Learn about the key risks IS auditors need to look out for when conducting a data center audit, from environmental hazards to employee training and safety procedures.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following should be of GREATEST concern to an IS auditor conducting an audit of an organization’s data center?
A. The data centers in a high flood zone.
B. Employees working in the data center have not been trained in the use of fire extinguishers.
C. The data center has a wet-pipe sprinkler system.
D. Employees working in the data center are not trained on emergency evacuation procedures.
Answer
Of the issues listed, the one that should be of greatest concern to an IS auditor conducting a data center audit is:
D. Employees working in the data center are not trained on emergency evacuation procedures.
Explanation
While all of the issues mentioned pose risks, employees not being properly trained on emergency evacuation procedures is the most serious deficiency. Here’s why:
- Employee safety should be the top priority. In the event of a fire, flood, or other emergency, it’s critical that employees know how to quickly and safely evacuate the facility. Lack of evacuation training puts lives at risk.
- Untrained employees are more likely to panic and make mistakes during an emergency, potentially endangering themselves and others. Proper training helps ensure calm, orderly evacuations.
- Most data centers have fire suppression systems, backup power, raised floors and other protections against fires and floods. But these are not foolproof, so employee preparedness is still essential.
- While a wet-pipe sprinkler system and lack of fire extinguisher training also relate to fire safety, these are more specific issues. Emergency evacuation training covers a broader range of scenarios.
- Location in a high flood zone is concerning from a risk perspective, but with proper design a data center can still operate safely in this type of area. It’s less directly related to life safety.
So in summary, while IS auditors should certainly examine all potential risks to a data center, the most serious red flag in this case is the lack of employee emergency evacuation training. Addressing this training gap should be the highest priority to protect employee safety and business continuity.
ISACA CISA certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the ISACA CISA exam and earn ISACA CISA certification.