Certified Information Systems Auditor Practice Exam

In a risk-based audit strategy, the primary focus of the risk assessment should be on the identification of vulnerabilities and threats. This approach allows auditors to prioritize areas that pose the highest risk to the organization, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address those risks. By understanding the specific vulnerabilities that may be exploited and the associated threats, auditors can design their audits to provide greater assurance regarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems.

Identifying vulnerabilities and threats helps in formulating a clear understanding of potential problems that could impact the organization’s objectives and the effectiveness of controls in place. This information is essential for developing an audit plan that aligns with the organization’s risk appetite and ensures that critical areas are assessed and monitored regularly.

While financial gains from audits, employee satisfaction metrics, and audit team member experience may play roles in the overall auditing process, they do not directly inform the risk assessment in the same manner. Focusing on the external and internal risks associated with the organization's processes is crucial for a robust audit strategy.