The correct answer is that the current latency of 18 minutes exceeds the 15-minute log shipping interval. This is the most significant finding because log shipping latency risk arises when the time gap between a transaction being committed on the primary server and being restored on the secondary server grows larger than the scheduled backup interval. When latency exceeds the interval, the secondary server is consistently falling behind, meaning that in a failover scenario, data loss would exceed the recovery point objective (RPO). On the CISA exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between a configuration setting (the interval) and the actual operational risk (latency), a common trap where candidates focus on alerting or backup frequency instead of the real-time gap. Remember the memory tip: “Latency over interval equals data loss potential”—if the secondary can’t catch up before the next log ships, your disaster recovery is already compromised.
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Configuration: Log Shipping
Primary Server: SQLPROD
Secondary Server: SQLDR
Status: Normal
Last backup created: 2020-03-15 06:00:00
Last restore completed: 2020-03-15 06:05:00
Log shipping interval: 15 minutes
Current latency: 18 minutes
Alert threshold: 30 minutes
```
Refer to the exhibit. An auditor reviews the log shipping configuration for a critical database. Based on the information provided, what is the MOST significant finding?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The current latency of 18 minutes exceeds the 15-minute log shipping interval
Option B is correct because the latency (18 minutes) exceeds the log shipping interval (15 minutes), indicating that the secondary server is falling behind. Option A is not a finding; Option C is not indicated; Option D is about alerting but latency is the core issue.
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.
✓
The current latency of 18 minutes exceeds the 15-minute log shipping interval
Why this is correct
This indicates a potential data loss if a failover occurs, as the secondary may not have the latest data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The alert threshold of 30 minutes is too high
Why it's wrong here
It may be acceptable, but the immediate finding is the latency gap.
✗
The secondary server is not being used for reporting
Why it's wrong here
No information about usage is provided.
✗
The last backup was created at 06:00, but it is now later in the day
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit does not show current time; backups are ongoing every 15 minutes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exhibit does not show current time; backups are ongoing every 15 minutes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CISA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: The current latency of 18 minutes exceeds the 15-minute log shipping interval — Option B is correct because the latency (18 minutes) exceeds the log shipping interval (15 minutes), indicating that the secondary server is falling behind. Option A is not a finding; Option C is not indicated; Option D is about alerting but latency is the core issue.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which CISA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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