Free 312-40 Questions Attempt

To enhance the performance of a MySQL database running on Compute Engine quickly and in a cost-effective manner, Stephen can dynamically resize the SSD persistent disk to 500 GB. Here’s why this option is effective:

• Increased IOPS and Throughput: SSDs provide higher input/output operations per second (IOPS) and throughput compared to traditional hard drives. By increasing the size of the SSD persistent disk, Stephen can benefit from increased IOPS and throughput, which are crucial for database performance, especially when dealing with large volumes of data imports and normalization processes1.
• No Downtime Required: Dynamically resizing the SSD persistent disk can be done without stopping the virtual machine, which aligns with the requirement that the VM cannot be restarted until the next maintenance event1.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Resizing the disk is a cost-effective solution because it does not require provisioning additional compute resources or migrating to a different database service, which could incur higher costs and complexity1.
• Immediate Performance Boost: The performance improvement is immediate after the disk resize, as the database can utilize the additional space for better disk I/O performance, which is often a bottleneck in database operations1.

References:

• LogRocket Blog: 5 ways to rapidly improve MySQL database performance1.
• Google Cloud Documentation: Architectures for high availability of MySQL clusters on Compute Engine2.
• Percona Blog: MySQL Performance Tuning 101: Key Tips to Improve MySQL Database Performance3.

In the cloud computing service models, SaaS (Software as a Service) typically does not allow customers to perform penetration testing. This is because SaaS applications are managed by the service provider, and the security of the application is the responsibility of the provider, not the customer.

Here’s why SaaS doesn’t allow penetration testing:

• Managed Service: SaaS providers manage the security of their applications, including regular updates and patches.
• Shared Environment: SaaS applications often run in a shared environment where multiple customers use the same infrastructure, making it impractical for individual customers to conduct penetration testing.
• Provider’s Policies: Most SaaS providers have strict policies against unauthorized testing, as it could impact the service’s integrity and availability for other users.
• Alternative Assessments: Instead of penetration testing, SaaS providers may offer security assessments or compliance certifications to demonstrate the security of their applications.

References:

• Oracle’s FAQ on cloud security testing, which states that penetration and vulnerability testing are not allowed for Oracle SaaS offerings1.
• Cloud Security Alliance’s article on pentesting in the cloud, mentioning that CSPs often have policies describing which tests can be performed and which cannot, especially in SaaS models2.

Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) are tools and methods used by auditors to analyze large volumes of data efficiently and effectively. The use of spreadsheets, databases, and data analyzing software to scrutinize a large volume of data and collect objective evidence is indicative of CAATs.

Here’s how CAATs operate in this context:

• Data Analysis: CAATs enable auditors to handle and analyze large datasets that would be impractical to assess manually.
• Efficiency: These techniques improve audit efficiency by automating certain parts of the audit process.
• Effectiveness: CAATs enhance the effectiveness of audits by allowing auditors to identify trends, anomalies, and patterns in the data.
• Software Utilization: The use of specialized audit software is a hallmark of CAATs, enabling auditors to perform complex analyses.
• Objective Evidence: CAATs help in collecting objective evidence by providing a transparent and systematic approach to data analysis.

References:

• An article defining CAATs and discussing their advantages and disadvantages1.
• A resource explaining the role and benefits of CAATs in auditing information systems2.
• A publication detailing how CAATs allow auditors to independently access and test the reliability of client systems3.