The answer is multiple failed authentication attempts from the backup server. This is correct because the event log entry—Event ID 4625 with a failure reason of “Unknown user name or bad password”—indicates an account logon failure for the service account ‘svc_backup’ from IP address 10.0.0.15, which belongs to the backup server. In CISA exam context, this tests your ability to correlate event log analysis with account lockout scenarios, a common audit finding where a stale or incorrect password cached in automated services repeatedly triggers failed logins. A frequent trap is assuming a single failed event causes lockout, but lockout policies require a threshold of failures within a window, so the log here represents one of many attempts. Memory tip: think “4625 + service account + backup IP = stale credential cascade.”
CISA Information System Auditing Process Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information system auditing process. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
```
System Log Entry:
Timestamp: 2024-03-15 14:32:17
Event ID: 4625 (Logon Failure)
Account: svc_backup
Source: Backup Server
Failure Reason: Account locked out.
```
The exhibit shows a log entry from a domain controller. The IS auditor is investigating account lockout issues. What is the MOST likely cause of this event?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Multiple failed authentication attempts from the backup server
The log entry shows a failed authentication attempt from the backup server's IP address (10.0.0.15) using the service account 'svc_backup'. The event ID 4625 indicates an account logon failure, and the 'Failure Reason' field explicitly states 'Unknown user name or bad password'. Since the account name is correct, the most likely cause is multiple failed authentication attempts (e.g., due to a stale or incorrect password cached in the backup software) leading to account lockout, not a single event.
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.
✓
Multiple failed authentication attempts from the backup server
Why this is correct
Account lockout is triggered by multiple failed attempts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The service account password has expired
Why it's wrong here
Password expiry causes 'password expired' error, not lockout.
✗
The service account does not exist
Why it's wrong here
If it didn't exist, the error would be 'account unknown'.
✗
The service account has been disabled by an administrator
Why it's wrong here
Disabled accounts show 'account disabled' status.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a single failed logon event directly indicates lockout, but the question asks for the 'MOST likely cause' of the lockout issue, which is the accumulation of multiple failed attempts from the same source (the backup server) due to a mismatched password.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Disabled accounts show 'account disabled' status.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Event ID 4625 is a Windows Security log event for failed logon attempts. The 'Sub Status' field (e.g., 0xC000006D) indicates 'bad username or password', while 0xC0000072 indicates 'account disabled'. In lockout scenarios, the domain controller increments the 'badPwdCount' attribute for the account after each failed attempt; once it reaches the 'lockoutThreshold', the account is locked (event ID 4740). Backup software often stores credentials in plaintext or encrypted config files; if the service account password is rotated but the backup job's stored credential is not updated, repeated failures occur.
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: Multiple failed authentication attempts from the backup server — The log entry shows a failed authentication attempt from the backup server's IP address (10.0.0.15) using the service account 'svc_backup'. The event ID 4625 indicates an account logon failure, and the 'Failure Reason' field explicitly states 'Unknown user name or bad password'. Since the account name is correct, the most likely cause is multiple failed authentication attempts (e.g., due to a stale or incorrect password cached in the backup software) leading to account lockout, not a single event.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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