Isaca Updated CISA Exam Questions and Answers by zack

According to the CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor Study Guide1, the correct answer to your question is A. Encrypt the disk drive. This is because encryption is a logical security measure that can protect data even if the physical device is stolen or lost. Encryption makes the data unreadable and inaccessible without the proper key or password. The other options are not as effective as encryption in this scenario. Two-factor authentication is a user authentication method that requires two pieces of evidence to verify the user’s identity, such as a password and a code sent to a phone. However, this does not prevent unauthorized access to the data if the laptop is already logged in or if the attacker can bypass the authentication. Enhancing physical security is a preventive measure that can reduce the risk of theft, but it does not guarantee that theft will not occur or that the data will be safe if it does. Requiring the use of cable locks is another preventive measure that can deter thieves, but it can also be easily cut or removed by a determined attacker.

The best recommendation to address the problem of missing IT deadlines on important projects because IT resources are not prioritized properly is to implement project portfolio management (PPM). PPM is the process of analyzing and optimizing the costs, resources, technologies, and processes for all the projects and programs within a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of projects, programs, and processes that are managed together and aligned with the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. PPM can help the organization to:

Prioritize the most valuable and relevant projects and programs based on their alignment with the organizational strategy, vision, and mission.

Balance the portfolio to ensure that the projects and programs are diversified, feasible, and sustainable, and that they meet the needs and expectations of the stakeholders.

Optimize the allocation, utilization, and coordination of IT resources across the portfolio, such as staff, budget, time, equipment, and software.

Monitor and control the performance and progress of the projects and programs within the portfolio, and evaluate their outcomes and benefits.

By implementing PPM, the organization can improve its IT project delivery and avoid missing deadlines. PPM can also help the organization to increase its efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and value. For more information about PPM, you can refer to the following web search results:

Project Portfolio Management (PPM): The Ultimate Guide - ProjectManager1

A Complete Overview of Project Portfolio Management - Smartsheet2

PPM 101: What Is Project Portfolio Management?3

Operating system parameters are settings or values that affect the behavior or performance of the operating system1. Modifications to the operating system parameters may be necessary to improve the system functionality, security, or efficiency. However, such modifications may also introduce risks or errors that can affect the system stability, compatibility, or integrity. Therefore, modifications to the operating system parameters should be authorized and documented by the appropriate authority2.

A change control log is a record of all changes made to the system, including the date, time, description, reason, authorization, and impact of each change3. A change control log can help the IS auditor to verify whether modifications to the operating system parameters were authorized by comparing the log entries with the actual system settings and the change approval documents4.

The greatest concern when reviewing an IT strategic plan is B. The plan does not support relevant organizational goals. This is because an IT strategic plan should align and integrate the IT goals and objectives with the organization’s overall strategy and vision, and ensure that IT supports and enables the business processes and functions1. If the IT strategic plan does not support relevant organizational goals, it may lead to:

Suboptimal or negative outcomes and value for the organization, as IT investments and initiatives may not align with the organization’s priorities, needs, or expectations1.

Conflicts or inconsistencies between IT and business functions, as IT may not deliver the expected level of service, quality, or performance2.

Wasted or inefficient use of resources, as IT may spend time, money, or effort on projects or activities that are not relevant or beneficial for the organization2.