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CHAPTER 2
AUDITING IT GOVERNANCE CONTROLS
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is IT governance?
Response: IT governance is a relatively new subset of corporate governance that focuses
on the management and assessment of strategic IT resources.
2. What are the objectives of IT governance?
Response: The key objectives of IT governance are to reduce risk and ensure that
investments in IT resources add value to the corporation.
3. What is distributed data processing?
Response: Distributed data processing involves reorganizing the central IT function into
small IT units that are placed under the control of end users. The IT units may be
distributed according to business function, geographic location, or both. All or any of the
IT functions may be distributed. The degree to which they are distributed will vary
depending upon the philosophy and objectives of the organization’s management.
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of distributed data processing?
Response: The advantages of DDP are:
a. cost reductions
b. improved cost control responsibility
c. improved user satisfaction
d. back up flexibility
The disadvantages (risks) are:
a. inefficient use of resources
b. destruction of audit trails
c. inadequate segregation of duties
d. difficulty acquiring qualified professionals
e. lack of standards
5. What types of tasks become redundant in a distributed data processing system?
Response: Autonomous systems development initiatives distributed throughout the firm
can result in each user area reinventing the wheel rather than benefiting from the work of
others. For example, application programs created by one user, which could be used with
little or no change by others, will be redesigned from scratch rather than shared.
Likewise, data common to many users may be recreated for each, resulting in a high level
of data redundancy. This situation
has implications for data accuracy and consistency.
.
6. Explain why certain duties that are deemed incompatible in a manual system may
be combined in a CBIS computer-based information system environment. Give an
example.
Response: The IT (CBIS) environment tends to consolidate activities. A single
application may authorize, process, and record all aspects of a transaction. Thus, the
focus of segregation control shifts from the operational level (transaction processing tasks
that computers now perform) to higher-level organizational relationships within the
computer services function.
7. What are the three primary CBIS functions that must be separated?
Response: The three primary CBIS functions that must be separated are as follows:
a. separate systems development from computer operations,
b. separate the database administrator from other functions , and
c. separate new systems development from maintenance.
8. What exposures do data consolidation in a CBIS environment pose?
Response: In a CBIS environment, data consolidation exposes the data to losses from
natural and man-made disasters. Consolidation creates a single point of failure. The only
way to back up a central computer site against disasters is to provide a second computer
facility.
9. What problems may occur as a result of combining applications programming and
maintenance tasks into one position?
Response: One problem that may occur is inadequate documentation. Documenting is
not considered as interesting a task as designing, testing, and implementing a new system,
thus a systems professional may move on to a new project rather than spend time
documenting an almost complete project. Job security may be another reason a
programmer may not fully document his or her work. Another problem that may occur is
the increased potential for program fraud. If the original programmer generates
fraudulent code during development, then this programmer, through maintenance
procedures, may disable the code prior to audits. Thus, the programmer can continue to
cover his or her tracks.
10. Why is poor-quality systems documentation a prevalent problem?
Response:
Poor-quality systems documentation is a chronic IT problem and a significant challenge
for many organizations seeking SOX compliance. At least two explanations are possible
for this phenomenon. First, documenting systems is not as interesting as designing,
testing, and implementing them. Systems professionals much prefer to move on to an
exciting new project rather than document one just completed. The second possible
reason for poor documentation is job security. When a system is poorly documented, it is
difficult to interpret, test, and debug. Therefore, the programmer who understands the
system (the one who coded it) maintains bargaining power and becomes relatively
indispensable. When the programmer leaves the firm, however, a new programmer
inherits maintenance responsibility for the undocumented system. Depending on its
complexity, the transition period may be long and costly.
11. What is RAID?
Response: RAID (redundant arrays of independent disks) use parallel disks that contain
redundant elements of data and applications. If one disk fails, the lost data are
automatically reconstructed from the redundant components stored on the other disks.
12. What is the role of a data librarian?
Response: A data librarian, who is responsible for the receipt, storage, retrieval, and
custody of data files, controls access to the data library.The librarian issues data files to
computer operatorsin accordance with program requests and takes custody of files when
processing orbackup procedures are completed. The trend in recent years toward real-
time processingand the increased use of direct-access files has reduced or even eliminated
the role of thedata librarian in many organizations.
13. What is the role of a corporate computer services department? How does this differ
from other configurations?
Response: The role of a corporate computer services department (IT function) differs in
that it is not a completely centralized model; rather, the group plays the role of provider
of technical advice and expertise to distributed computer services. Thurs, it provides
much more support than would be received in a completely distributed model. A
corporate computer services department provides a means for central testing of
commercial hardware and software in an efficient manner. Further, the corporate group
can provide users with services such as installation of new software and troubleshooting
hardware and software problems. The corporate group can establish systems
development, programming, and documentation standards. The corporate group can aid
the user groups in evaluating the technical credentials of prospective systems
professionals.
14. What are the five risks associated with distributed data processing?
Response: The five risks associated with distributed data processing are as follows:
a. inefficient use of resources,
b. destruction of audit trails,
c. inadequate segregation of duties,
d. potential inability to hire qualified professionals, and
e. lack of standards.
15. List the control features that directly contribute to the security of the computer
center environment.
Response:
a. physical location controls
b. construction controls
c. access controls
d. air conditioning
e. fire suppression
f. fault tolerance
16. What is data conversion?
Response: The data conversion function transcribes transaction data from paper source
documents into computer input. For example, data conversion could be keying sales
orders into a sales order application in modern systems or transcribing data into magnetic
media (tape or disk) suitable for computer processing in legacy-type systems.
17. What may be contained in the data library?
Response: The data library is a room adjacent to the computer center that provides safe
storage for the off-line data files. Those files could be backups or current data files. For
instance, the data library could store backups on DVDs, CD-ROMs, tapes, or other
storage devices. It could also store live, current data files on magnetic tapes and
removable disk packs. In addition, the data library could store the original copies of
commercial software and their licenses for safekeeping.
18. What is an ROC?
Response: A recovery operations center (ROC) or hot site is a fully equipped backup
data center that many companies share. In addition to hardware and backup facilities,
ROC service providers offer a range of technical services to their clients, who pay an
annual fee for access rights. In the event of a major disaster, a subscriber can occupy the
premises and, within a few hours, resume processing critical applications.
19. What is a cold site?
Response:
The empty shell or cold site plan is an arrangement wherein the company
buys or leases a building that will serve as a data center.In the event of a disaster, the
shell is available and ready to receive whatever hardware the temporary user requires to
run its essential data processing systems.
20. What is fault tolerance?
Response: Fault tolerance is the ability of the system to continue operation when part of
the system fails due to hardware failure, application program error, or operator error.
Implementing fault tolerance control ensures that no single point of potential system
failure exists.Total failure can occur only in the event of the failure of multiple
components, or system-wide failure.
21. What are the often-cited benefits of IT outsourcing?
Response: Often-cited benefits of IT outsourcing include improved core business
performance, improved IT performance (because of the vendor’s expertise), and reduced
IT costs.
22. Define commodity IT asset.
Response: Commodity IT assets are those assets that are not unique to a particular
organization and are thus easily acquired in the marketplace. These include such things
are network management, systems operations, server maintenance, and help-desk
functions.
23. Define specificasset.
Response: Specific assets, in contrast to commodity assets, are unique to the
organization and support its strategic objectives. Because of their idiosyncratic nature,
specific assets have little value outside of their current use.
24. List five risks associated with IT outsourcing.
Response:
a. failure to perform
b. vendor exploitation
c. outsourcing costs exceed benefits
d. reduced security
e. loss of strategic advantage
25. What is virtualization?
Response:
Virtualization multiplies the effectiveness of the physical system by creating virtual
(software) versions of the computer with separate operating systems that reside in the
same physical equipment. In other words, virtualization is the concept of running more
than one “virtual computer” on a single physical computer.
26. What is network virtualization?
Response:
Network virtualization increases effective network bandwidth by dividing it into
independent channels, which are then assigned to separate virtual computers. Network
virtualization optimizes network speed, flexibility, and reliability; most importantly, it
improves network scalability.
27. What are the three classes of cloud computing services?
Response:
Cloud computing classes are: Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service
(IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
28. What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
Response:
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which service providers
host applications for client organizations over a private network or the Internet.
29. Give two advantages of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Response:
One advantage is that the IaaSprovider owns, houses, and maintains the equipment, and
the client pays for it on a per-use basis.
Another advantage is scalability, which is the ability to rapidly respond to usage changes.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How is pre-SOX IT governance different from post-SOX IT governance?
Response: Prior to SOX, the common practice regarding IT investments was to defer all
decisions to corporate IT professionals. Modern IT governance, however, follows the
philosophy that all corporate stakeholders, including boards of directors, top
management, and department users (i.e. accounting and finance) be active participants in
key IT decisions. Such broad-based involvement reduces risk and increases the
likelihood that IT decisions will be in compliance with user needs, corporate policies,
strategic initiatives, and internal control requirements under SOX.
2. Although IT governance is a broad area, only three aspects of IT governance are
discussed in the chapter. Name them and explain why these topics were chosen.
Response: Although all IT governance issues are important to the organization, not all of
them are matters of internal control under SOX that may potentially impact the financial
reporting process. This chapter examined three IT governance issues that are addressed
by SOX and the COSO internal control framework. These are:
a. Organizational structure of the IT function,
b. Computer center operations, and
c. Disaster recovery planning.
3. What types of incompatible activities are prone to becoming consolidated in a
distributed data processing system? How can this be prevented?
Response: Achieving an adequate segregation of duties may not be possible in some
distributed environments. The distribution of the IT services to users may result in the
creation of small independent units that do not permit the desired separation of
incompatible functions. For example, within a single unit the same person may write
application programs, perform program maintenance, enter transaction data into the
computer, and operate the computer equipment. Such a situation would be a fundamental
violation of internal control. Often, the control problems previously described can be
addressed by implementing a corporate IT function.
4. Why would an operational manager be willing to take on more work in the form of
supervising an information system?
Response: Managers are responsible for the success of their divisions. If the benefits to
be reaped from a DDP are expected to be great enough, the manager may find it is worth
her or his while to expend the extra effort. Some of the benefits the manager may hope
will materialize within the divisions are more efficiently run operations, better decision
making, and reduced processing costs. Increased customer satisfaction may also result if
the DDP system is more accommodating.
5. How can data be centralized in a distributed data processing system?
Response: The data is stored centrally, but updated or processed at the local (remote)
site. Thus, data is retrieved from the centralized data store, processed locally, and then
sent back to the centralized data store.
6. Should standards be centralized in a distributed data processing environment?
Explain.
Response: The relatively poor control environment imposed by the DDP model can be
improved by establishing some central guidance. The corporate group can contribute to
this goal by establishing and distributing to user areas appropriatestandards for systems
development, programming, and documentation.
7. How can human behavior be considered one of the biggest potential threats to
operating system integrity?
Response: The purpose of segregation of duties is to deal with the potential negative
aspects of human behavior including errors and fraud. The relationship between systems
development (both new systems development and maintenance) and computer operations
activities poses a potential risk that can circumvent operating system integrity. These
functions are inherently incompatible. With detailed knowledge of application logic and
control parameters and access to the computer’s operating system and utilities, an
individual could make unauthorized changes to the application during its execution.
8. A bank in California has thirteen branches spread throughout northern California,
each with its own minicomputer where its data are stored. Another bank has 10
branches spread throughout California, with its data stored on a mainframe in San
Francisco. Which system do you think is more vulnerable to unauthorized access?
Excessive losses from disaster?
Response: The bank that has the data for all of its branches stored on one mainframe
computer is at greater risk of access control. All of the firm’s records are centrally
housed. Once a perpetrator gains unauthorized access to the system, the data for all 10
branches are at risk. For the other bank the perpetrator would have to breach security for
each of the thirteen branch computers. Thus, the bank with all of its data centrally stored
on a mainframe is more vulnerable to access control. The primary disasters of concern in
California are earthquakes and fires. The bank with a central mainframe in San Francisco
is probably at the greatest risk of damage from both earthquakes and fires. If that system
is destroyed, all of the branches lose their processing capability and, possibly, stored data.
9. End-user computing has become extremely popular in distributed data processing
organizations. The end users like it because they feel they can more readily design
and implement their own applications. Does this type of environment always foster
more efficient development of applications? Explain your answer.
Response: Distributed data processing, if not properly managed, may result in
duplication of efforts. Two or more individual end users may develop similar applications
while completely unaware of each other’s efforts. Such duplication is an inefficient use of
human resources.
10. Compare and contrast the following disaster recovery options: mutual aid pact,
empty shell, recovery operations center, and internally provided backup. Rank
them from most risky to least risky, as well as from most costly to least costly.
Response: A mutual aid pact requires two or more organizations to agree to and trust
each other to aid the other with data processing needs in the event of a disaster. This
method is the lowest cost, but also somewhat risky. First, the host company must be
trusted to scale back its own processing in order to process the transactions of the
disaster-stricken company. Second, the firms must not be affected by the same disaster,
or the plan fails. The next lowest cost method is internally provided backup. With this
method, organizations with multiple data processing centers may invest in internal excess
capacity and support themselves in the case of disaster in one data processing center. This
method is not as risky as the mutual aid pact because reliance on another organization is
not a factor. In terms of cost, the next highest method is the empty shell where two or
more organizations buy or lease space for a data processing center. The space is made
ready for computer installation; however, no computer equipment is installed. This
method requires lease or mortgage payments as well as payment for air conditioning and
raised floors. The risk in this method is that the hardware, software, and technicians may
be difficult, if not impossible, to have available in the case of a natural disaster. Further,
if multiple members’ systems crash simultaneously, an allocation problemexists. The
method with lowest risk and also the highest cost is the recovery operations center. This
method takes the empty shell concept one step further—the computer equipment is
actually purchased and software may even be installed. Assuming that this site is far
enough away from the disaster-stricken area not to be affected by the disaster, this
method can be a very good safeguard.
11. Who should determine and prioritize the critical applications? How is this done?
How frequently is it done?
Response: The critical applications should be identified and prioritized by the user
departments, accountants, and auditors. The applications should be prioritized based upon
the impact on the short-run survival of the firm. The frequency with which the priorities
need to be assessed depends upon the amount and kinds of changes that are made to
systems over time. Firms that make changes frequently should reassess priorities
frequently.
12. Why is it easier for programmers to perpetrate a fraud than operators?
Response: It is much easier for programmers to perpetrate a fraud because they know the
code. They know how to get around some, or most, of the embedded controls. Better yet,
some programmers deliberately program code that gets them around controls and allows
them to commit fraud.
13. Why should an organization centralize the acquisition, testing, and implementation
of software and hardware within the corporate IT function?
Response: The corporate IT group is better able to evaluate the merits of competing
vendor software and hardware. A central, technically astute group such as this can
evaluate systems features, controls, and compatibility with industry and organizational
standards most efficiently. Test results can then be distributed to user areas as standards
for guiding acquisition decisions.
14. Organizations sometimes locate their computer centers in the basement of their
buildings to avoid normal traffic flows. Comment on this practice.
Response: Locating the computer center in the basement of a building can create an
exposure to disaster risk such as floods. The Chicago Board of Trade computer center’s
systems were located in the basement of a multi-storied office building in Chicago. When
the century-old water pipelines burst, part of the first floor and the entire basement
flooded. Trade wassuspended for several days until system functionality could be
restored, causing the loss of millions of dollars. This disaster would have been prevented
if the computer center had simply been located on the top floor—still away from normal
traffic flows, but also away from the risk of flood.
15. The 2003 blackout that affected the U.S. northeast caused numerous computer
failures. What can an organization do to protect itself from such uncontrollable
power failures?
Response: The decision regarding power controls can be an expensive one and usually
requires the advice and analysis of experts. The following, however, are options that can
be employed. Voltage regulators and surge protectors provide regulated electricity,
related to the level of electricity (frequency), and “clean” electricity, related to spikes and
other potential hazards. Power outages and brownouts can generally be controlled with a
battery backup (known as an uninterruptible power supply).
16. Discuss a potential problem with ROCs.
Response: Because of the heavy investment involved, ROCs are typically shared among
many companies. The firms either buy shares in or become subscribers to the ROC,
paying monthly fees for rights to its use. That situation does provide some risk because a
widespread natural disaster may affect numerous entities in the same general geographic
area. If multiple entities share the same ROC, some firm or firms will end up queued in a
waiting line.
17. Discuss two potential problems associated with a cold site.
Response:
a. Recovery depends on the timely availability of the necessary computer hardware to
restore the data processing function. Management must obtain assurances from hardware
vendors that the vendor will give priority to meeting the organization’s needs in the event
of a disaster. An unanticipated hardware supply problem at this critical juncture could be
a fatal blow.
b. With this approach there is the potential for competition among users for the shell
resources, the same as for a hot site. For example, a widespread natural disaster, such as a
flood or earthquake, may destroy the data processing capabilities of several shell
members located in the same geographic area. Those affected by the disaster would be
faced with a second major problem: how to allocate the limited facilities of the shell
among them. The situation is analogous to a sinking ship that has an inadequate number
of lifeboats.
18. Discuss three techniques used to achieve fault tolerance.
Response:
a. Redundant arrays of inexpensive (or independent) disks (RAID). There are several
types of RAID configurations. Essentially, each method involves the use of parallel disks
that contain redundant elements of data and applications. If one disk fails, the lost data
are automatically reconstructed from the redundant components stored on the other disks.
b. Uninterruptible power supplies. In the event of a power outage, short-term backup
power (i.e., battery power) is provided to allow the system to shut down in a controlled
manner. This process will prevent the data loss and corruption that would otherwise result
from an uncontrolled system crash.
19. Explain the outsourcing risk of failure to perform.
Response: Once a client firm has outsourced specific IT assets, its performance becomes
linked to the vendor’s performance. The negative implications of such dependency are
illustrated in the financial problems that have plagued the huge outsourcing vendor
Electronic Data Systems Cop. (EDS). In a cost-cutting effort, EDS terminated seven
thousand employees, which impacted its ability to serve other clients. Following an
eleven-year low in share prices, EDS stockholders filed a class-action lawsuit against the
company. Clearly, vendors experiencing such serious financial and legal problems
threaten the viability of their clients also.
20. Explain vendor exploitation.
Response: Once the client firm has divested itself of specific assets it becomes dependent
on the vendor. The vendor may exploit this dependency by raising service rates to an
exorbitant level. As the client’s IT needs develop over time beyond the original contract
terms, it runs the risk that new or incremental services will be negotiated at a premium.
This dependency may threaten the client’s long-term flexibility, agility, and
competitiveness and result in even greater vendor dependency.
21. Explain why reduced security is an outsourcing risk.
Response: Information outsourced to off-shore IT vendors raises unique and serious
questions regarding internal control and the protection of sensitive personal data. When
corporate financial systems are developed and hosted overseas, and program code is
developed through interfaces with the host company’s network, US corporations are at
risk of losing control of their information. To a large degree, US firms are reliant on the
outsourcing vendor’s security measures, data-access policies, and the privacy laws of the
host country.
22. Explain how IT outsourcing can lead to loss of strategic advantage.
Response: Alignment between IT strategy and business strategy requires a close working
relationship between corporate management and IT management in the concurrent
development of business and IT strategies. This, however, is difficult to accomplish
when IT planning is geographically redeployed off-shore or even domestically. Further,
since the financial justification for IT outsourcing depends upon the vendor achieving
economies of scale, the vendor is naturally driven toward seeking common solutions that
may be used by many clients rather than creating unique solutions for each of them. This
fundamental underpinning of IT outsourcing is inconsistent with the client’s pursuit of
strategic advantage in the marketplace.
23. Explain the role of Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16
(SSAE 16)report in the review of internal controls
Response: SSAE 16 is an internationally recognized third party attestation report
designed for service organizations such as IT outsourcing vendors. SSAE 16, was
promulgated by the Auditing Standards Board (ASB) of the AICPA and replaced
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 70 (SAS 70). The SSAE 16 report, which is
prepared by the service provider’s auditor, attests to the fucntionallity of the vendor’s
system and the adequacy of its internal controls. This is the means by which an
outsourcing vendor can obtain a single attest report that may be used by its clients’
auditors and thus preclude the need for each client firm auditor to conduct its own audit
of the vendor organization’s facilities and internal controls.
24. How do SSAE 16 Type 1 and Type 2 differ?
Response:
The Type I report is the less rigorous of the two and comments only on the suitability of
the controls’ design. The Type II report goes further and assesses whether the controls are
operating effectively based on tests conducted by the vendor organization’s auditor.
25. How are the Carve-out and Inclusive methods of reporting on subservice
organizations different?
Response:
Carve-out Method: When using the carve-out method, service provider management
would exclude the subservice organization’s relevant control objectives and related
controls from the description of its system. The service provider must have controls in
place to monitor the effectiveness of the controls at the subservice organization.
Inclusive Method: When using the inclusive method of subservice organization
reporting the service provider’s description of its system will include the services
performed by the subservice organization. In addition the report will include the relevant
control objectives and related controls of the subservice organization.
26. Give two differences between ASP and SaaS.
Response:
1) ASPs typically host the software of third-party software vendors, which is configured
to the unique needs of the client organization. SaaS vendors typically develop and
manage their own web-based software, which is general purpose and designed to serve
multiple businesses.
2) ASP contracts are typically fixed-period or one-time licensing agreements. SaaS
vendors often employ a subscription model in which clients pay as they go based on
usage.
27. Why is cloud computing not the best option for all companies?
Response:
For smaller businesses, startup companies, and some new applications, the cloud concept
is a promising alternative to in-house computing. The information needs of large
companies, however, are often in conflict with the cloud solution. For example, large
firms 1) have typically incurred massive investments in equipment, proprietary software,
and human resources; 2) have mission-critical legacy system that cannot be migrated to
the cloud; and 3) have esoteric information needs that are not served well by standardized
solutions.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. b
2. c
3. e
4. b
5. e
6. c
7. c
8. c
9. b
10. d
PROBLEMS
1. Disaster Recovery Planning Controversy
The relevance of a disaster recovery plan (DRP) to a financial statement audit is a matter
of debate. Some argue that the existence of a DPR is irrelevant to the audit. Others argue
that it is an important control that needs to be considered in the assessment of internal
control.
Required:
Argue both side of this debate.
1) Provide a logical argument why a DRP should not be considered in the audit.
2) Argue why a DRP is an important control and should be reviewed within the conduct
of a financial audit.
Response:
1) The DRP plays no role in the day-to-day operations of transaction processing.
Financial statement audits focus on past period events. If no disaster occurred in the
period under review, then the presence or absence of the DRP is irrelevant.
2) This argument is related to the going concern principle.
Investors invest in the future of an organization based in part on past financial
performance.
The absence of a DRP, or a poorly designed DRP, is similar to a contingency.
How would investors respond to an organization that was vulnerable in some way, but
had no contingency plan?
How would they respond if a disaster struck, and they had not been informed in the audit
report that the organization had no DRP in place?
2. Internal Control
During its preliminary review of the financial statements of Barton, Inc., Simon and
Associates, CPA discovered a lack of proper segregation of duties between the
programming and operating functions in Barton’s data center. They discovered that some
new systems development programmers also filled in as operators on occasion. Simon
and Associates extended the internal control review and test of controls and concluded in
its final report that sufficient compensating general controls provided reasonable
assurance that the internal control objectives were being met.
Required:
What compensating controls are most likely in place?
Response: Compensating controls that Barton, Inc found may include:
mandatory vacations for all employees
operators are prohibited from running systems that they helped develop
end users review output reports and note any exceptions
adequate supervision of all IToperations
access log identifies the time and duration of all access to data center
no system documentation is stored in the data center
periodic comparison of program code to an archived copy
use of a computer activity log to identify which operators ran which programs, when
they ran, and how long they ran.
3. Physical Security
Big Apple Financials, Inc., is a financial services firm located in New York City. The
company keeps client investment and account information on a server at its Brooklyn
data center. This information includes the total value of the portfolio, type of investments
made, the income structure of each client, and associated tax liabilities. The company has
recently upgraded its Web site to allow clients to access their investment information.
The company’s data center is in the basement of a rented building. Company
management believes that the location is secure enough to protect their data from
physical threats. The servers are housed in a room that has smoke detectors and
associated sprinklers. It is enclosed, with no windows, and has temperature-controlled air
conditioning. The company’s auditors, however, have expressed concern that some of the
measures at the current location are inadequate and that newer alternatives should be
explored. Management has expressed counter concerns about the high cost of purchasing
new equipment and relocating its data center.
Required:
1.Why are Big Apple’s auditors stressing the need to have a better physical environment
for the server?
2. Describe six control features that contribute to the physical security of the computer
center.
3.Big Apple management is concerned about the cost of relocating the data center.
Discuss some options open to them that could reduce their operating costs and provide
the security the auditor’s seek.
Response:
1. When talking of the physical environment, the auditors are not just talking of the
potential threat of physical intruders and sabotage, but also of environmental hazards
such as fires, floods, wind, earthquakes, or power outages. Though these occurrences are
relatively rare, they still should be accounted for, as they can seriously hamper
operations. The company would not only just lose the investment in servers and
computer systems but also the data and ability to do business. Software checks cannot
prevent such losses. Big Apple needs to have a workable disaster recovery plan in place.
2.
a. Physical Location: The physical location of the computer center affects the risk of
disaster directly. The computer center should be away from human-made and natural
hazards, such as processing plants, gas and water mains, airports, high-crime areas, flood
plains, and geological faults.
b. Construction: Ideally, a computer center should be located in a single-store building
of solid concrete with controlled access. Utility and communication lines should be
underground. The building windows should not be open. An air filtration system should
be in place that is capable of excluding dust, pollen, and dust mites.
c. Access: Access should be limited to operators and other employees who work there.
Programmers and analysts who need access to correct program errors should be required
to sign in and out. The computer center should maintain accurate records of all such
events to verify access control. The main entrance to the computer center should be
through a single door, though fire exists with alarms are important. Lose circuit camera
with video recording is also highly advisable.
d. Air Conditioning: Mainframes and servers, as in the case with Avatar, have heavy
processing volumes. These are designed to work at their optimal levels only within a
narrow range of conditions, most importantly the temperature. Computers operate best in
a temperature range of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 50 percent.
Logic errors and static electricity risks can be mitigated by proper use of air conditioning.
e. Fire Suppression: The major features should include automatic and manual alarms
(placed in strategic locations connected to fire stations), an automatic fire extinguishing
system (not water sprinklers, rather carbon dioxide or halon extinguishers should be
used), a manual fire extinguisher, and clearly marked and illuminated fire exists.
f. Fault Tolerance Controls: Commercially provided electrical power presents several
problems that can disrupt the computer centers operations including total power failures,
brownouts, and power fluctuation. The company should look into the use of surge
protectors, generators, batteries, and voltage regulators in order to protect their computer
system from the negative effects associated with these disruptions.
3. The company could look into the outsourcing option. This may involve either
traditional outsourcing or the more flexible cloud computing approach, depending on the
nature of the applications that Big Apple uses in its operations. SaaS and IaaS options
are readily available for financial services firms.
Outsourcing vendors that are SSAE 16 certified will have adequate disaster recovery and
security features in place. Since outsourcing vendor can earn economies of scale, the cost
of service and security can be provided at a lower cost that Big Apple could achieve
independently.
4. Disaster Recovery Plans
The headquarters of Hill Crest Corporation, a private company with $15.5 million in
annual sales, is located in California. Hill Crest provides for its 150 clients an online legal
software service that includes data storage and administrative activities for law offices.
The company has grown rapidly since its inception 3 years ago, and its data processing
department has expanded to accommodate this growth. Because Hill Crest’s president
and sales personnel spend a great deal of time out of the office developing new clients,
the planning of the IT facilities has been left to the data processing professionals.
Hill Crest recently moved its headquarters into a remodeled warehouse on the outskirts of
the city. While remodeling the warehouse, the architects retained much of the original
structure, including the wooden-shingled exterior and exposed wooden beams throughout
