Pass the PECB ISO 27001 ISO-IEC-27001-Lead-Auditor Questions and answers with Dumpstech

According to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, clause 7.2.2, the organization shall ensure that all persons who have access to information are aware of the information security policy and their contribution to the effectiveness of the ISMS, including the benefits of improved information security performance2. Therefore, awareness training on information security is a requirement for all persons, not just new hires. References: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor (Information Security Management Systems) | CQI | IRCA

Third-party accredited certification of information security management systems to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 provides assurance to organisations and interested parties that the organisation’s management system is maintained and effective, meaning that it conforms to the requirements of the standard, meets the organisation’s objectives and policies, and addresses the risks and opportunities related to information security. Third-party accredited certification also demonstrates that the organisation’s management system adopted a systematic approach to information security, meaning that it follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, applies the risk-based thinking principle, and considers the context and needs of the organisation and its stakeholders

According to ISO 27001:2022 clause 8.1.4, the organisation shall ensure that externally provided processes, products or services that are relevant to the information security management system are controlled. This includes implementing appropriate contractual requirements related to information security with external providers, such as customers who send ICT equipment for reclamation12

In this case, the organisation offers ICT reclamation services, which involves processing customer ICT equipment that may contain sensitive or confidential information. The organisation should have a process in place to ensure that the customer ICT equipment is handled securely and in accordance with the customer’s information security requirements. The process should include steps such as verifying the customer’s identity and authorisation, checking the inventory and condition of the equipment, removing or destroying any labels or stickers that contain information about the equipment or the customer, wiping or erasing any data stored on the equipment, and documenting the actions taken and the results achieved12

The fact that the auditor noticed two servers on a bench with stickers that reveal the server’s name, IP address and admin password indicates that the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security is not effective or not followed. This could pose a risk of unauthorised access, disclosure, or modification of the customer’s information or systems. Therefore, the auditor should note the audit finding and check the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security, and determine whether there is a nonconformity with clause 8.1.4 of ISO 27001:202212

The other actions are not appropriate for the following reasons:

A. Asking the ICT Manager to record an information security incident and initiate the information security incident management process is not appropriate because this is not an information security incident that affects the organisation’s own information or systems. An information security incident is defined as a single or a series of unwanted or unexpected information security events that have a significant probability of compromising business operations and threatening information security12 In this case, the information security event affects the customer’s information or systems, not the organisation’s. Therefore, the organisation should follow the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security, not the process for information security incident management.

C. Recording what the auditor has seen in the audit findings, but taking no further action is not appropriate because this would not address the root cause or the impact of the issue. The auditor has a responsibility to verify the effectiveness and compliance of the organisation’s information security management system, and to report any nonconformities or opportunities for improvement12 Therefore, the auditor should check the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security, and determine whether there is a nonconformity with clause 8.1.4 of ISO 27001:2022.

D. Raising a nonconformity against control 5.31 Legal, statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements is not appropriate because this control is not relevant to the issue. Control 5.31 requires the organisation to identify and comply with the legal, statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements that are applicable to the information security management system12 In this case, the issue is not about the organisation’s compliance with the legal, statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements, but about the organisation’s control of the externally provided processes, products or services that are relevant to the information security management system. Therefore, the auditor should check the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security, and determine whether there is a nonconformity with clause 8.1.4 of ISO 27001:2022.

E. Raising a nonconformity against control 8.20 'network security’ (networks and network devices shall be secured, managed and controlled to protect information in systems and applications) is not appropriate because this control is not relevant to the issue. Control 8.20 requires the organisation to secure, manage and control its own networks and network devices to protect the information in its systems and applications12 In this case, the issue is not about the organisation’s network security, but about the organisation’s control of the externally provided processes, products or services that are relevant to the information security management system. Therefore, the auditor should check the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security, and determine whether there is a nonconformity with clause 8.1.4 of ISO 27001:2022.

F. Asking the auditee to remove the labels, then carry on with the audit is not appropriate because this would not address the root cause or the impact of the issue. The auditor should not interfere with the auditee’s operations or suggest corrective actions during the audit, as this would compromise the auditor’s objectivity and impartiality12 The auditor should check the process for dealing with incoming shipments relating to customer IT security, and determine whether there is a nonconformity with clause 8.1.4 of ISO 27001:2022.

According to the PECB Candidate Handbook1, one of the principles of auditing is confidentiality, which means that auditors should respect the confidentiality of information obtained during the audit and not disclose it to unauthorized parties. The handbook also states that auditors should only report audit results to those who have a legitimate need to know, such as the client, the auditee, and the certification body. Therefore, sharing the findings with other relevant managers in A or B’s other customers would be a breach of confidentiality, as they are not directly involved in the audit process or the information security management system of B. Sharing the findings with B’s Information Security Manager or other relevant managers in B would be appropriate, as they are part of the auditee organization and responsible for the implementation and improvement of the ISMS. Sharing the findings with A’s supplier evaluation team or B’s certification body would also be acceptable, as they have a legitimate need to know the audit results for the purpose of supplier selection or certification, respectively. References: 1: PECB Candidate Handbook - ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, pages 7-8.

The three options that will not be in your audit trail are A, C, and H. These options are either not relevant to the information security of ABC’s healthcare mobile app development, support, and lifecycle process, or not within the scope of your audit. The amount of money that residents’ family members pay to install the app (A) and the number of users of the app © are not related to the information security aspects or objectives of the ISMS1. The verification of the developer’s certifications (H) is not your responsibility as an ISMS auditor, as you should rely on the competence and impartiality of the certification bodies that issued them2. The other options are relevant and within the scope of your audit, as they relate to the security functions, testing, policies, and procedures of the mobile app development, support, and lifecycle process13. References: 1: ISO/IEC 27001:2022, Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements, Clause 4.2 \n2: ISO/IEC 27006:2022, Information technology — Security techniques — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of information security management systems, Clause 4.1 \n3: PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor Exam Preparation Guide, Domain 5: Conducting an ISO/IEC 27001 audit

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A. Correct Answer:

Combining multiple audit test plans ensures different perspectives and validation techniques are applied, improving audit accuracy.

ISO 19011:2018 encourages a diversified approach to auditing to ensure comprehensive results.

B. Incorrect:

Not all areas require equal auditing—risk-based focus is preferred.

C. Incorrect:

Frequent audits may still be required depending on organizational needs.

Relevant Standard Reference:

ISO 19011:2018 Clause 6.4.3 (Using Multiple Audit Test Methods for Assurance)

The unfavorable recommendation for certification is best justified by the major nonconformity related to storing sensitive information in removable media, making option A the correct answer. ISO/IEC 27001 certification decisions are heavily influenced by the presence and effective resolution of major nonconformities, particularly those that expose the organization to significant information security risks.

In this scenario, sensitive information was stored on removable media in violation of Trustingo’s own information classification scheme. This represents a serious breakdown in control implementation and creates a high risk of data leakage, loss, or unauthorized disclosure. Such a condition is typically classified as a major nonconformity because it demonstrates a failure to effectively implement and enforce ISMS controls related to information handling and protection.

While the lack of an information labeling procedure is a valid nonconformity, it is generally considered minor when viewed in isolation. Option B therefore does not sufficiently justify an unfavorable certification recommendation on its own. Option C is also incorrect because submitting the action plan earlier than the agreed timeline is not a negative factor and does not breach certification requirements.

Even though Trustingo submitted an action plan, its lack of sufficient detail prevented the certification body from confirming that the major nonconformity would be effectively corrected and prevented from recurring. Therefore, the unresolved major nonconformity related to sensitive information on removable media is the primary justification for the unfavorable certification recommendation.

ISO/IEC 27001 focuses on the core principles of the CIA triad:

•Confidentiality: Ensuring information is accessible only to authorized individuals.

•Integrity: Maintaining the accuracy and completeness of information, protecting it from unauthorized modification.

•Availability: Information should be accessible to authorized users when needed (this is also important, but not one of the choices in this specific question).

Phishing is a type of information security incident that falls under the category of cracker/hacker attacks. Phishing is a form of fraud that uses deceptive emails or other messages to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, bank account details, etc. Phishing emails often impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals and create a sense of urgency or curiosity to lure the victims into clicking on malicious links, opening malicious attachments or providing personal information. Phishing is a common and serious threat to information security, as it can lead to identity theft, financial loss, data breach, malware infection or other damages. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requires the organization to implement awareness and training programs to make users aware of the risks of social engineering attacks, such as phishing, and how to avoid them (see clause A.7.2.2). References: CQI & IRCA Certified ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor Training Course, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements, What is Phishing?

According to the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor (Information Security Management Systems) course, the following actions should be taken when a nonconformity identified for completion before the follow-up audit is still outstanding:

A. Report the failure to address the corrective action for the outstanding nonconformity to the organisation’s top management. This is part of the auditor’s responsibility to communicate the audit results and ensure that the audit objectives are met12.

C. If the delay is justified agree on a revised date for clearing the nonconformity with the auditee/audit client. This is part of the auditor’s responsibility to verify the effectiveness of the corrective actions taken by the auditee and to close the nonconformity when the evidence is satisfactory12.

E. Decide whether the delay in addressing the nonconformity is justified. This is part of the auditor’s responsibility to evaluate the evidence presented by the auditee and to use professional judgement and objectivity to determine the validity of the reasons for the delay12.

G. Note the nonconformity is still outstanding and follow audit trails to determine why. This is part of the auditor’s responsibility to collect and verify audit evidence and to identify the root causes of the nonconformity12.