Isaca Updated CISA Exam Questions and Answers by azlan

 Validation controls are used to check the input data from the user before processing it on the server. If the validation controls are moved from the server side to the browser, it means that the user can modify or bypass them using tools such as browser developer tools, JavaScript console, or proxy tools. This would increase the risk of a successful attack by structured query language (SQL) injection, which is a technique that exploits a security vulnerability in an application’s software layer that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database. SQL injection can result in data theft, data corruption, or unauthorized access to the system.

Buffer overflow, denial of service (DoS), and phishing are not directly related to the validation controls in a web application. Buffer overflow is a type of attack that exploits a memory management flaw in an application or system that allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer size and overwrite adjacent memory locations. DoS is a type of attack that prevents legitimate users from accessing a service or resource by overwhelming it with requests or traffic. Phishing is a type of attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.

Segregation of duties is a fundamental concept in cybersecurity and information security. It refers to the practice of dividing critical tasks and responsibilities among different individuals or roles within an organization to reduce the risk of fraud, error, or unauthorized activities1. Segregation of duties is designed to prevent unilateral actions within an organization’s workflow, which can result in damaging events that would exceed the organization’s risk tolerance2.

There are different types of responses to risk associated with segregation of duties, depending on the level of risk and the cost-benefit analysis. Some of the common responses are:

Risk acceptance: This means acknowledging a risk and deciding to tolerate it without taking any corrective actions. This response is usually chosen when the risk is low or the cost of mitigation is too high3.

Risk mitigation: This means taking steps ahead of time to lessen the effects of a risk and make it less likely to happen. Some examples of mitigation strategies are making backup plans, setting up early warning systems, and staying away from high-risk areas or activities4.

Risk transference: This means shifting the negative impact of a risk and/or the responsibility for managing the risk response to a third party. Some examples of transference strategies are outsourcing, insurance, or contracts5.

Risk reduction: This means reducing the probability and/or severity of the risk below a threshold of acceptability. Some examples of reduction strategies are implementing controls, policies, or procedures to prevent or detect risks6.

Based on these definitions, the response to risk associated with segregation of duties that would incur the lowest initial cost is A. Risk acceptance. This is because risk acceptance does not require any additional resources or actions to address the risk. However, risk acceptance also implies that the organization is willing to bear the consequences of the risk if it occurs, which could be costly in the long run.

Therefore, the correct answer to your question is A. Risk acceptance.

 The best option for ensuring confidentiality through the use of asymmetric encryption is to encrypt a message with the recipient’s public key (option A). This is because:

Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key cryptography, is a type of encryption that uses a pair of keys to encrypt and decrypt data. The pair of keys includes a public key, which can be shared with anyone, and a private key, which is kept secret by the owner12.

In asymmetric encryption, the sender uses the recipient’s public key to encrypt the data. The recipient then uses their private key to decrypt the data. This approach allows for secure communication between two parties without the need for both parties to have the same secret key12.

Encrypting a message with the recipient’s public key ensures that only the recipient can decrypt it with their private key. This provides confidentiality, which means that the message is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure12.

Encrypting a message with the sender’s private key (option B) does not ensure confidentiality, but rather authentication, which means that the message can be verified as coming from the sender. This is because anyone can decrypt the message with the sender’s public key, but only the sender can encrypt it with their private key12.

Encrypting a message with the sender’s public key (option C) or the recipient’s private key (option D) does not make sense, as it would render the message unreadable by both parties. This is because neither party has the corresponding key to decrypt it12.

Therefore, the best option for ensuring confidentiality through the use of asymmetric encryption is to encrypt a message with the recipient’s public key (option A), as this ensures that only the recipient can decrypt it with their private key.

A post-implementation change review is the best compensating control against segregation of duties conflicts in new code development. This process involves a thorough review of the changes after they have been implemented to ensure that they meet their objectives and that the stakeholders are satisfied with the results1. It provides an opportunity to identify and correct any issues or conflicts that may have arisen during the development and implementation process. While other options like adding developers to the change approval board, limiting code deployment access to a small number of people, and creating staging environments can also serve as compensating controls, a post-implementation change review provides a more comprehensive and effective control mechanism21.