To develop meaningful recommendations for findings, which of the following is MOST important for an IS auditor to determine and understand?
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A. B. C. D.C.
When conducting an information system audit, the auditor will identify and document findings that represent the differences between expected and actual results. To develop meaningful recommendations for these findings, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the findings. To determine the root cause, the auditor should consider various factors, such as criteria, responsible party, impact, and root cause.
Among the given options, the MOST important factor for an IS auditor to determine and understand to develop meaningful recommendations for findings is the "criteria" or the standard or benchmark that serves as the basis for the audit. The criteria will provide a reference point for determining whether a finding is significant and requires remediation. Criteria may include industry standards, regulatory requirements, best practices, or company policies and procedures.
Once the auditor has identified a finding, they must determine the responsible party or parties. This includes identifying individuals or departments responsible for the function or process that led to the finding. Understanding the responsible party helps the auditor determine the appropriate remediation action and assign accountability for follow-up.
Next, the auditor should assess the impact of the finding. This involves understanding the potential consequences of the finding in terms of financial, operational, or reputational risk. The auditor should consider the likelihood of the impact occurring, the severity of the impact if it does occur, and the potential duration of the impact.
Finally, the auditor should determine the root cause of the finding. Root cause analysis involves identifying the underlying reason or reasons for the finding. This will help the auditor to identify the most effective remediation action to prevent the finding from recurring.
In conclusion, while all the factors listed are essential for an IS auditor to understand to develop meaningful recommendations for findings, the MOST important factor is the criteria that serves as the basis for the audit. Without clear criteria, the auditor will not be able to determine the significance of the finding or the appropriate remediation action.