Free Practice Questions for Isaca Cybersecurity-Audit-Certificate Exam

System hardening is a process that involves implementing security measures to reduce the system’s vulnerability. The main purpose of this process is to limit the number of attack vectors that can be exploited by threats. By removing unnecessary programs, closing unused ports, and applying security patches, the system’s attack surface is reduced, making it more difficult for attackers to find vulnerabilities to exploit.

References: The concept of system hardening is covered in ISACA’s resources as a means to protect information assets by addressing threats to information processed, stored, and transported by internetworked information systems1. It is a collection of tools and techniques aimed at reducing vulnerability in various areas of an IT system2.

The MOST important thing for an IS auditor to consider in an assessment of the potential risk factors when a cloud service provider has not adequately secured its application programming interface (API) is the impact on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the cloud service. An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows communication and interaction between different software components or systems. An API is often used by cloud service providers to enable customers to access and manage their cloud resources and services. However, if an API is not adequately secured, it can expose the cloud service provider and its customers to various threats,such as unauthorized access, data breaches, tampering, denial-of-service attacks, or malicious code injection.

One of the known potential risks of using a Software Defined Perimeter (SDP) controller is unauthorized access, which can jeopardize the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data. SDP controllers work by creating a boundary around network resources, but ifan unauthorized user gains access, perhaps through stolen credentials or exploitation of a vulnerability, they could potentially access sensitive data or disrupt services.

References: The information provided here is based on standard cybersecurity practices and principles, which are likely to be consistent with those found in ISACA’s Cybersecurity Audit resources. For specific references, please consult the ISACA Cybersecurity Audit Manual or related study guides12345.

The BEST response to an IT manager’s statement that the risk associated with the use of mobile devices in an organizational setting is the same as for any other device is that replication of privileged access and the greater likelihood of physical loss increases risk levels. Mobile devices pose unique risks to an organization due to their portability, connectivity, and functionality. Mobile devices may store or access sensitive data or systems that require privileged access, which can be compromised if the device is lost, stolen, or hacked. Mobile devices also have a higher chance of being misplaced or taken by unauthorized parties than other devices.

In the context of network communications, the two types of attack vectors are ingress and egress. Ingress refers to the unauthorized entry or access to a network, which can include various forms of cyberattacks aimed at penetrating network defenses. Egress,on the other hand, involves the unauthorized transmission of data out of a network, often as part of data exfiltration efforts by attackers1.

References: The ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Glossary defines attack vectors in network communications as ingress and egress, which align with the options provided in the question1.

In cloud computing, the type of hosting that is MOST appropriate for a large organization that wants greater control over the environment is private hosting. Private hosting is a type of cloud service model where the cloud infrastructure is dedicated to a single organization and hosted either on-premise or off-premise by a third-party provider. Private hosting offers more control over the security, performance, customization, and compliance of the cloud environment than other types of hosting.

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 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.