CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An IS auditor is reviewing the organization's data inventory process for privacy compliance. Which TWO of the following are the MOST important elements that should be included in the data inventory?
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
✓
Data elements or fields containing personal data
Data inventory must identify what personal data is held, where it is stored, and how it flows. Legal basis and retention are also important, but location and data elements are foundational.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Data elements or fields containing personal data
Why this is correct
Identifying specific data fields helps in mapping and protection.
- ✗
Data classification labels
Why it's wrong here
Classification labels are important but not the most critical for a data inventory.
- ✓
Location of personal data storage and processing
Why this is correct
Knowing where data resides is essential for privacy management.
- ✗
Data retention periods
Why it's wrong here
Retention periods are important but secondary to knowing what and where.
- ✗
Data subject consent status
Why it's wrong here
Consent status is important but is typically managed separately.
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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.