Nevada Information Systems Security
Auditor Certification Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which framework is most commonly used for managing information
security risk in U.S. federal systems?
A. COBIT
B. ITIL
C. NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
D. ISO 9001
The NIST Risk Management Framework provides a structured process
for categorizing systems, selecting controls, implementing
safeguards, and continuously monitoring security in federal
environments.
2. What is the primary purpose of an information systems security audit?
A. Develop software applications
B. Evaluate compliance and control effectiveness
C. Replace management decisions
D. Install security hardware
An audit assesses whether controls are properly designed and
operating effectively to protect information assets and ensure
compliance.
3. Which document defines audit scope and objectives?
A. Incident report
B. Configuration baseline
C. Audit plan
, D. Risk register
The audit plan outlines the scope, objectives, timeline, and
procedures guiding the audit engagement.
4. What is the first step in the risk management process?
A. Risk mitigation
B. Control implementation
C. Risk identification
D. Risk transfer
Risk must first be identified before it can be analyzed, treated, or
monitored.
5. Which control reduces risk by decreasing the likelihood of an event?
A. Detective control
B. Corrective control
C. Preventive control
D. Recovery control
Preventive controls are designed to stop security incidents before
they occur.
6. Which control identifies incidents after they occur?
A. Preventive
B. Detective
C. Deterrent
D. Compensating
Detective controls help discover security events or breaches through
monitoring and logging.
7. What is the purpose of segregation of duties?
A. Improve system performance
B. Reduce hardware costs
C. Prevent fraud and errors
D. Increase network speed
Segregation ensures no single individual has control over all critical
aspects of a process, reducing fraud risk.
8. Which standard governs information security management systems?
A. ISO 20000
B. ISO/IEC 27001
C. PCI-DSS
, D. HIPAA
ISO/IEC 27001 specifies requirements for establishing and
maintaining an information security management system.
9. What does CIA stand for in security principles?
A. Control, Integrity, Access
B. Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
C. Compliance, Investigation, Audit
D. Configuration, Implementation, Analysis
CIA represents the foundational principles of information security
protection.
10. Which tool is used to evaluate internal controls?
A. Firewall
B. Control matrix
C. Antivirus
D. Router
A control matrix maps risks to controls, helping auditors assess
effectiveness.
11. What type of audit focuses on regulatory compliance?
A. Financial audit
B. Operational audit
C. Compliance audit
D. Performance audit
Compliance audits determine whether an organization adheres to
laws, regulations, and policies.
12. Which is an example of a technical control?
A. Security policy
B. Training program
C. Firewall
D. Code of ethics
Technical controls involve hardware or software mechanisms that
enforce security.
13. What is vulnerability?
A. A threat source
B. A weakness that can be exploited
C. A security policy
Auditor Certification Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which framework is most commonly used for managing information
security risk in U.S. federal systems?
A. COBIT
B. ITIL
C. NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
D. ISO 9001
The NIST Risk Management Framework provides a structured process
for categorizing systems, selecting controls, implementing
safeguards, and continuously monitoring security in federal
environments.
2. What is the primary purpose of an information systems security audit?
A. Develop software applications
B. Evaluate compliance and control effectiveness
C. Replace management decisions
D. Install security hardware
An audit assesses whether controls are properly designed and
operating effectively to protect information assets and ensure
compliance.
3. Which document defines audit scope and objectives?
A. Incident report
B. Configuration baseline
C. Audit plan
, D. Risk register
The audit plan outlines the scope, objectives, timeline, and
procedures guiding the audit engagement.
4. What is the first step in the risk management process?
A. Risk mitigation
B. Control implementation
C. Risk identification
D. Risk transfer
Risk must first be identified before it can be analyzed, treated, or
monitored.
5. Which control reduces risk by decreasing the likelihood of an event?
A. Detective control
B. Corrective control
C. Preventive control
D. Recovery control
Preventive controls are designed to stop security incidents before
they occur.
6. Which control identifies incidents after they occur?
A. Preventive
B. Detective
C. Deterrent
D. Compensating
Detective controls help discover security events or breaches through
monitoring and logging.
7. What is the purpose of segregation of duties?
A. Improve system performance
B. Reduce hardware costs
C. Prevent fraud and errors
D. Increase network speed
Segregation ensures no single individual has control over all critical
aspects of a process, reducing fraud risk.
8. Which standard governs information security management systems?
A. ISO 20000
B. ISO/IEC 27001
C. PCI-DSS
, D. HIPAA
ISO/IEC 27001 specifies requirements for establishing and
maintaining an information security management system.
9. What does CIA stand for in security principles?
A. Control, Integrity, Access
B. Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
C. Compliance, Investigation, Audit
D. Configuration, Implementation, Analysis
CIA represents the foundational principles of information security
protection.
10. Which tool is used to evaluate internal controls?
A. Firewall
B. Control matrix
C. Antivirus
D. Router
A control matrix maps risks to controls, helping auditors assess
effectiveness.
11. What type of audit focuses on regulatory compliance?
A. Financial audit
B. Operational audit
C. Compliance audit
D. Performance audit
Compliance audits determine whether an organization adheres to
laws, regulations, and policies.
12. Which is an example of a technical control?
A. Security policy
B. Training program
C. Firewall
D. Code of ethics
Technical controls involve hardware or software mechanisms that
enforce security.
13. What is vulnerability?
A. A threat source
B. A weakness that can be exploited
C. A security policy
