CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An IS auditor is evaluating the patch management process. The auditor notes that critical security patches are applied within 30 days, but the policy requires 7 days. The IT manager states that the delay is due to testing requirements. What should the auditor recommend?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a risk-based patching process that allows faster deployment for critical patches
The auditor should recommend a risk-based approach that allows expedited patching for critical vulnerabilities while maintaining testing for less critical ones. The process should be reviewed to balance security and stability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implement a risk-based patching process that allows faster deployment for critical patches
Why this is correct
This balances the need for testing and timely patching.
- ✗
Require automated patching without testing
Why it's wrong here
Automated patching without testing could cause system instability.
- ✗
Accept the current practice as a compensating control
Why it's wrong here
Accepting a non-compliant practice without formal risk acceptance is not appropriate.
- ✗
Modify the policy to align with the actual patching timeline
Why it's wrong here
This would lower the security posture without addressing the need for speed.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISA exam.