Episode 82: Conducting Audits According to IS Audit Standards

Welcome to The Bare Metal Cyber CISA Prepcast. This series helps you prepare for the exam with focused explanations and practical context.
Security testing is a proactive measure that helps organizations identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. It plays a critical role in validating whether technical and administrative controls are working as intended. Whether you’re scanning for outdated software, attempting a simulated breach, or reviewing system configurations, testing gives insight into the strength and effectiveness of security defenses. Beyond identifying flaws, it supports compliance, guides remediation planning, and informs risk management decisions. Testing can uncover unknown exposures, validate patching efforts, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators and stakeholders. For CISA candidates, understanding the different types of testing, when and how to apply them, and how to interpret the results is essential. The exam frequently includes questions about testing methods and their relationship to audit objectives. Knowing how to evaluate the purpose, process, and results of testing efforts is a core skill for security auditors.
There are several distinct types of security testing, each addressing different aspects of organizational risk. Vulnerability scanning uses automated tools to detect known weaknesses in software, configurations, or access controls. Penetration testing goes a step further by simulating real-world attacks to determine if those vulnerabilities can be exploited. Security configuration reviews assess whether systems and devices are hardened according to standards such as CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs. Code reviews focus on software development, checking for insecure programming practices that may lead to application-level weaknesses. Social engineering testing evaluates how users respond to deceptive tactics such as phishing, baiting, or impersonation. Each method has its place in a layered testing program. Auditors must ensure these testing types are selected based on organizational needs and are conducted with the proper scope, timing, and follow-up. On the exam, you may be asked to match testing types to specific audit goals or security scenarios.
Vulnerability scanning is the most commonly deployed testing method due to its automation, scalability, and ability to generate actionable results. Tools like Nessus, Qualys, and OpenVAS can scan internal and external networks for outdated software, missing patches, misconfigurations, or weak services. Scans should be scheduled regularly and tailored to specific asset classes or risk levels. For example, production servers might be scanned monthly, while development systems are scanned weekly. The scan scope must be validated to ensure that all relevant assets are included and that the tool is properly authenticated where required. False positives must be filtered out, and real findings prioritized based on severity, asset criticality, and exposure. Auditors review whether scans are performed at defined intervals, whether results are documented and triaged, and whether remediation is tracked to closure. On the CISA exam, expect to evaluate scan quality, scope adequacy, and how organizations respond to discovered vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing provides a deeper look at how well systems resist actual attacks. These tests are often conducted by internal red teams or external ethical hackers who attempt to exploit vulnerabilities, escalate privileges, and access sensitive data—mirroring real-world attacker behavior. Penetration testing can take several forms. Black box testing assumes no prior knowledge of the target environment. White box testing provides full visibility into systems and configurations. Gray box testing sits between the two, offering partial knowledge. Tests may focus on applications, networks, physical controls, or social engineering. Every test must begin with a formal planning phase, including defined scope, legal authorization, and rules of engagement. Auditors examine whether pen tests are scoped and approved properly, whether results are risk-ranked and documented, and whether lessons learned inform future improvements. The CISA exam may ask about pen test planning, including what information must be agreed upon before testing begins, and how to interpret penetration test outcomes.
Web application and code security testing focus on identifying weaknesses in software that can be exploited through the user interface or backend logic. Common vulnerabilities include SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and authentication bypass. Tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite help automate the testing of web applications, while secure code reviews—manual or automated—inspect source code for logic flaws or risky practices. Testing should align with the OWASP Top Ten, a widely recognized list of the most critical web application vulnerabilities. Secure software development lifecycles integrate both static application security testing, which analyzes code without execution, and dynamic application security testing, which monitors behavior during execution. Auditors evaluate whether applications are tested before release, whether tools are in place to scan code regularly, and whether development teams respond to findings promptly. CISA candidates should be able to assess whether web and code testing efforts align with the organization’s application security risks.
Security testing also extends to wireless and physical environments. Wireless testing evaluates whether networks use secure encryption protocols like WPA3, whether guest traffic is segmented, and whether rogue access points are detectable. Testers may evaluate whether signals extend beyond intended physical boundaries or whether credentials are reused. Physical security testing includes attempts to bypass badge readers, clone access cards, tailgate into secure areas, or test the response of security staff. Security cameras, alarm systems, and access logs must also be evaluated for coverage and accuracy. These tests should be conducted with proper authorization and within defined boundaries. Auditors review the results of physical and wireless testing to determine whether defenses protect against unauthorized entry or surveillance. CISA exam questions may include physical breach scenarios or assessments of wireless controls, requiring candidates to identify where gaps exist or what controls could have mitigated exposure.
Security benchmarking and hardening reviews focus on the configuration of systems and their alignment with known security standards. Tools like the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit or custom scripts can compare configurations to CIS Benchmarks or vendor best practices. Review areas often include password policies, patching schedules, remote access settings, logging configurations, and firewall rules. When deviations are found, organizations must document the business justification, apply compensating controls, or remediate the issue. Configuration management databases and system build documents support this effort. Auditors examine whether hardening guidelines exist, whether they are regularly updated, and whether systems are checked for compliance. Risk exceptions must be approved and tracked. On the CISA exam, expect to analyze whether systems follow secure configuration baselines and whether deviations are documented, reviewed, and addressed in a risk-aware manner.
Social engineering testing evaluates the human side of security. Simulated phishing emails, vishing calls, and physical baiting are used to test how users respond to deceptive tactics. Metrics such as click rates, response times, and incident reporting rates help assess the effectiveness of training programs. These tests must be conducted ethically and with organizational approval. Feedback and corrective action are essential, especially for users who fail tests or do not report suspicious activity. Awareness programs should adapt based on test results, reinforcing weak areas with targeted training. Auditors evaluate how often these simulations are conducted, whether they cover different types of attacks, and whether improvements follow from the results. CISA candidates should understand how social engineering tests help validate awareness training and reduce user-based risks. On the exam, you may need to recommend adjustments to a testing program or assess the significance of user response data.
Testing efforts are only valuable when documented, communicated, and acted upon. Every security test—whether automated or manual—must include formal reporting that describes the test scope, methodology, findings, risk levels, and remediation recommendations. Responsibilities must be assigned, and remediation timelines should reflect the severity of each finding. Once fixes are applied, retesting must confirm that the issue is resolved and that new risks were not introduced. Testing reports should be stored securely and shared only with authorized personnel, such as IT operations, compliance teams, or senior management. Test results may inform board-level risk reporting or be required during regulatory reviews. Auditors examine whether test documentation is complete, whether follow-up actions are tracked, and whether unresolved findings are escalated. On the CISA exam, you may be asked to assess the audit implications of unremediated vulnerabilities or missing test records and recommend controls to improve accountability.
For CISA candidates, security testing is a proactive, continuous activity that verifies control effectiveness and reveals hidden risks. You must understand the differences between scanning, testing, review, and simulation. Be ready to assess whether testing is scheduled appropriately, scoped accurately, and aligned with the organization’s risk tolerance. Expect exam questions that ask you to prioritize test findings, interpret technical results, or evaluate remediation progress. Testing must be governed by policies, validated through documentation, and linked to the overall risk management process. As an auditor, your job is to ensure that security testing is not reactive but strategic. Testing must anticipate threats, validate defenses, and drive measurable improvement over time. Mature organizations test across layers, from infrastructure to applications to users, and they turn every test into an opportunity for learning and strengthening. Auditors must confirm that this process is structured, continuous, and delivering real results.
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Episode 82: Conducting Audits According to IS Audit Standards
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