Explanation:
In developing a risk-based audit strategy, it is critical that the risks and vulnerabilities be understood. This will determine the areas to be audited and the extent of coverage.
Understanding whether appropriate controls required to mitigate risks are in place is a resultant effect of an audit. Audit risks are inherent aspects of auditing, are directly related to the audit process and are not relevant to the risk analysis of the environment to be audited. A gap analysis would normally be done to compare the actual state to an expected or desirable state.

Explanation:
The use of continuous auditing techniques can improve system security when used in time- sharing environments that process a large number of transactions, but leave a scarce paper trail. Choice A is incorrect since the continuous audit approach often does require an IS auditor to collect evidence on system reliability while processing is taking place. Choice B is incorrect since an IS auditor normally would review and follow up only on material deficiencies or errors detected. Choice D is incorrect since the use of continuous audit techniques depends on the complexity of an organization’s computer systems.

Explanation:
Independence may be impaired if an IS auditor is, or has been, actively involved in the development, acquisition and implementation of the application system. Choices B and C are situations that do not impair an IS auditor’s independence. Choice D is incorrect because an IS auditor’s independence is not impaired by providing advice on known best practices.

Explanation:
Backup files containing documents that supposedly have been deleted could be recovered from these files. Access controls may help establish accountability for the issuance of a particular document, but this does not provide evidence of the e-mail. Data classification standards may be in place with regards to what should be communicated via e-mail, but the creation of the policy does not provide the information required for litigation purposes.

Explanation:
Attribute sampling is the primary sampling method used for compliance testing. Attribute sampling is a sampling model that is used to estimate the rate of occurrence of a specific quality (attribute) in a population and is used in compliance testing to confirm whether the quality exists. The other choices are used in substantive testing, which involves testing of details or quantity.

Explanation:
Full risk assessment determines the level of protection most appropriate to a given level of risk, while the baseline approach merely applies a standard set of protection regardless of risk. There is a cost advantage in not overprotecting information. However, an even bigger advantage is making sure that no information assets are over- or under protected. The risk assessment approach will ensure an appropriate level of protection is applied, commensurate with the level of risk and asset value and, therefore, considering asset value. The baseline approach does not allow more resources to be directed toward the assets at greater risk, rather than equally directing resources to all assets.

Explanation:
An audit charter should state management’s objectives for and delegation of authority to IS audit. This charter should not significantly change over time and should be approved at the highest level of management. An audit charter would not be at a detailed level and, therefore, would not include specific audit objectives or procedures.

Explanation:
The risk-based approach is designed to ensure audit time is spent on the areas of highest risk. The development of an audit schedule is not addressed by a risk-based approach. Audit schedules may be prepared months in advance using various scheduling methods. A risk approach does not have a direct correlation to the audit staff meeting time budgets on a particular audit, nor does it necessarily mean a wider variety of audits will be performed in a given year.

Explanation:
A substantive test confirms the integrity of actual processing. A substantive test would determine if the tape library records are stated correctly. A compliance test determines if controls are being applied in a manner that is consistent with management policies and procedures. Checking the authorization of exception reports, reviewing authorization for changing parameters and reviewing password history reports are all compliance tests.

Explanation:
Choice A takes into consideration the likelihood and magnitude of the impact and provides the best measure of the risk to an asset. Choice B provides only the likelihood of a threat exploiting a vulnerability in the asset but does not provide the magnitude of the possible damage to the asset. Similarly, choice C considers only the magnitude of the damage and not the possibility of a threat exploiting a vulnerability. Choice D defines the risk on an arbitrary basis and is not suitable for a scientific risk management process.