Last Attempt CISA Questions

A mirror backup is a type of backup that creates an exact copy of the source data to the destination, without using any compression or encryption. A mirror backup is the best backup scheme to recommend given the need for a shorter restoration time in the event of a disruption, because it allows for the fastest and easiest recovery of data. A mirror backup does not store any previous versions of the files, so it only reflects the current state of the source data. Therefore, a mirror backup requires less storage space than a full backup, but more than an incremental or differential backup.

A differential backup is a type of backup that stores the changes made to the source data since the last full backup. A differential backup requires less storage space and time than a full backup, but more than an incremental backup. However, a differential backup also requires more time and resources to restore than a mirror or full backup, because it needs to combine the last full backup and the latest differential backup to recover the data.

A full backup is a type of backup that copies all the files and folders from the source data to the destination, regardless of whether they have changed or not. A full backup provides the most complete protection of data and the simplest recovery process, but it also requires the most storage space and time to perform. A full backup is usually done periodically, such as weekly or monthly, and followed by incremental or differential backups.

An incremental backup is a type of backup that stores the changes made to the source data since the last backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. An incremental backup requires the least storage space and time to perform, but it also requires the most time and resources to restore, because it needs to combine all the previous backups in chronological order to recover the data.

Discovery sampling is a type of statistical sampling that’s used when the expected error rate in the population is very low1. This method is designed to discover at least one instance of an attribute or condition in a population1. It’s often used in auditing to uncover fraud or noncompliance with rules and regulations1.

References:

What are sampling methods and how do you choose the best one?

 A transaction processing system (TPS) is a system that captures, processes, and stores data related to business transactions1. A general ledger is a system that records the financial transactions of an organization in different accounts2. An interface is a connection point between two systems that allows data exchange3. A system fix is a change or update to a system that resolves a problem or improves its functionality4.

The IS auditor should recommend to perform periodic reconciliations to validate the interface between the TPS and the general ledger is working in the future. A reconciliation is a process of comparing and verifying the data in two systems to ensure accuracy and consistency1. By performing periodic reconciliations, the IS auditor can detect and correct any errors or discrepancies in the data, such as duplicate transactions, missing transactions, or incorrect amounts. This way, the IS auditor can ensure the reliability and integrity of the financial data in both systems.

The other options are not as effective as periodic reconciliations to validate the interface. System owner sign-off for the system fix is a form of approval that indicates the system owner agrees with the change and its expected outcome4. However, this does not guarantee that the system fix will work as intended or prevent future errors. Conducting functional testing is a process of verifying that the system performs its intended functions correctly and meets its requirements4. However, this is usually done before or after the system fix is implemented, not on an ongoing basis. Improving user acceptance testing (UAT) is a process of evaluating whether the system meets the needs and expectations of the end users4. However, this is also done before or after the system fix is implemented, not on an ongoing basis. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

References:

Transaction Interface: Organization, Process, and System

Validation of Interfaces - Ensuring Data Integrity and Quality across Systems

Oracle Payments Implementation Guide

Receiving Transactions Inserted Into Interface Table as BATCH And PENDING Are Not Processed By Receiving Transaction Processor

What Is a Transaction Processing System (TPS)? (Plus Types)

Unstructured data is data that does not have a predefined model or organization, making it difficult to store, process, and analyze using traditional relational databases or spreadsheets. Unstructured data can pose a risk to an organization if it contains sensitive, confidential, or regulated information that is not properly secured, managed, or governed. To minimize the risk of unstructured data, the first step is to identify the repositories of unstructured data, such as file servers, cloud storage, email systems, social media platforms, etc. This will help to understand the scope, volume, and nature of unstructured data in the organization, and to prioritize the areas that need further analysis and action. References: Unstructured data -Wikipedia