Isaca CCAK Practice Test - Questions Answers, Page 17

The best approach for an auditor to review the operating effectiveness of the password requirement is to review the configuration settings on the Configuration Management (CM) tool and verify that the CM tool agents are functioning correctly on the VMs. This method ensures that the password policies are being enforced as intended and that the CM tool is effectively managing the configurations across the organization's virtual machines. It provides a balance between relying solely on automated tools and manual verification processes.

Reference This approach is supported by best practices in cloud security and auditing, which recommend a combination of automated tools and manual checks to ensure the effectiveness of security controls123. The use of CM tools for enforcing password policies is a common practice, and their effectiveness must be regularly verified to maintain the security posture of cloud services.

The best approach for an auditor to review the operating effectiveness of the password requirement is to review the configuration settings on the Configuration Management (CM) tool and verify that the CM tool agents are functioning correctly on the VMs. This method ensures that the password policies are being enforced as intended and that the CM tool is effectively managing the configurations across the organization's virtual machines. It provides a balance between relying solely on automated tools and manual verification processes.

Reference This approach is supported by best practices in cloud security and auditing, which recommend a combination of automated tools and manual checks to ensure the effectiveness of security controls123. The use of CM tools for enforcing password policies is a common practice, and their effectiveness must be regularly verified to maintain the security posture of cloud services.

The control audit frequency for an organization's business continuity management and operational resilience strategy should be conducted annually. This frequency is considered appropriate for most organizations to ensure that their business continuity plans and operational resilience strategies remain effective and up-to-date with the current risk landscape. Conducting these audits annually aligns with the best practices of reviewing and updating business continuity plans to adapt to new threats, changes in the business environment, and lessons learned from past incidents.Reference The annual audit frequency is supported by industry standards and guidelines that emphasize the importance of regular reviews to maintain operational resilience.These include resources from professional bodies and industry groups that outline the need for periodic assessments to ensure the effectiveness of business continuity and resilience strategies

DevSecOps is an approach that integrates security practices into every phase of the software development lifecycle. It emphasizes the incorporation of security from the beginning, rather than as an afterthought, and utilizes automation to ensure security measures are consistently applied throughout the development process. This method allows for early detection and resolution of security issues, making it an essential practice for organizations with mature security programs and cloud adoption.

Reference The definition and best practices of DevSecOps are well-documented in resources provided by leading industry authorities such as Microsoft1and IBM2, which describe DevSecOps as a framework that automates the integration of security into the software development lifecycle.

A Type 1 SOC report assesses whether controls are appropriately designed at a specific point in time, while a Type 2 SOC report tests the operating effectiveness of these controls over a period. For cloud auditing, Type 2 is often preferred for its comprehensive approach to both design and effectiveness over time. The CCAK curriculum emphasizes understanding these reports as critical tools in auditing cloud service providers (referenced in the CCAK content on Assurance and Transparency and the CSA STAR framework).

The Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) by the Cloud Security Alliance provides a comprehensive control framework that aligns with industry standards, regulations, and best practices, offering a structured approach for cloud security and compliance management. This mapping capability makes it highly valuable in cloud audits as noted in the CCAK, which relies on CCM for its comprehensive applicability in regulatory compliance and security (referenced in CSA CCM V4 documentation and ISACA CCAK content).

The greatest concern to the auditor should be that the customer cannot monitor its cloud subscription on its own and must rely on the provider for monitoring purposes. This situation can lead to a lack of transparency and control over the security and compliance posture of the cloud services being used. It is crucial for customers to have the ability to independently monitor their systems to ensure that they are secure and compliant with relevant regulations and standards.

Reference This concern is highlighted in the Cloud Security Alliance's (CSA) Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) and the Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge (CCAK) materials, which emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and the customer's ability to audit and ensure the security of their cloud services1.

In situations where Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud service providers do not permit on-premise audits, auditors must adapt by utilizing alternative sources of data to evaluate the customer's controls. This can include using automated tools, third-party certifications, and other forms of assurance provided by the service provider. This approach ensures that the auditor can still assess the security posture and compliance of the cloud services without direct physical access to the provider's infrastructure.

Reference The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) provides guidelines on effective cloud auditing practices, including the use of alternative data sources when on-premise audits are not feasible1.Additionally, discussions on the Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge (CCAK) highlight the importance of adapting audit strategies to the cloud environment2.

Exception reporting is crucial for maintaining effective cloud application controls within an organization. It involves monitoring and reporting deviations from standard operating procedures, which can indicate potential security issues. This proactive approach allows organizations to address vulnerabilities promptly before they can be exploited. Exception reporting is a key component of a robust security posture, as it provides real-time insights into the operational effectiveness of controls and helps maintain compliance with security policies.

Reference The importance of exception reporting is highlighted in best practices for cloud security, which emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and immediate response to any anomalies detected in cloud applications