance
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

10. What is the purpose of an audit report?

To communicate audit findings and recommendations
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

11. Which domain focuses on information system acquisition, development, and implementation?

Information system acquisition, development, and implementation
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

12. What is the role of a CISA auditor in risk management?

To identify and assess IT risks
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

13. Which domain focuses on IT operations and business resilience?

Protection of information assets
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

14. What is the purpose of an audit trail?

To provide evidence of transactions and activities
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

15. Which domain focuses on governance and management of IT?

Governance and management of IT
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

16. What is the role of a CISA auditor in compliance?

To ensure adherence to regulatory requirements
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

17. Which domain focuses on information system operations and maintenance?

Information system operations and maintenance
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

18. What is the purpose of an audit report?

To communicate audit findings and recommendations
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

19. Which domain focuses on information system acquisition, development, and implementation?

Information system acquisition, development, and implementation
Software development lifecycle
Network troubleshooting
Hardware procurement

20. What is the role of a CISA auditor in risk management?

To identify and assess IT risks
To develop software applications
To manage network infrastructure
To procure hardware

21. Which of the following is a critical component of IT governance?

Strategic alignment
Graphic design standards
Employee social media usage
Office furniture procurement

22. What is the primary objective of change management in IT systems?

To minimize disruptions during system changes
To increase employee turnover
To reduce audit frequency
To eliminate documentation

23. Which of the following best describes a compensating control?

An alternative control that mitigates risk when primary controls fail
A financial reimbursement system
A payroll adjustment mechanism
A performance bonus structure

24. What is the purpose of a business impact analysis (BIA)?

To identify critical business functions and their resource requirements
To analyze competitor marketing strategies
To evaluate employee productivity metrics
To assess office space utilization

25. Which of the following is a key element of disaster recovery planning?

Recovery time objectives (RTO)
Employee vacation schedules
Office decoration standards
Company newsletter frequency

26. What is the primary purpose of a vulnerability assessment?

To identify weaknesses in systems or networks
To evaluate employee job performance
To assess financial investment opportunities
To measure customer satisfaction levels

27. Which of the following is a characteristic of effective IT policies?

They are approved by senior management
They change daily based on employee feedback
They focus only on technical staff
They exclude compliance requirements

28. What is the primary purpose of segregation of duties (SoD)?

To prevent fraud and errors by dividing responsibilities
To increase employee collaboration
To reduce the need for training
To simplify organizational structure

29. Which of the following is a key consideration for data classification?

Sensitivity of the information
Font size used in documents
Number of employees in department
Age of storage devices

30. What is the primary purpose of an incident response plan?

To provide a structured approach for handling security breaches
To schedule employee performance reviews
To plan company social events
To organize office seating arrangements

31. Which of the following is a key component of logical access controls?

User authentication mechanisms
Office door locks
Parking lot security
File cabinet keys

32. What is the primary purpose of a firewall in network security?

To control incoming and outgoing network traffic
To increase internet speed
To organize email folders
To schedule system backups

33. Which of the following best describes the concept of least privilege?

Granting users only the access necessary to perform their jobs
Giving all employees administrator rights
Allowing unlimited access during emergencies
Providing temporary access to all systems

34. What is the primary purpose of encryption in information security?

To protect data confidentiality
To increase storage capacity
To improve processor speed
To enhance display resolution

35. Which of the following is a key element of a business continuity plan?

Alternative processing facilities
Employee dress code policy
Company holiday schedule
Office cleaning procedures

36. What is the primary purpose of system monitoring tools?

To detect and alert on suspicious activities
To create marketing reports
To manage employee benefits
To schedule meetings

37. Which of the following is a key consideration for backup media storage?

Off-site location for disaster protection
Color of storage containers
Brand of storage devices
Size of storage room

38. What is the primary purpose of a system development lifecycle (SDLC)?

To provide structure for creating and maintaining systems
To reduce employee training needs
To eliminate documentation requirements
To speed up hardware procurement

39. Which of the following is a key control in application development?

Code review processes
Office temperature control
Printer maintenance schedules
Cafeteria menu planning

40. What is the primary purpose of a data dictionary?

To document data definitions and structures
To track employee attendance
To manage office supplies
To schedule maintenance tasks

41. Which of the following is a key element of project management?

Risk assessment
Employee vacation planning
Office decoration
Company picnic organization

42. What is the primary purpose of a test environment?

To evaluate system changes before production implementation
To train new employees
To host client meetings
To store archived data

43. Which of the following is a key control in database administration?

Regular review of user access rights
Monthly office cleaning
Weekly printer maintenance
Daily coffee machine checks

44. What is the primary purpose of a service level agreement (SLA)?

To define expected service performance metrics
To outline employee benefits
To describe office layout
To schedule team building events

45. Which of the following is a key consideration for cloud computing contracts?

Data ownership and portability clauses
Color scheme of provider's website
Provider's office location
Age of provider's employees

46. What is the primary purpose of an intrusion detection system (IDS)?

To monitor for potential security breaches
To improve network speed
To organize files on servers
To schedule system updates

47. Which of the following is a key element of physical security controls?

Access control systems
Employee desk arrangements
Office paint color
Carpet thickness

48. What is the primary purpose of a risk assessment?

To identify and evaluate potential threats to the organization
To determine employee bonuses
To plan office parties
To select new office locations

49. Which of the following is a key control for protecting sensitive data?

Data encryption
Regular printer maintenance
Office temperature control
Desk cleanliness standards

50. What is the primary purpose of a third-party audit?

To provide an independent assessment of controls
To reduce internal staff workload
To eliminate the need for internal audits
To outsource all security responsibilities

51. Which of the following is a key element of IT asset management?

Maintaining an inventory of hardware and software
Tracking employee personal devices
Monitoring cafeteria food consumption
Recording office chair assignments

52. What is the primary purpose of a data retention policy?

To define how long different types of data should be kept
To determine employee vacation time
To schedule office maintenance
To plan company events

53. Which of the following is a key control for system access?

Regular review of user accounts
Monthly office cleaning
Weekly printer cartridge replacement
Daily coffee supply checks

54. What is the primary purpose of a network segmentation?

To limit the spread of security breaches
To increase internet speed
To reduce the number of routers needed
To simplify network management

55. Which of the following is a key element of patch management?

Timely application of security updates
Regular office painting
Monthly carpet cleaning
Weekly plant watering

56. What is the primary purpose of a security awareness program?

To educate employees about security risks and best practices
To plan company social events
To schedule maintenance tasks
To organize office space

57. Which of the following is a key control for change management?

Documentation and approval of all changes
Employee dress code enforcement
Office temperature monitoring
Printer paper stocking

58. What is the primary purpose of a data loss prevention (DLP) system?

To prevent unauthorized data exfiltration
To increase data storage capacity
To improve processor performance
To enhance display quality

59. Which of the following is a key element of identity management?

User provisioning and deprovisioning processes
Office key distribution
Parking space allocation
Desk assignment rotation

60. What is the primary purpose of a security policy?

To establish organizational security expectations
To schedule employee breaks
To plan office renovations
To organize team building activities

61. Which of the following is a key control for mobile device security?

Remote wipe capability
Device color standardization
Brand uniformity
Screen size requirements

62. What is the primary purpose of a vulnerability scan?

To identify potential security weaknesses in systems
To measure employee productivity
To assess office space utilization
To evaluate marketing campaign effectiveness

63. Which of the following is a key element of business continuity testing?

Regular simulation exercises
Employee skills assessment
Office equipment inventory
Cafeteria menu planning

64. What is the primary purpose of a hot site in disaster recovery?

To provide immediate operational capability after a disaster
To host company parties
To store archived documents
To train new employees

65. Which of the following is a key control for email security?

Spam filtering
Email font standardization
Signature format requirements
Attachment size limits

66. What is the primary purpose of a system baseline?

To establish a known secure configuration
To measure employee performance
To track office supplies
To schedule meetings

67. Which of the following is a key element of access control?

Role-based access permissions
Office key distribution
Parking space allocation
Desk assignment policies

68. What is the primary purpose of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?

To correlate and analyze security events
To manage employee schedules
To track office maintenance
To organize company events

69. Which of the following is a key control for wireless network security?

Strong encryption protocols
Router color coding
Access point naming conventions
Signal strength uniformity

70. What is the primary purpose of a data classification policy?

To determine appropriate protection levels for information
To organize file folders
To schedule backups
To plan office layouts

71. Which of the following is a key element of vendor management?

Security requirements in contracts
Vendor office locations
Employee count at vendor sites
Vendor parking space allocation

72. What is the primary purpose of a penetration test?

To identify exploitable vulnerabilities in systems
To measure network speed
To test employee knowledge
To evaluate office ergonomics

73. Which of the following is a key control for social engineering prevention?

Employee security awareness training
Office door locks
File cabinet security
Parking lot lighting

74. What is the primary purpose of a data backup?

To enable recovery after data loss
To free up storage space
To improve system performance
To organize files

75. Which of the following is a key element of cryptographic key management?

Secure key storage and rotation
Key color coding
Key size uniformity
Key shape standardization

76. What is the primary purpose of a security operations center (SOC)?

To monitor and respond to security incidents
To manage office security guards
To oversee building maintenance
To plan company events

77. Which of the following is a key control for physical media handling?

Secure destruction procedures
Media color coding
Storage container size
Shelf organization system

78. What is the primary purpose of a risk register?

To document and track organizational risks
To record employee attendance
To schedule meetings
To track office supplies

79. Which of the following is a key element of endpoint security?

Antivirus software
Mouse pad quality
Keyboard cleaning frequency
Monitor size standards

80. What is the primary purpose of a security baseline?

To establish minimum security configurations
To measure employee productivity
To track project milestones
To schedule performance reviews

81. Which of the following is a key control for privileged access management?

Monitoring of administrator activities
Office key distribution
Parking space allocation
Desk assignment policies

82. What is the primary purpose of a chain of custody documentation?

To maintain evidence integrity for investigations
To track office furniture movement
To schedule delivery routes
To organize file storage

83. Which of the following is a key element of network security monitoring?

Log analysis
Cable color coding
Router placement
Switch port numbering

84. What is the primary purpose of a security assessment?

To evaluate the effectiveness of security controls
To measure employee satisfaction
To assess office decor
To plan company events

85. Which of the following is a key control for database security?

Regular review of user permissions
Table naming conventions
Field size standardization
Report formatting guidelines

86. What is the primary purpose of a whitelisting approach to application control?

To allow only approved applications to run
To speed up system performance
To reduce storage requirements
To simplify user interfaces

87. Which of the following is a key element of security governance?

Alignment with business objectives
Security staff uniforms
Office security badge design
Security operations center decor

88. What is the primary purpose of a red team exercise?

To simulate adversary attacks for testing defenses
To evaluate employee dress code compliance
To assess office layout efficiency
To plan company social events

89. Which of the following is a key control for web application security?

Input validation
Website color scheme
Font size consistency
Page loading speed

90. What is the primary purpose of a security architecture review?

To assess the design of security controls and systems
To evaluate office building security
To plan employee seating arrangements
To organize security staff schedules

91. Which of the following is a key element of security awareness training?

Phishing recognition
Office evacuation routes
Parking regulations
Break room etiquette

92. What is the primary purpose of a security control framework?

To provide a structured approach to implementing security
To organize security staff duties
To schedule security audits
To plan security team meetings

93. Which of the following is a key control for remote access security?

Multi-factor authentication
VPN client color scheme
Connection speed requirements
Remote desktop resolution settings

94. What is the primary purpose of a security maturity assessment?

To evaluate the sophistication of security practices
To measure employee security knowledge
To assess office physical security
To plan security team growth

95. Which of the following is a key element of data privacy compliance?

Data subject rights management
Office privacy curtains
Employee personal space requirements
Meeting room confidentiality

96. What is the primary purpose of a security metrics program?

To measure and improve security effectiveness
To track security staff attendance
To schedule security patrols
To organize security documents

97. Which of the following is a key control for server security?

Regular patching
Server rack organization
Cable management
LED lighting configuration

98. What is the primary purpose of a threat modeling exercise?

To identify potential attack vectors and defenses
To evaluate employee threat awareness
To assess office security threats
To plan emergency response drills

99. Which of the following is a key element of cloud security?

Shared responsibility model
Data center location
Provider employee count
Server hardware models

100. What is the primary purpose of a security audit?

To assess compliance with security policies and standards
To evaluate employee performance
To assess office cleanliness
To plan security team outings

101. Which of the following is a key control for email encryption?

Protection of sensitive information in transit
Email signature standardization
Font consistency
Attachment size limits

102. What is the primary purpose of a security policy exception process?

To document and manage necessary deviations from policy
To excuse policy violations
To eliminate policy requirements
To reduce security standards

103. Which of the following is a key element of mobile application security?

Secure coding practices
App icon design
Color scheme consistency
Loading animation style

104. What is the primary purpose of a security awareness survey?

To measure employee security knowledge and behaviors
To assess office security features
To evaluate security staff performance
To plan security training topics

105. Which of the following is a key control for physical access logs?

Review of unauthorized access attempts
Tracking employee work hours
Monitoring break room usage
Recording visitor compliments

106. What is the primary purpose of a security certification and accreditation process?

To formally authorize system operation based on risk
To certify security staff
To accredit security training programs
To recognize employee security achievements

107. Which of the following is a key element of security operations?

Incident response procedures
Security staff uniforms
Operations center decor
Shift schedule colors

108. What is the primary purpose of a security control assessment?

To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented controls
To assess security staff performance
To evaluate office physical security
To plan security budget

109. Which of the following is a key control for social media security?

Acceptable use policies
Profile picture guidelines
Posting frequency limits
Hashtag standardization

110. What is the primary purpose of a security governance framework?

To define roles and responsibilities for security management
To organize security staff offices
To schedule security meetings
To plan security conferences

111. Which of the following is a key element of security configuration management?

Documentation of secure baselines
Server color coding
Network cable organization
Rack mounting standards

112. What is the primary purpose of a security operations manual?

To document procedures for security staff
To track security incidents
To schedule security patrols
To organize security tools

113. Which of the following is a key control for virtual machine security?

Isolation between virtual machines
VM naming conventions
Virtual desktop backgrounds
Console color schemes

114. What is the primary purpose of a security risk assessment methodology?

To provide consistency in evaluating risks
To assess security staff skills
To evaluate office security features
To plan security training

115. Which of the following is a key element of security culture?

Employee awareness and commitment
Security team uniforms
Office security posters
Security newsletter frequency

116. What is the primary purpose of a security architecture framework?

To guide the design of secure systems
To organize security documentation
To schedule security reviews
To plan security projects

117. Which of the following is a key control for API security?

Authentication and authorization mechanisms
API naming conventions
Response format standards
Documentation completeness

118. What is the primary purpose of a security awareness campaign?

To reinforce security best practices
To recognize security staff
To promote security products
To schedule security tests

119. Which of the following is a key element of security metrics?

Meaningful measurement of security posture
Number of security staff
Security budget size
Quantity of security tools

120. What is the primary purpose of a security standards document?

To define specific security requirements
To list security staff
To schedule security audits
To organize security tools

121. Which of the following is a key control for container security?

Image vulnerability scanning
Container naming conventions
Orchestration tool selection
Log color coding

122. What is the primary purpose of a security awareness poster?

To provide visual reminders of security best practices
To decorate office walls
To identify security staff
To track security incidents

123. Which of the following is a key element of security training?

Role-specific content
Training room setup
Course materials color
Instructor attire

124. What is the primary purpose of a security control testing program?

To validate the effectiveness of security controls
To test security staff knowledge
To evaluate office security features
To plan security improvements

125. Which of the following is a key control for IoT security?

Device authentication
Device color coding
Network naming conventions
Data visualization

126. What is the primary purpose of a security governance committee?

To provide oversight of security strategy and risks
To organize security staff
To schedule security patrols
To plan security events

127. Which of the following is a key element of security architecture?

Defense in depth
Network cable colors
Server rack organization
Security operations center layout

128. What is the primary purpose of a security awareness newsletter?

To regularly communicate security topics
To announce security staff changes
To schedule security tests
To organize security tools

129. Which of the following is a key control for supply chain security?

Vendor security assessments
Shipping box colors
Delivery time tracking
Inventory labeling

130. What is the primary purpose of a security maturity model?

To measure progress in security capabilities
To assess security staff maturity
To evaluate office security features
To plan security team growth

131. Which of the following is a key element of security monitoring?

Real-time alerting
Monitor screen size
Dashboard color scheme
Alert sound volume

132. What is the primary purpose of a security benchmarking exercise?

To compare security practices with peers
To evaluate security staff performance
To assess office security features
To plan security budget

133. Which of the following is a key control for mainframe security?

Access control lists
Terminal color settings
Job scheduling
Report formatting

134. What is the primary purpose of a security gap analysis?

To identify differences between current and desired security states
To evaluate security staff skills gaps
To assess office physical security gaps
To plan security training

135. Which of the following is a key element of security automation?

Incident response workflows
Tool color schemes
Script naming conventions
Dashboard layout

136. What is the primary purpose of a security champions program?

To embed security awareness throughout the organization
To recognize top security staff
To schedule security tests
To organize security tools

137. Which of the following is a key control for microservices security?

Service-to-service authentication
API naming conventions
Container size limits
Log format standardization

138. What is the primary purpose of a security dashboard?

To provide visibility into security status
To track security staff attendance
To schedule security patrols
To organize security documents

139. Which of the following is a key element of security orchestration?

Integration of security tools
Team communication protocols
Incident room setup
Shift scheduling

140. What is the primary purpose of a security validation exercise?

To verify that security controls work as intended
To validate security staff skills
To assess office security features
To plan security improvements

141. Which of the following is a key control for blockchain security?

Consensus mechanism validation
Block size limits
Node naming conventions
Transaction color coding

142. What is the primary purpose of a security governance assessment?

To evaluate the effectiveness of security oversight
To assess security staff performance
To evaluate office security features
To plan security budget

143. Which of the following is a key element of security analytics?

Anomaly detection
Report color schemes
Dashboard layout
Alert sound volume

144. What is the primary purpose of a security culture assessment?

To measure employee attitudes and behaviors regarding security
To evaluate security team morale
To assess office security features
To plan security training

145. Which of the following is a key control for serverless security?

Function permission management
Code formatting standards
Deployment frequency
Naming conventions

146. What is the primary purpose of a security technology review?

To evaluate the effectiveness of security tools
To assess security staff technical skills
To evaluate office security features
To plan security purchases

147. Which of the following is a key element of security compliance monitoring?

Continuous control validation
Report formatting
Dashboard colors
Alert sounds

148. What is the primary purpose of a security awareness game?

To engage employees in learning security concepts
To reward security staff
To schedule security tests
To organize security tools

149. Which of the following is a key control for quantum computing security?

Post-quantum cryptography
Qubit naming conventions
Quantum circuit design
Lab temperature control

150. What is the primary purpose of a security innovation program?

To explore new approaches to security challenges
To invent new security products
To assess security staff creativity
To plan security conferences

The Isaca Cisa Certified Information Systems Auditor certification is a globally recognized credential for IT professionals. This practice test helps you prepare by covering key topics like hardware, networking, troubleshooting, and security.

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