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 The type of risk associated with the potential for the auditor to miss a sequence of logged events that could indicate an error in the IPS configuration is detection risk. Detection risk is the risk that the auditor’s procedures will not detect a material misstatement or error that exists in an assertion or a control. Detection risk can be affected by factors such as the nature, timing, and extent of the audit procedures, the quality and sufficiency of the audit evidence, and the auditor’s professional judgment and competence. Detection risk can be reduced by applying appropriate audit techniques, such as sampling, testing, observation, inquiry, and analysis. References:

CISA Review Manual (Digital Version)

CISA Questions, Answers & Explanations Database

The most significant risk that IS auditors are required to consider for each engagement is the misalignment with business objectives. This is because IS audit engagements are intended to provide assurance that the IT systems and processes support the achievement of the business objectives and strategies. If there is a misalignment,it could result in wasted resources, missed opportunities, inefficiencies, errors, or failures that could adversely affect the organization’s performance and reputation12. References: 1: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 1: The Process of Auditing Information Systems, Section 1.3: Audit Risk, page 28 2: CISA Online Review Course, Module 1: The Process of Auditing Information Systems, Lesson 1.3: Audit Risk

 An IS auditor reviewing the threat assessment for a data center would be most concerned if the exercise was completed by local management, because this could introduce bias, conflict of interest, or lack of expertise in the assessment process. A threat assessment is a systematic method of identifying and evaluating the potential threats that could affect the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of the data center and its assets. A threat assessmentshould be conducted by an independent and qualified team that has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform a comprehensive and objective analysis of the data center’s environment, vulnerabilities, and risks1.

The other options are not as concerning as option C for an IS auditor reviewing the threat assessment for a data center. Option A, some of the identified threats are unlikely to occur, is not a problem as long as the likelihood and impact of each threat are properly estimated and prioritized. A threat assessment should consider all possible scenarios, even if they have a low probability of occurrence, to ensure that the data center is prepared for any eventuality2. Option B, all identified threats relate to external entities, is not a flaw as long as the assessment also considers internal threats, such as human errors, malicious insiders, or equipment failures. External threats are often more visible and severe than internal threats, butthey are not the only source of risk for a data center3. Option D, neighboring organizations’ operations have been included, is not a mistake as long as the assessment also focuses on the data center’s own operations. Neighboring organizations’ operations may have an impact on the data center’s security and availability, especially if they share physical or network infrastructure or resources. A threat assessmentshould take into account the interdependencies and interactions between the data center and its external environment4.

References:

ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2019

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Data Center Threats and Vulnerabilities1

Datacenter threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment2

Data Centre Risk Assessment3

The greatest concern for an IS auditor reviewing a network printer disposal process is that evidence is not available to verify printer hard drives have been sanitized prior to disposal. This can expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties and cause data breaches. Disposal policies and procedures not being consistently implemented or business units being allowed to dispose printers directly to vendors are compliance issues, but not as critical as data protection. Inoperable printers being stored in an unsecured area is a physical security issue, but not as severe as data leakage. References: ISACA, CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, 2018, page 387