CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
An organization uses a third-party vendor for application support. The vendor has subcontracted some support activities to another firm (fourth party). The contract with the vendor requires the vendor to ensure fourth-party compliance, but there is no direct oversight. What is the IS auditor's primary recommendation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse operational verification (Option D) with contractual governance, failing to recognize that without a right-to-audit clause, the organization has no enforceable mechanism to independently validate fourth-party compliance.
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
✓
Include a right-to-audit clause for all subcontractors in the contract.
The primary recommendation is to include a right-to-audit clause for all subcontractors in the contract. This ensures the organization retains direct oversight and contractual leverage over fourth-party risks, as relying solely on the vendor's assurance without audit rights creates a blind spot in the supply chain. Without such a clause, the organization cannot independently verify the fourth party's compliance with security controls, which is critical for maintaining business resilience.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Perform a vulnerability assessment on the fourth party.
Why it's wrong here
Without legal right, this may not be possible.
- ✓
Include a right-to-audit clause for all subcontractors in the contract.
Why this is correct
This provides direct oversight over fourth parties.
- ✗
Terminate the contract with the vendor.
Why it's wrong here
Termination is an extreme measure; the issue can be addressed contractually.
- ✗
Require the vendor to provide evidence of fourth-party compliance.
Why it's wrong here
While helpful, it does not replace the organization's right to audit.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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