The answer is to encrypt all backup tapes before sending them offsite. This is the best recommendation because encryption renders the data unreadable without the decryption key, directly addressing the confidentiality risk posed by the lack of access control at the offsite storage facility. Even if the physical security of the facility is compromised, encrypted tapes protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, which is the primary audit concern. On the CISA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of data protection controls in the context of backup and recovery, specifically that encryption is a preventive control applied before data leaves the secure environment. A common trap is to recommend improving physical security at the offsite facility, but the auditor’s role is to recommend the most cost-effective and immediate control that does not disrupt operations—encryption fits that criteria perfectly. Memory tip: “Encrypt before transport, not after the fort is breached.”
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems operations and business resilience. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company's backup policy requires that backup tapes be stored offsite for at least one year. During an audit, the auditor finds that the offsite storage facility is not access-controlled and backup tapes are not encrypted. Which of the following is the auditor's BEST recommendation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Encrypt all backup tapes before sending them offsite
The core issue is that backup tapes contain sensitive data and are stored in an uncontrolled environment. Encrypting the tapes before transport ensures that even if the physical security of the offsite facility is compromised, the data remains confidential. This directly addresses the risk of unauthorized access to the data, which is the primary concern, and is a cost-effective, immediate control that does not disrupt operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Negotiate a new contract with a different offsite storage provider
Why it's wrong here
This is a longer-term solution; immediate risk should be addressed first.
✗
Move the tapes back to the primary site until the offsite facility is secured
Why it's wrong here
This violates the offsite storage policy and increases risk from a site disaster.
✗
Implement a check-in/check-out log for the offsite facility
Why it's wrong here
This is a detective control but does not protect the data if tapes are stolen.
✓
Encrypt all backup tapes before sending them offsite
Why this is correct
Encryption mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to data on the tapes.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often focus on physical security controls (like logs or moving tapes) rather than recognizing that data confidentiality is the paramount risk, and encryption is the only option that directly protects the data itself regardless of physical security failures.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Encryption of backup tapes should use strong algorithms such as AES-256, with keys managed separately from the tapes (e.g., using a key management system or hardware security module). In a real-world scenario, even if an attacker physically steals a tape, without the encryption key, the data is rendered unreadable, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. This is a defense-in-depth measure that complements physical security controls.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience — This question tests Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Encrypt all backup tapes before sending them offsite — The core issue is that backup tapes contain sensitive data and are stored in an uncontrolled environment. Encrypting the tapes before transport ensures that even if the physical security of the offsite facility is compromised, the data remains confidential. This directly addresses the risk of unauthorized access to the data, which is the primary concern, and is a cost-effective, immediate control that does not disrupt operations.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "least". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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