Showing posts with label CISA certification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CISA certification. Show all posts

Sunday, November 30, 2025

MCQ questions on Data Analytics

MCQ questions on Data Analytics...

Section A:

*1. Big Data & Data Types*

_Which characteristic best defines “Big Data” in the context of IS audit?_

A) Small volume of structured data

B) High volume, velocity, and variety of data 

C) Only financial transaction records

D) Data stored exclusively on mainframes


*2. Data & Information*

_Information differs from data primarily because it:_

A) Is raw facts

B) Has context and meaning 

C) Is stored in databases

D) Never changes


*3. Data Analytics*

_Which technique is most appropriate for detecting patterns in large datasets?_

A) Manual sampling

B) Descriptive statistics

C) Predictive data analytics 

D) Compliance testing


*4. Data Integrity*

_Which control BEST ensures data integrity during data entry?_

A) Field checks 

B) Data encryption

C) Backup procedures

D) Network firewalls


*5. Data Mining*

_Data mining is primarily used to:_

A) Store current operational data

B) Discover hidden patterns in large datasets 

C) Perform routine transaction processing

D) Conduct physical security audits


*6. Data Warehouse & Data Mart*

_What is the main difference between a data warehouse and a data mart?_

A) Data warehouses store only current data; data marts store historical data

B) Data warehouses are department‑specific; data marts are enterprise‑wide

C) Data warehouses are centralized repositories of integrated data; data marts are subsets for specific user groups 

D) Data warehouses are cloud‑only; data marts are on‑premises only


*7. Structured, Unstructured & Semi‑Structured Data*

_Which of the following BEST describes “semi‑structured” data?_

A) Data that fits neatly into rows and columns

B) Data without any organization

C) Data that contains tags or markers to separate elements (e.g., XML, JSON) 

D) Data stored only in paper files


*8. Data Science & Cloud Computing*

_In cloud computing, “Software as a Service (SaaS)” means:_

A) The organization provides hardware to users

B) The provider delivers applications over the internet 

C) Users manage the underlying infrastructure

D) Data is stored only on local servers


*9. Computer Bug & Computer Virus*

_Which statement accurately differentiates a “bug” from a “virus”?_

A) A bug is malicious code; a virus is a coding error

B) A bug is an unintentional coding error; a virus is malicious software 

C) Both are types of malware

D) Bugs affect hardware; viruses affect software


*10. Data Redundancy*

_Which of the following is a benefit of controlled data redundancy?_

A) Improves data consistency when properly managed 

B) Reduces storage costs

C) Increases risk of unauthorized access

D) Eliminates the need for backups


*11. Data Life Cycle*

_Which phase of the data life cycle involves deciding when data is no longer needed and can be destroyed?_

A) Creation

B) Usage

C) Retention

D) Disposal 


*12. Data Visualization*

_The primary purpose of data visualization is to:_

A) Encrypt sensitive data

B) Present data in graphical formats to aid understanding 

C) Increase data storage capacity

D) Perform complex calculations


*13. Application Controls*

_Which of the following is an example of an application control?_

A) Firewalls

B) Input validation checks 

C) Intrusion detection systems

D) Physical access locks


Section B:

1. Big Data & Data Types

_Which “V” of Big Data refers to the speed at which data is generated and processed?_

A) Volume

B) Variety

C) Velocity 

D) Veracity


2. Structured vs. Unstructured Data

_Which of the following is an example of unstructured data?_

A) Relational database tables

B) CSV files

C) Emails 

D) Excel spreadsheets


3. Semi‑Structured Data

_XML and JSON are examples of:_

A) Structured data

B) Unstructured data

C) Semi‑structured data 

D) No data


4. Data Analytics – Types

_Descriptive analytics helps organizations:_

A) Predict future trends

B) Summarize historical data 

C) Recommend optimal actions

D) Identify hidden patterns


5. Data Integrity Controls

_Which control is MOST effective to prevent unauthorized alterations of financial data?_

A) Data encryption at rest

B) Digital signatures 

C) Regular backups

D) Network intrusion detection


6. Data Mining

_The “association rule learning” technique in data mining is used to:_

A) Classify data into predefined categories

B) Discover relationships between variables 

C) Reduce dataset dimensionality

D) Perform statistical hypothesis testing


7. Data Warehouse & Data Mart

_Data marts typically serve which of the following purposes?_

A) Store all enterprise data in raw form

B) Provide department‑specific analytical data 

C) Replace operational databases

D) Perform real‑time transaction processing


8. Cloud Computing Models

_In which cloud service model does the provider manage the operating system, middleware, and runtime?_

A) IaaS

B) PaaS 

C) SaaS

D) Hybrid cloud


9. Computer Bug vs. Virus

_A “bug” in software typically results from:_

A) Intentional malicious code

B) Unintentional programming error 

C) Hardware failure

D) User negligence


10. Data Redundancy

_Controlled redundancy in a database improves:_

A) Storage cost efficiency

B) Fault tolerance 

C) Processing speed exclusively

D) Complexity of queries


11. Data Life Cycle – Retention

_During which phase are data retention policies defined?_

A) Creation

B) Usage

C) Retention 

D) Disposal


12. Data Visualization

_Which chart type is BEST for showing trends over time?_

A) Pie chart

B) Line chart 

C) Scatter plot

D) Heat map


13. Application Controls – Input Controls

_Which of the following validates that a date entry falls within a permissible range?_

A) Check digit

B) Reasonableness check 

C) Hash total

D) Authorization check


14. Cloud Data Security

_When data resides in a public cloud, which party is primarily responsible for physical security of the data center?_

A) Cloud customer

B) Cloud provider 

C) Third‑party auditor

D) End‑users


15. Data Science Lifecycle (CRISP‑DM)

_Which step follows “Data Understanding” in the CRISP‑DM methodology?_

A) Business Understanding

B) Data Preparation 

C) Modeling

D) Evaluation


www.gmsisuccess.in



ANSWERS:

MCQ questions on Data Analytics...

Section A:

*1. Big Data & Data Types*

_Which characteristic best defines “Big Data” in the context of IS audit?_

A) Small volume of structured data

B) High volume, velocity, and variety of data ✅

C) Only financial transaction records

D) Data stored exclusively on mainframes


*2. Data & Information*

_Information differs from data primarily because it:_

A) Is raw facts

B) Has context and meaning ✅

C) Is stored in databases

D) Never changes


*3. Data Analytics*

_Which technique is most appropriate for detecting patterns in large datasets?_

A) Manual sampling

B) Descriptive statistics

C) Predictive data analytics ✅

D) Compliance testing


*4. Data Integrity*

_Which control BEST ensures data integrity during data entry?_

A) Field checks ✅

B) Data encryption

C) Backup procedures

D) Network firewalls


*5. Data Mining*

_Data mining is primarily used to:_

A) Store current operational data

B) Discover hidden patterns in large datasets ✅

C) Perform routine transaction processing

D) Conduct physical security audits


*6. Data Warehouse & Data Mart*

_What is the main difference between a data warehouse and a data mart?_

A) Data warehouses store only current data; data marts store historical data

B) Data warehouses are department‑specific; data marts are enterprise‑wide

C) Data warehouses are centralized repositories of integrated data; data marts are subsets for specific user groups ✅

D) Data warehouses are cloud‑only; data marts are on‑premises only


*7. Structured, Unstructured & Semi‑Structured Data*

_Which of the following BEST describes “semi‑structured” data?_

A) Data that fits neatly into rows and columns

B) Data without any organization

C) Data that contains tags or markers to separate elements (e.g., XML, JSON) ✅

D) Data stored only in paper files


*8. Data Science & Cloud Computing*

_In cloud computing, “Software as a Service (SaaS)” means:_

A) The organization provides hardware to users

B) The provider delivers applications over the internet ✅

C) Users manage the underlying infrastructure

D) Data is stored only on local servers


*9. Computer Bug & Computer Virus*

_Which statement accurately differentiates a “bug” from a “virus”?_

A) A bug is malicious code; a virus is a coding error

B) A bug is an unintentional coding error; a virus is malicious software ✅

C) Both are types of malware

D) Bugs affect hardware; viruses affect software


*10. Data Redundancy*

_Which of the following is a benefit of controlled data redundancy?_

A) Improves data consistency when properly managed ✅

B) Reduces storage costs

C) Increases risk of unauthorized access

D) Eliminates the need for backups


*11. Data Life Cycle*

_Which phase of the data life cycle involves deciding when data is no longer needed and can be destroyed?_

A) Creation

B) Usage

C) Retention

D) Disposal ✅


*12. Data Visualization*

_The primary purpose of data visualization is to:_

A) Encrypt sensitive data

B) Present data in graphical formats to aid understanding ✅

C) Increase data storage capacity

D) Perform complex calculations


*13. Application Controls*

_Which of the following is an example of an application control?_

A) Firewalls

B) Input validation checks ✅

C) Intrusion detection systems

D) Physical access locks


Section B:

1. Big Data & Data Types

_Which “V” of Big Data refers to the speed at which data is generated and processed?_

A) Volume

B) Variety

C) Velocity ✅

D) Veracity


2. Structured vs. Unstructured Data

_Which of the following is an example of unstructured data?_

A) Relational database tables

B) CSV files

C) Emails ✅

D) Excel spreadsheets


3. Semi‑Structured Data

_XML and JSON are examples of:_

A) Structured data

B) Unstructured data

C) Semi‑structured data ✅

D) No data


4. Data Analytics – Types

_Descriptive analytics helps organizations:_

A) Predict future trends

B) Summarize historical data ✅

C) Recommend optimal actions

D) Identify hidden patterns


5. Data Integrity Controls

_Which control is MOST effective to prevent unauthorized alterations of financial data?_

A) Data encryption at rest

B) Digital signatures ✅

C) Regular backups

D) Network intrusion detection


6. Data Mining

_The “association rule learning” technique in data mining is used to:_

A) Classify data into predefined categories

B) Discover relationships between variables ✅

C) Reduce dataset dimensionality

D) Perform statistical hypothesis testing


7. Data Warehouse & Data Mart

_Data marts typically serve which of the following purposes?_

A) Store all enterprise data in raw form

B) Provide department‑specific analytical data ✅

C) Replace operational databases

D) Perform real‑time transaction processing


8. Cloud Computing Models

_In which cloud service model does the provider manage the operating system, middleware, and runtime?_

A) IaaS

B) PaaS ✅

C) SaaS

D) Hybrid cloud


9. Computer Bug vs. Virus

_A “bug” in software typically results from:_

A) Intentional malicious code

B) Unintentional programming error ✅

C) Hardware failure

D) User negligence


10. Data Redundancy

_Controlled redundancy in a database improves:_

A) Storage cost efficiency

B) Fault tolerance ✅

C) Processing speed exclusively

D) Complexity of queries


11. Data Life Cycle – Retention

_During which phase are data retention policies defined?_

A) Creation

B) Usage

C) Retention ✅

D) Disposal


12. Data Visualization

_Which chart type is BEST for showing trends over time?_

A) Pie chart

B) Line chart ✅

C) Scatter plot

D) Heat map


13. Application Controls – Input Controls

_Which of the following validates that a date entry falls within a permissible range?_

A) Check digit

B) Reasonableness check ✅

C) Hash total

D) Authorization check


14. Cloud Data Security

_When data resides in a public cloud, which party is primarily responsible for physical security of the data center?_

A) Cloud customer

B) Cloud provider ✅

C) Third‑party auditor

D) End‑users


15. Data Science Lifecycle (CRISP‑DM)

_Which step follows “Data Understanding” in the CRISP‑DM methodology?_

A) Business Understanding

B) Data Preparation ✅

C) Modeling

D) Evaluation


*Answers Key*

1‑C, 2‑C, 3‑C, 4‑B, 5‑B, 6‑B, 7‑B, 8‑B, 9‑B, 10‑B, 11‑C, 12‑B, 13‑B, 14‑B, 15‑B


www.gmsisuccess.in

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Cybersecurity Audit Basic concept

Cybersecurity Audit:

cybersecurity audit basic concepts and process by CISA auditor

The basic concepts of a cybersecurity audit by a CISA auditor focus on risk-based assessment, strong access controls, and continuous monitoring of security policies and compliance with regulations. The audit process involves planning and scoping risks, evaluating cybersecurity controls like firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication, and assessing the organization's incident response and recovery capabilities. A CISA auditor examines vulnerabilities, analyzes their impact, tests controls, reviews logs for unusual activities, and provides recommendations to improve security posture and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets.


### Basic Concepts of Cybersecurity Audit by CISA

- Risk-based approach: Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks to protect business assets.

- Access controls: Ensuring only authorized users have access to sensitive data and systems through mechanisms like multi-factor authentication.

- Continuous monitoring: Regular review of system logs and security policies to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

- Compliance review: Checking adherence to standards (ISO 27001, GDPR, SOC 2) and regulatory requirements.

- Control evaluation: Assessing effectiveness of controls such as firewalls, encryption, and vulnerability management.


### Cybersecurity Audit Process by a CISA Auditor

- Planning and Scoping: Defining audit objectives, audit scope, and methodology based on risks and business needs.

- Risk Assessment: Identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and their potential impacts.

- Control Testing: Verifying logical, physical, and environmental security controls are effective.

- Evidence Collection and Analysis: Gathering audit evidence through testing and review of policies, processes, and logs.

- Reporting and Recommendations: Communicating findings, providing mitigation advice, and following up on implementation.

- Continuous Auditing: Incorporating ongoing monitoring practices to keep security posture updated with evolving threats.


### CISA Auditor Role in Cybersecurity Audit

- Implementing a risk-based audit strategy that aligns with organizational goals.

- Executing audits to evaluate the protection and management of IT assets.

- Reviewing incident response plans and security awareness training.

- Advising on improvements to strengthen governance and security controls.

- Performing follow-up audits to ensure remediation measures are effective.


This comprehensive approach by CISA auditors helps organizations proactively manage cybersecurity risks and enhance resilience against cyber threats 



Cybersecurity Audit – Key Points to Remember (CISA Exam)


1. Understand the Cybersecurity Governance Frameworks

  • NIST CSF – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
  • ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management System (ISMS)
  • COBIT 2019 – Governance & management of enterprise IT
  • CIS Controls – Prioritized set of 18 controls
  • ITIL – Service management; incident/problem/change management

CISA may ask to identify which framework best supports governance, risk, or controls.


2. Cybersecurity Policies & Procedures

  • Information security policy → High-level, approved by board
  • Standards → Mandatory rules
  • Procedures → Step-by-step instructions
  • Guidelines → Recommended practices

Key policies:


3. Risk Management in Cybersecurity

  • Steps: Identify → Analyze → Evaluate → Treat → Monitor
  • Risk = Threat × Vulnerability × Impact
  • Risk treatment options: Avoid, Mitigate, Transfer, Accept
  • CISA focuses on:

4. Cybersecurity Controls

A. Preventive Controls

B. Detective Controls

  • IDS/IPS
  • Log monitoring (SIEM)
  • Security alerts
  • File integrity monitoring

C. Corrective Controls

  • Incident response actions
  • Patching
  • Backups & restoration

5. Endpoint & Network Security Basics (Exam Favorite)

  • Firewall types: Packet filtering, Stateful, Proxy, NGFW
  • IDS vs IPS:
    • IDS → Detect only
    • IPS → Detect + block
  • VPN: Ensures confidentiality + integrity
  • DMZ: Hosts public-facing systems, isolates internal network

6. Identity & Access Management (IAM)

  • Authentication factors:
    • Something you know / have / are
  • Authorization models:
    • RBAC → Roles
    • ABAC → Attributes
    • MAC → High security environments
    • DAC → Owner decides
  • Least privilege and Segregation of duties (SoD)
  • Privilege creep → common exam question

7. Cryptography Essentials

  • Encryption: AES, DES/3DES, RSA
  • Hashing: SHA-256, MD5 (weak)
  • Digital signatures: Integrity + Authentication + Non-repudiation
  • Key management: Most critical control in cryptography

8. Vulnerability & Penetration Testing

  • Vulnerability assessment: Identifies weaknesses
  • Penetration test: Attempts exploitation
  • Types: Black box, White box, Grey box
  • Steps: Planning → Discovery → Attack → Reporting
  • Evidence must be properly documented for the audit trail.

9. Cybersecurity Incident Management

  • Phases (NIST 800-61):
    Preparation → Detection → Containment → Eradication → Recovery → Lessons learned
  • Key roles:
    • Incident Response Team (IRT)
    • Forensics experts
  • Chain of custody is essential to maintain evidence integrity.

10. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

  • Cybersecurity audit checks:
    • Backup strategy
    • DR plan testing
    • RPO & RTO
    • Alternate sites: Hot, Warm, Cold
  • Focus on resilience, redundancy, recovery.

11. Security Logging & Monitoring

  • Logs must be:
    • Complete
    • Tamper-proof
    • Time synchronized
    • Reviewed regularly
  • SIEM helps correlate events & detect anomalies.

12. Cloud Cybersecurity Controls

  • Shared responsibility model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS differences)
  • Cloud risks:
    • Misconfiguration
    • Vendor lock-in
    • Data residency
  • Controls:
    • CASB
    • Encryption
    • IAM
    • Logging & monitoring tools

13. Auditing Cybersecurity – What CISA Expects

  • Determine control design effectiveness.
  • Test operating effectiveness.
  • Ensure alignment with business objectives.
  • Evaluate compliance with:
    • Policies
    • Standards
    • Regulatory requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)

14. Common Cyber Attacks (Must Memorize)

Know: attack → threat → control to mitigate.


🎯 Exam Tips (Golden Rules)

  • In CISA questions, auditors DO NOT perform operational security tasks (like patching). They evaluate controls.
  • The best answer typically focuses on:
    ✓ Risk-based approach
    ✓ Governance & management-level controls
    ✓ Policies > Procedures
    ✓ Preventive > Detective > Corrective (if choosing best control)
  • When asked “What should the IS auditor do FIRST?”
    → Answer typically involves understanding, reviewing, or risk assessment, NOT execution.

Define the audit scope and objectives for a CISA cybersecurity audit

The audit scope for a CISA cybersecurity audit defines the boundaries and extent of the evaluation, specifying which systems, networks, processes, and organizational units will be covered. It includes identifying the IT infrastructure components that will be assessed, such as network security, application security, data handling, access controls, and compliance with relevant regulations. The scope is risk-based and aligned with business and regulatory requirements to focus on areas of highest risk and importance.


The audit objectives clarify why the audit is conducted and what it aims to achieve. Common objectives include identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in cybersecurity controls, evaluating the effectiveness of existing security measures, ensuring compliance with laws and standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001), assessing incident response preparedness, and verifying that information assets are adequately protected from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Objectives should align with the organization's cybersecurity and protection goals and be realistically limited to a manageable scope.


In summary:

- Audit Scope: Specifies the systems, processes, and locations included in the audit, based on risk assessment and compliance needs.

- Audit Objectives: Defines the purpose such as vulnerability detection, control effectiveness evaluation, regulatory compliance, risk reduction, and security assurance.


This clear definition guides the audit planning and execution phases to ensure focused, effective cybersecurity assessment by CISA auditors 


Feel free 🆓 to discuss with me if you have any questions ‼️ Call or Text on 9773464206

www.gmsisuccess.in

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam is a globally recognized certification for IT auditors and professionals.

The CISA certification is ideal for IT auditors, risk managers, and professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in IT auditing and risk management.

The CISA exam for 2025 can be taken any time within a 365-day eligibility period after registration. It is computer-based, consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions covering five domains, and lasts four hours. The exam is scored on a 200-800 scale, with a minimum passing score of 450. Results are typically available within 10 business days after the exam.


Here are detailed insights covering the exam structure, topics and weights, grading system, scheduling, results, and passing criteria:


## Exam Structure and Duration

- The CISA exam has 150 multiple-choice questions.

- The time allotted is 4 hours.

- Questions are scenario-based, designed to test practical knowledge and application.

- The exam can be taken online remotely or at authorized in-person testing centers.

- Candidates can schedule the exam at any time within 365 days of registering, without fixed testing windows.


## Exam Domains and Topic Weightage

The exam content is divided into 5 domains with the following weight distribution:

- Information Systems Auditing Process: 21%

- Governance and Management of IT: 17%

- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation: 12%

- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience: 23%

- Protection of Information Assets: 27%


Each domain covers multiple subtopics such as:

- Auditing planning, risk-based audit strategies, evidence gathering (Domain 1)

- IT governance frameworks, strategic alignment, resource management (Domain 2)

- IT project governance, SDLC, business case development (Domain 3)

- Business continuity, operations management, resilience (Domain 4)

- Cybersecurity principles, asset protection, controls (Domain 5)


## Grading System and Passing Criteria

- Scores are scaled on a range of 200 to 800 points.

- A passing score requires at least 450 points.

- The scaled score reflects consistency in practical knowledge rather than a simple percentage correct.

- There is no penalty for guessing; only correctly answered questions count.

- Candidates may retake the exam up to four times within one year with a 30-day wait between attempts.


## Exam Scheduling and Results

- Candidates register and then can schedule their exam at any available date/time/location within 365 days.

- Rescheduling is permitted if done more than 48 hours before the scheduled exam date.

- Results are delivered and available online within approximately 10 business days after the exam.

- Candidates receive an official score email confirming pass or fail status.


This summary should assist in understanding the full scope of the CISA exam process, key topics, scoring, and scheduling flexibility for 2025.


If desired, further details on specific subtopics within each domain or study resources can be provided.Feel free 🆓 to Text on 9773464206. www.gmsisuccess.in


Here’s a tailored guide to the CISA certification specifically for Indian students:


1. Exam Schedule & Registration

  • When to Register? Registration is open year-round through ISACA. Once registered and fee paid, you have a 12-month window to schedule and take the exam—either at an authorized PSI center or via remote proctoring .

  • When Are Exams Held? While there are no fixed “windows” anymore, you can take the exam any time within your eligibility period. Previously, some Indian chapter notices referred to specific dates like second Saturdays of June, September, and December, but the current model is fully flexible .

  • How to Schedule? You can book the exam as soon as 48 hours after registering. Availability shows up to 90 days in advance, so it’s best to check frequently if preferred slots are not visible immediately .


2. Cost Breakdown in India (Approximate INR)

Cost Component ISACA Member Non-Member
Exam Fee ₹47,000 ₹62,000
ISACA Membership (yearly) ₹8,000–₹11,500 N/A
Certification Application Fee ₹4,000 (~$50) ₹4,000 (~$50)
Annual Maintenance Fee ₹3,750 ₹7,050
Study Materials (e.g., Review Manual) ₹4,000–₹10,000 ₹4,000–₹15,000
Training/Prep Courses ₹10,000–₹70,000 ₹10,000–₹70,000
  • Exam Fees: Members pay around ₹47,000; non-members around ₹62,000 .

  • ISACA Membership: Annual cost ranges between ₹8,000 to ₹11,500 (sometimes up to ₹14,500 if including local chapter) .

  • Application Fee: Around ₹4,000 to process certification after passing .

  • Maintenance (CPE): Post-certification, members pay ₹3,750 annually; non-members, ₹7,050 .

  • Study Materials: Official review manuals cost ₹4,000–₹10,000; additional resources may bring total prep costs to ₹15,000 or more .


3. Experience & Certification Path in India

  • Eligibility to Take the Exam: No prior experience is required to sit for the exam .

  • Certification Requirements: To earn the CISA, you must demonstrate 5 years of relevant IS audit/control/security experience, acquired within the last 10 years or within 5 years post-exam .

  • Waivers/Substitutions (Indian rules align with ISACA global):

    • 1-year IS or non-IS auditing experience can substitute for 1 year of required experience.
    • University degree credits (60–120 semester hours) can substitute for 1–2 years.
    • A Bachelor’s or Master’s in IS/IT or being a full-time lecturer may substitute up to one year each .
  • Associate Status: If you pass the exam but lack full experience, you'll receive an “Associate of CISA” designation. You have up to 5 years to fulfill the experience requirement and apply for full certification .

  • Fees for Associate: There is no annual maintenance or CPE requirement until full certification is granted .


4. Training with Gmsisuccess Goregaon West Mumbai Tel 9773464206

  • Gmsisuccess offers live mock sessions (~₹45,000 + GST) with practice tests on specified dates .


5. Salary Outlook for CISA in India

  • Entry-level: ₹4.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh per year
  • Mid-level (1–4 years): ₹7 lakh to ₹15 lakh
  • Experienced: ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh; top salaries around ₹20 lakh in Bengaluru, ₹18 lakh in Mumbai/Delhi .

Community Insights (Reddit)

  • Membership Worth It:

    “It is cheaper to buy a membership … exam costs $575 if you're a member vs $760 if you are not.”
    “After you pass … you have to pay a $45 annual fee to keep your CISA license active.”

  • No Extra Taxes in India:

    “When I paid $575 for my exam … no tax was added.”

  • Associate Status Doesn’t Require Maintenance Fees:

    “You do NOT have to do CPE courses/credits until you receive the certification.”


Quick Summary for Indian Students

  • Exam: Flexible scheduling within 12 months post-registration.
  • Costs: ₹47K (member), ₹62K (non-member) + optional prep materials and training.
  • Membership: Recommend taking it—it often pays for itself through discounts.
  • Experience: Exam-only allowed; full cert requires 5 years (waivers apply).
  • Salience: Strong career prospects; salaries up to ₹25L depending on experience and location.

The contact details for the ISACA Mumbai Chapter are:

These details can be used to inquire about CISA exams, membership, training, events, and other ISACA Mumbai Chapter activities.




👍  here’s a set of sample MCQ questions with answers and explanations aligned to the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam pattern. These are practice-style questions, not actual exam questions.


Sample CISA MCQs

Q1.

Which of the following is the PRIMARY objective of an information systems audit?
A. To ensure adherence to IT best practices
B. To evaluate whether IT systems safeguard assets and maintain data integrity
C. To verify compliance with all ISO standards
D. To confirm efficiency of all IT operations

Answer: B
✔ The main goal of an IS audit is to confirm that systems safeguard assets, maintain data integrity, and support organizational goals.


Q2.

Which of the following controls is most effective in preventing unauthorized changes to application source code?
A. Role-based access controls (RBAC)
B. Encryption of source code files
C. Restricted access to program libraries
D. Audit logging of developer activity

Answer: C
✔ Restricting access to program libraries prevents unauthorized changes before they occur (preventive control). Audit logs (D) are detective, not preventive.


Q3.

The MOST important reason to segregate duties between the systems development team and the operations team is to:
A. Improve system performance
B. Avoid resource conflicts
C. Prevent fraud and unauthorized changes
D. Reduce cost of operations

Answer: C
✔ Segregation of duties reduces the risk of fraud or unauthorized system modifications.


Q4.

During an IS audit, the auditor notices that backup tapes are stored at the same site as the data center. The auditor should recommend:
A. Encrypting all backup tapes
B. Moving backups to an offsite location
C. Increasing the frequency of backups
D. Storing backups in a locked cabinet

Answer: B
✔ Backups must be stored offsite to ensure disaster recovery capability. Encryption is good but doesn’t address physical disaster risk.


Q5.

Which of the following is the GREATEST risk when using end-user developed applications (e.g., Excel-based systems)?
A. Lack of centralized version control
B. Higher maintenance costs
C. Increased processing time
D. Poor user interface design

Answer: A
✔ Without centralized version control, errors, unauthorized changes, and inconsistent results are common, creating high risk.


Q6.

Which type of control is a firewall considered?
A. Detective
B. Corrective
C. Preventive
D. Compensating

Answer: C
✔ Firewalls prevent unauthorized network access → preventive control.


Q7.

The MOST important role of an IS auditor during a system implementation is to:
A. Approve the system design before go-live
B. Ensure that controls are built into the system during development
C. Conduct parallel testing with the old system
D. Train users in system functionality

Answer: B
✔ The auditor ensures that adequate controls are embedded early in development to prevent costly redesign later.


Q8.

Which of the following methods is BEST for an IS auditor to use when verifying that users have appropriate system access rights?
A. Reviewing security logs
B. Performing a role-based access review with management
C. Observing user activities on the system
D. Running penetration testing

Answer: B
✔ A role-based access review with management validates whether access is appropriate for job responsibilities.


Q9.

Which of the following is the PRIMARY concern with wireless networks?
A. Network speed limitations
B. Unauthorized access due to weak encryption
C. Higher cost of installation
D. Compatibility with wired networks

Answer: B
✔ The major risk is unauthorized access if encryption/authentication is weak.


Q10.

An IS auditor is assessing an organization’s disaster recovery plan (DRP). Which of the following should be the FIRST step?
A. Verify backup storage location
B. Review recovery time objectives (RTOs)
C. Test the failover to the backup site
D. Review the business impact analysis (BIA)

Answer: D
✔ DRP should be based on the business impact analysis (BIA), which defines critical systems and acceptable downtime.


👉 These 10 cover core CISA domains: governance, risk management, IT operations, security, and audit practices.

More MCQ Questions ⁉️ 


CISA exam MCQ Questions with answers


Here are some sample CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exam multiple choice questions (MCQs) with answers to aid in exam preparation:


1. An auditor finds terminated employees still have active user accounts. What should the auditor do next?  

   - A. Report to management immediately  

   - B. Ignore the issue  

   - C. Verify if accounts were used after termination  

   - D. Recommend a complete overhaul of access control  

   **Answer:** C. Verify if accounts have been used after termination  

   _(This helps to assess any possible misuse)_ 


2. Which framework is commonly used for IT governance?  

   - A. ISO 9001  

   - B. COBIT  

   - C. Six Sigma  

   - D. ITIL  

   **Answer:** B. COBIT  

   _(COBIT provides guidelines on IT governance and management)_ 


3. What is the type of backup that copies only data changed since the last full backup?  

   - A. Full backup  

   - B. Incremental backup  

   - C. Differential backup  

   - D. Snapshot backup  

   **Answer:** B. Incremental backup  

   _(Saves time and storage by copying only changed data)_ 


4. Which of the following represents a technical control?  

   - A. Security awareness training  

   - B. Background checks  

   - C. Access control lists  

   - D. Physical access controls  

   **Answer:** C. Access control lists  

   _(Use technology to restrict access)_ 


5. What is the objective of a Business Impact Analysis (BIA)?  

   - A. Identify IT threats  

   - B. Assess impact of disruptions on business  

   - C. Develop security policies  

   - D. Perform system maintenance  

   **Answer:** B. Assess impact of disruptions on business operations  

   _(Helps prioritize recovery efforts)_ 


6. Which of the following is a common method to verify data integrity?  

   - A. Encryption  

   - B. Hashing  

   - C. Compression  

   - D. Tokenization  

   **Answer:** B. Hashing  

   _(Produces a unique hash to validate data)_ 


7. An organization wants to implement MFA for remote employees. Which combination provides MFA?  

   - A. Username and password  

   - B. Password and security token  

   - C. Password and email address  

   - D. Username and email address  

   **Answer:** B. Password and security token  

   _(Two different factor types: something you know and have)_ [1]


8. Which of the following is a common social engineering attack technique?  

   - A. Encryption  

   - B. Firewall evasion  

   - C. Password cracking  

   - D. Phishing  

   **Answer:** D. Phishing  

   _(Using deceptive messages to steal info)_


These questions cover key domains like IT governance, risk management, audit process, protection of information assets, and social engineering. They are representative of typical topics found on the CISA exam. Detailed explanations accompany the answers for better understanding.


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