IIA Updated IIA-CIA-Part3 Exam Questions and Answers by elian

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation with all IIA References:

Understanding Physical Security Controls:

Physical security controls are measures that protect physical assets from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.

These include locks, security cameras, guards, and restricted access areas.

Why Secured Servers with Locks is Correct:

Locking system servers ensures that only authorized personnel can physically access them, protecting data from theft or tampering.

This aligns with best practices in IT security by safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Transaction logs → This is a logical security control, not a physical one.

B. Strong passwords and access controls → These are technical security controls, not physical.

C. Failed login attempt analysis → This is an audit/logging control, which helps detect incidents but does not physically protect assets.

IIA Standards and References:

IIA GTAG on Information Security (2016): Recommends physical access controls for IT assets.

IIA Standard 2110 – Governance: Ensures IT security includes physical protections.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Identifies physical access control as a key protection measure.

Thus, the correct answer is D: System servers are secured by locking mechanisms with access granted to specific individuals.

The percentage of sales method estimates bad debt expense as a percentage of credit sales for the period. Its main advantage is that it matches bad debt expense with the revenue that generated the receivables, making it more aligned with the matching principle in income measurement. The percentage of receivables method, especially when supported by an aging schedule, focuses more on estimating the ending allowance for doubtful accounts and presenting receivables at net realizable value on the balance sheet. Option A describes aging of receivables, not percentage of sales. Option B is incorrect because both approaches require an allowance for doubtful accounts. Option C describes the balance sheet emphasis of the percentage of receivables method. Therefore, if the organization wants a method that approximates the matching principle, Option D is correct.

Comparative advantage states that total output is maximized when each country specializes in producing goods or services for which it has the lowest opportunity cost, then trades with others. The theory does not require a country to have an absolute cost advantage; it focuses on relative efficiency. Option A is incorrect because balanced imports and exports are not the core principle of comparative advantage. Option C is wrong because blocking imports based on balance-of-payments effects can reduce specialization and efficiency. Option D may support trade efficiency, but unrestricted trade is not the definition of comparative advantage. Internal auditors in multinational environments should understand comparative advantage because sourcing, outsourcing, transfer pricing, and global supply-chain decisions may rely on it. Therefore, Option B is correct.

A Value-Added Network (VAN) is a third-party network service that securely connects an organization with its trading partners, facilitating secure electronic data interchange (EDI) and business communications.

(A) Value-added network (VAN). (Correct Answer)

A VAN is a private, managed network service that provides secure data transmission between business partners.

It is commonly used for B2B transactions, supply chain management, and EDI.

IIA GTAG 7 – IT Outsourcing recognizes VANs as critical third-party networks for secure business data exchange.

(B) Local area network (LAN).

Incorrect: A LAN connects computers within a limited area (e.g., an office or building), but it is not designed for external trading partner connections.

(C) Metropolitan area network (MAN).

Incorrect: A MAN covers a city or region, but it is not designed for B2B communication.

(D) Wide area network (WAN).

Incorrect: A WAN connects multiple geographic locations, but it is a general networking term, not specific to trading partner communications.

IIA GTAG 7 – IT Outsourcing: Discusses the use of third-party networks like VANs for secure data exchange.

IIA Standard 2110 – Governance: Recommends secure third-party integration for business continuity and security.

Analysis of Each Option:IIA References Supporting the Answer:Thus, the correct answer is (A) Value-Added Network (VAN) because it is specifically designed for secure communication between an organization and its trading partners.