The correct answer is to implement a locking strategy to prevent resource contention. This recommendation directly addresses the root cause of database locking contention, which occurs when concurrent transactions hold locks on resources that others need, creating a deadlock or lock-wait chain. By adopting row-level locking, lock ordering, or snapshot isolation, the database can minimize blocking and ensure transactions complete without circular waits. On the CISA exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret audit evidence like deadlock graphs and recommend preventive controls rather than reactive fixes. A common trap is to suggest increasing timeout values or killing sessions, but those treat symptoms, not the cause. Remember the mnemonic “Lock Order Prevents Deadlock” to recall that a structured locking strategy is the audit recommendation for resolving contention.
CISA Information System Auditing Process Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information system auditing process. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
ERROR: ORA-00604: error occurred at recursive SQL level 1
ERROR: ORA-00054: resource busy and acquire with NOWAIT specified or timeout expired
```
An IS auditor reviews the exhibit during an audit of database controls. What is the most appropriate recommendation?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
ERROR: ORA-00604: error occurred at recursive SQL level 1
ERROR: ORA-00054: resource busy and acquire with NOWAIT specified or timeout expired
```
A
Review the application code for missing commit statements
Why wrong: Missing commits could cause locks, but the error specifically indicates resource busy, not just uncommitted data.
B
Enable automatic retry for failed transactions
Why wrong: Automatic retry may succeed if locks are released, but it does not address the underlying contention issue.
C
Implement a locking strategy to prevent resource contention
A proper locking strategy, such as using row-level locks or scheduling, reduces contention.
D
Increase the database timeout parameter
Why wrong: Increasing timeout may mask the problem but does not resolve the root cause of locking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a locking strategy to prevent resource contention
Option C is correct because the exhibit (not shown here, but implied by the context) likely depicts a deadlock graph or lock-wait chain, indicating that concurrent transactions are blocking each other. The most appropriate recommendation is to implement a locking strategy (e.g., row-level locking, lock ordering, or using snapshot isolation) to prevent resource contention and avoid deadlocks. This directly addresses the root cause of the observed performance or failure issues.
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.
✗
Review the application code for missing commit statements
Why it's wrong here
Missing commits could cause locks, but the error specifically indicates resource busy, not just uncommitted data.
✗
Enable automatic retry for failed transactions
Why it's wrong here
Automatic retry may succeed if locks are released, but it does not address the underlying contention issue.
✓
Implement a locking strategy to prevent resource contention
Why this is correct
A proper locking strategy, such as using row-level locks or scheduling, reduces contention.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the database timeout parameter
Why it's wrong here
Increasing timeout may mask the problem but does not resolve the root cause of locking.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a deadlock or lock contention issue with a timeout or missing COMMIT problem, and choose to increase timeouts or add retries instead of addressing the fundamental locking strategy.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In database systems, deadlocks occur when two or more transactions hold locks on resources the other needs, creating a cycle. A proper locking strategy might involve using row-level locks instead of page-level, enforcing a consistent lock acquisition order, or switching to optimistic concurrency control (e.g., snapshot isolation in SQL Server or Oracle). In a real-world scenario, an auditor might see repeated deadlock graph entries in the SQL Server error log or Oracle alert log, and the fix is to redesign the transaction logic or indexing to reduce lock contention.
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 System Auditing Process — This question tests Information System Auditing Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a locking strategy to prevent resource contention — Option C is correct because the exhibit (not shown here, but implied by the context) likely depicts a deadlock graph or lock-wait chain, indicating that concurrent transactions are blocking each other. The most appropriate recommendation is to implement a locking strategy (e.g., row-level locking, lock ordering, or using snapshot isolation) to prevent resource contention and avoid deadlocks. This directly addresses the root cause of the observed performance or failure issues.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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