Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Interview Questions

The Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) exam is based on IT infrastructure security controls. A CISA certification boosts your chances of being asked to interview for a variety of cybersecurity positions. Information security architect, information security analyst, information system auditor, IT compliance analyst, and more positions are available.

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification exam is a worldwide recognize benchmark for Business Systems and Information Technology professionals. CISA certificates assist businesses in determining a candidate’s professional expertise and skills for risk management, control implementation, and compliance. Furthermore, this certification can certify your experience and provide you with the necessary abilities to advance your profession.

What motivated you to become a CISA certified professional?

The CISA certification is recognized globally as the standard of achievement for those who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems.

By earning the CISA certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in information systems auditing and security, which can lead to new job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition in the industry. Additionally, the CISA certification helps professionals stay current with the latest developments in the field and stay ahead of emerging threats and challenges. Overall, the CISA certification is a valuable investment in an individual’s career, helping them to succeed and grow in the information systems auditing and security field.

Can you explain the ISACA CISA certification process and how you prepared for it?

The ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification process involves several steps, including:

1. Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional work experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.
2. Application and Payment: Candidates must submit an application and pay the certification fee to ISACA, which covers the cost of the exam and certification maintenance.
3. Preparation: Candidates are expected to prepare for the CISA exam by studying the ISACA CISA Review Manual and other recommended study materials. Many individuals also attend review courses or study groups to further prepare for the exam.
4. Exam: The CISA exam is a computer-based test that covers five domains of the information systems auditing and security field. The exam is held several times a year in various locations around the world.
5. Results: Results are usually available within 2-3 weeks of the exam date. Candidates who pass the exam are awarded the CISA certification, which is valid for 3 years.

To prepare for the CISA exam, individuals can take advantage of various study materials and resources, such as the ISACA CISA Review Manual, practice exams, review courses, and study groups. It is recommended to dedicate sufficient time and effort to studying and preparing for the exam, as it is considered a rigorous and challenging test of knowledge and expertise.

By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, individuals can increase their chances of success in earning the CISA certification and advancing their careers in the information systems auditing and security field.

How do you stay current with the latest developments in information systems auditing and security?

There are several ways that individuals can stay current with the latest developments in information systems auditing and security:

1. Attend Conferences and Workshops: Attending industry conferences and workshops provides an opportunity to learn about the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the field.
2. Participate in Professional Organizations: Joining professional organizations, such as ISACA, can provide access to valuable resources, including industry publications, online forums, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.
3. Read Industry Publications: Regularly reading industry publications, such as ISACA’s “CISA Review” and “Information Systems Control Journal,” can help keep individuals informed about the latest developments and best practices in the field.
4. Participate in Online Communities: Participating in online communities and forums, such as LinkedIn groups, can provide a platform for discussing current trends and exchanging ideas with other professionals in the field.
5. Pursue Continuing Professional Education: Pursuing continuing professional education, such as earning additional certifications or attending training courses, can help individuals stay up-to-date with the latest developments and technologies in the field.

By staying current with the latest developments in information systems auditing and security, individuals can maintain their expertise and knowledge, stay ahead of emerging threats and challenges, and stay competitive in the marketplace.

Can you explain the five domains of the CISA exam and what they cover?

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam covers five domains, which represent the key knowledge areas and skills required of information systems auditors. The five domains are:

1. The Process of Auditing Information Systems: This domain covers the concepts, principles, and techniques used in information systems auditing. It includes topics such as audit planning, risk assessment, control analysis, and audit reporting.
2. Governance and Management of IT: This domain covers the governance and management of information technology, including topics such as IT strategy, organizational structure, policy and procedure development, and IT governance frameworks.
3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation: This domain covers the acquisition, development, and implementation of information systems, including topics such as project management, systems development life cycle, software development methodologies, and vendor management.
4. Information Systems Operations, Maintenance, and Service Management: This domain covers the operations, maintenance, and service management of information systems, including topics such as IT service management, incident management, backup and recovery, and disaster recovery.
5. Protection of Information Assets: This domain covers the protection of information assets, including topics such as security management, access control, physical and environmental security, and business continuity planning.

The CISA exam is designed to test individuals’ knowledge and understanding of these five domains, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. The exam is computer-based and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in 4 hours. The CISA exam is considered a rigorous and challenging test of knowledge and expertise in the field of information systems auditing and security.

How do you approach information systems auditing and risk assessment?

Approaching information systems auditing and risk assessment involves the following steps:

1. Planning: The first step in conducting an information systems audit is to plan the audit. This includes defining the scope of the audit, identifying the objectives and goals of the audit, and determining the resources and personnel required to conduct the audit.
2. Risk Assessment: The next step is to conduct a risk assessment to identify and evaluate the risks associated with the information systems being audited. This involves identifying potential threats to the systems and assessing the likelihood and impact of these threats.
3. Control Analysis: After the risk assessment has been completed, the auditor then performs a control analysis to determine the controls in place to mitigate the identified risks. This involves evaluating the design and effectiveness of the controls and identifying any control weaknesses or gaps.
4. Testing: Once the control analysis has been completed, the auditor then performs testing to verify the controls are functioning as intended and to validate the findings from the control analysis. This may involve reviewing documentation, interviewing personnel, and conducting hands-on testing of the systems and controls.

By following these steps, information systems auditors can ensure a comprehensive and systematic approach to auditing and risk assessment, helping organizations to identify and mitigate risks to their information systems and improve the overall security and control environment.

Can you give an example of a complex information systems audit that you conducted and explain your methodology?

As a language model AI, I do not have personal experiences or physical abilities to conduct an information systems audit. However, I can provide a hypothetical example of a complex information systems audit and explain the methodology that could be used.

Example: The audit of a large financial institution’s loan origination system.

Methodology:

1. Planning: The first step in conducting the audit is to plan the audit. This includes defining the scope of the audit, identifying the objectives and goals of the audit, and determining the resources and personnel required to conduct the audit. The objective of this audit is to assess the controls and security of the loan origination system.
2. Risk Assessment: The next step is to conduct a risk assessment to identify and evaluate the risks associated with the loan origination system. This involves identifying potential threats to the system and assessing the likelihood and impact of these threats. This can include conducting a review of the system’s architecture and design, reviewing security policies and procedures, and interviewing personnel involved in the system’s development and maintenance.
3. Control Analysis: After the risk assessment has been completed, the auditor then performs a control analysis to determine the controls in place to mitigate the identified risks. This involves evaluating the design and effectiveness of the controls and identifying any control weaknesses or gaps. The auditor will review the system’s access controls, security logs, and backup and recovery procedures to ensure they are functioning as intended and providing adequate protection of the loan data.

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of information systems controls and recommend improvements?

Evaluating the effectiveness of information systems controls and recommending improvements requires a systematic approach that considers the control environment, risk management, and the information technology infrastructure. Here are the steps involved in the process:

1. Review the Control Environment: The control environment includes the policies, procedures, and management attitudes that influence control activities within an organization. Auditors should review the policies and procedures related to information systems security, risk management, and access controls to ensure that they are comprehensive and up-to-date.
2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Information systems controls should be designed to mitigate the risks identified in a risk assessment. An effective information systems audit starts with a comprehensive risk assessment that considers the potential threats to the system and the impact of those threats.
3. Evaluate the Information Technology Infrastructure: The information technology infrastructure includes the hardware, software, and networking components that support the processing and storage of data. Auditors should evaluate the infrastructure to ensure that it is design to support the control environment and mitigate the risks identified in the risk assessment.
4. Test the Controls: Once the control environment and information technology infrastructure have been evaluate, auditors should test the controls to determine their effectiveness. This may involve reviewing logs and reports, conducting walk-throughs of processes, and testing the controls using a combination of manual and automated methods.

By following these steps, auditors can ensure that they are evaluating the effectiveness of information systems controls in a comprehensive and systematic manner, and that they are making recommendations that will help improve the overall security and control environment of the organization.

Can you discuss your experience with security and compliance frameworks, such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS?

ISO 27001 and PCI DSS are two of the most widely recognize information security and compliance frameworks.

ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a comprehensive framework for information security management. The standard outlines a systematic approach to managing and protecting sensitive information, and includes guidelines for risk assessment, policy development, and the implementation of technical and physical controls. Organizations that implement ISO 27001 are expect to have a formal and structured approach to information security management, and to demonstrate continuous improvement of their information security processes and procedures.

PCI DSS, or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, is a set of security requirements for organizations that process, store, or transmit cardholder data. The standard was develop by major credit card companies and is design to protect against credit card fraud by ensuring that sensitive information is securely store, transmit, and process. Organizations that process cardholder data must comply with PCI DSS in order to maintain their ability to accept credit cards.

Both ISO 27001 and PCI DSS are important frameworks for organizations that deal with sensitive information and must meet strict security and compliance requirements. By implementing these frameworks, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to information security and compliance, and can help protect their reputation and assets.

Can you explain the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test, and how you would perform each one?

A vulnerability assessment and a penetration test are both techniques use to evaluate the security of an information system, but they differ in their approach and scope.

A vulnerability assessment is a non-intrusive evaluation of the system’s security posture. It aims to identify vulnerabilities in the system’s architecture, configuration, and software, and provides a prioritized list of recommendations for remediation. A vulnerability assessment is typically conduct using automate tools that scan the system for known vulnerabilities and generate a report of the findings.

To perform a vulnerability assessment, you would typically follow these steps:

1. Define the scope of the assessment: Determine which systems and applications will be include in the assessment and what level of detail is require.
2. Conduct a pre-assessment review: Review the system’s architecture, configuration, and software to identify any potential security weaknesses.
3. Scan the system for vulnerabilities: Use automated tools to scan the system for known vulnerabilities.
4. Analyze the results: Review the results of the vulnerability scan and prioritize the findings based on their potential impact and likelihood of exploitation.

To perform a penetration test, you would typically follow these steps:

1. Define the scope of the test: Determine which systems and applications will be include in the test, what level of access is require, and what level of detail is require.
2. Gather information about the system: Collect information about the system’s architecture, configuration, and software to identify potential entry points for an attack.
3. Plan the attack: Plan the attack by identifying the vulnerabilities that will be exploite, the methods that will be use to exploit them, and the information that will be gather during the test.
4. Conduct the test: Simulate a real-world attack by attempting to exploit the vulnerabilities and gain access to sensitive information.

How do you handle sensitive information and ensure that it is protect during an audit?

Handling sensitive information and ensuring its protection during an audit is a critical aspect of information systems auditing. As a CISA certified professional, I follow a number of best practices to ensure the protection of sensitive information:

1. Confidentiality agreements: Before beginning an audit, I require all parties involved to sign confidentiality agreements that outline the handling and protection of sensitive information.
2. Access controls: I ensure that access to sensitive information is restrict to only those individuals who require it to perform their duties. I also ensure that all access is log and monitor for suspicious activity.
3. Encryption: I ensure that sensitive information is encrypt in transit and at rest to protect it from unauthorize access.
4. Physical security: I ensure that sensitive information is store in a secure location that is protect from unauthorize access, theft, and damage.
5. Data backup: I ensure that regular backups of sensitive information are taken to protect against data loss in the event of a disaster or security breach.
6. Data disposal: I ensure that sensitive information is dispose of securely when it is no longer need, to prevent unauthorized access and exposure.
7. Risk assessment: I regularly assess the risks associated with the handling of sensitive information, and implement controls to mitigate those risks.

By following these best practices, I ensure that sensitive information is protect during an audit and that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information are maintain.

1. Define RFC.

A request for change (RFC) is a process that establishes authorization for system changes. The CISA auditor must be able to recognize and respond to developments that may jeopardize network security. The RFC keeps track of all current and previous system changes.

2. What are some of the drawbacks of virtualized systems?

Working in the cloud allows people to work from anywhere, but it also exposes them to security threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks, keyloggers, and hackers who obtain access to the main account where data is kept.

3. What exactly is change management?

Change management is typically a group of professionals in charge of determining the risk and impact of system modifications. The CISA will be in charge of assessing security concerns associated with modifications.

4. What happens when a change causes damage to a system or does not go as planned?

The CISA and other change management personnel are in charge of initiating a rollback. If something goes wrong with the deployment, all modifications should include a rollback plan.

5. What steps can you incorporate into deployment strategies to improve security?

Fill out forms for developers to identify each change and document which systems are changing during the deployment plan.

6. What security systems are in place to protect against unauthorized traffic?

At the router or server level, firewalls safeguard the internal network. Antivirus software prevents virus software from being install, and penetration testing systems perform scripts to identify any potential network risks.

7. What is the significance of a CISA audit trail?

Audit trails enable you and your firm to track systems that contain sensitive information. Audit trails are primarily use to determine which user accessed data and when the data was access. These trails can assist businesses in identifying inappropriate use of confidential data.

8. What are some of the ways that businesses can lose data?

Hackers and viruses are the two most common causes of data loss. Other reasons include disgruntled or dishonest personnel, unintentional data leaks, or stolen property such as laptop computers.

9. What is the Internet’s standard protocol?

The Internet and most internal networks employ the TCP/IP protocol.

10. How can a CISA auditor gain a better understanding of how the system operates?

Talk to management, examine documentation, observe other employees’ activities, and read system logs and data.

11. What exactly is a BIA?

The Business Impact Analysis, which aids in the development of the Business Continuity Plan.

12. Describe honeypot.

A security device designed to prevent unwanted access by setting up an attractive trap with data that appears real.

13. What are the drawbacks of employing long asymmetric encryption keys?

Although asymmetric encryption technology is generally more secure, it is slower and has higher overhead expenses.

14. Define BCP.

The document organizational policy utilize in incident response is known as the Business Continuity Plan (BCP). The Business Impact Analysis is review and a risk assessment is perform while creating the BCP to discover potential hazards to the organization and the best strategy to mitigate those risks depending on the demands of the enterprise.

15. What exactly is sociability testing?

A type of test used to assess whether a program is functioning properly in a certain environment.

16. Describe the Change Movement.

Individuals who are in charge of identifying any dangerous or risk-generating aspects in the system, as well as the negative impact of various changes in the system, are refer to as change movements. CISA detects and locates the threat of a change that affects network security.

17. Explain the function of network encryption.

Network encryption is use to preserve and secure the privacy of data or resources transmit over a network.

18. What will you do if you discover a flaw in the system while working as an auditor?

Auditors do not correct existing flaws or errors. These faults, however, are in a report, which is subsequently sent to the system’s owners for examination. It is the system owners’ obligation to select what steps to take in response to an existing problem or error.

19. What are the drawbacks of a faulty control application and policy definitions?

A weak control application’s drawbacks include granting access to unknown sources, which raises the threat and breach, and poor network setups, which can result in poorer performance quality.

20. What are the controls that should be enforce when granting access to third-party associations?

Allowing the creation of a guess account or profile with limited access and an established deadline.

21. Describe the risk that could arise as a result of insufficient software base lining.

Scope creep is a risk or problem that can emerge as a result of insufficient software baselining.

22. Identify the standard protocol that the internet uses.

TCP/IP is the most common protocol use by most internal networks as well as the internet.

23. Identify the dynamic analysis tool that is utilize to test software components.

The Black box test is the tool utilize.

24. Describe the techniques by which a company’s data can be lost.

Malware and hackers are two of the most dangerous kinds of data loss.

25. What types of processes might be in the deployment process to boost security?

Forms can be distribute to developers in order for them to fill them out in order to identify and track each and every change, as well as to note down or document the systems in which modifications are made during the deployment process.

26. What happens if a change has a negative impact on a system?

Employees from change management and the CISA are in charge of declaring a rollback.

27. Explain the strategies that can help the CISA auditor obtain a better understanding of how the system works.

Reading the documentation, speaking with management, observing other personnel perform processes, and comprehending system logs and data.

28. What are some of the drawbacks of virtualized systems?

Certain people benefit from working in the cloud since they can access it from anywhere. However, virtualization would expose consumers to security threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks, keyloggers, and hackers who get access to the main account where data would be store.

29. What is the point of a CISA audit trail?

Audit trails enable you and the firm to track systems containing sensitive information. Audit trails would primarily be use to trace which user access data and when the data was access. These trails may be useful in discovering improper usage of private data by businesses.

30. How could a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) auditor obtain a better understanding of the system’s operation?

Talk to management, read documentation, observe other employees’ activities, and examine system logs and statistics.

Conclusion for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Interview Questions

Since the Certified Information Systems Auditor exam verifies an understanding of auditing methodologies, it is critical to grasp an auditor’s complete job responsibilities. An interviewer could ask a variety of auditing-related questions. This could include how to ensure that the organization has implemented the necessary controls on the system, the types of scanning tools to use, the process of manually reviewing controls, understanding firewall or IPTables rules, and what should be include in a Disaster Recovery or Business Continuity Plan. They will ask you various scenario-based questions in order to understand your mental process and determine your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.