First Recommendation for IS Auditors: Consistent Configuration for Application Servers

A.

In this scenario, the IS auditor has identified inconsistent configurations on application servers, which could lead to potential security vulnerabilities. To address this issue, the auditor should recommend the following actions in the order of priority:

1. Enforce server baseline standards: The first action that should be recommended by the auditor is to enforce server baseline standards. This means that the organization should establish a standard configuration for all servers that includes security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection/prevention systems. By enforcing server baseline standards, the organization can ensure that all servers are configured consistently and securely, reducing the likelihood of security vulnerabilities.

2. Improve change management processes using a workflow tool: The second action that should be recommended by the auditor is to improve change management processes using a workflow tool. Change management is the process of managing changes to IT systems and infrastructure. A workflow tool can help automate and streamline the change management process, ensuring that all changes are properly documented, approved, and tested before being implemented. By improving change management processes, the organization can reduce the risk of unintended changes or errors that could introduce security vulnerabilities.

3. Hold the application owner accountable for monitoring metrics: The third action that could be recommended by the auditor is to hold the application owner accountable for monitoring metrics. This means that the owner of the application should be responsible for monitoring security metrics such as system uptime, response time, and user activity. While monitoring metrics is important, it is not as critical as enforcing server baseline standards and improving change management processes.

4. Use a single vendor for the application servers: The last action that should be recommended by the auditor is to use a single vendor for the application servers. While using a single vendor can simplify the management and support of the application servers, it is not a critical action in addressing the identified security vulnerabilities. Additionally, using a single vendor could limit the organization's ability to select the best solution for its needs and could create vendor lock-in issues.

In conclusion, the auditor should recommend enforcing server baseline standards as the first priority to address the identified security vulnerabilities, followed by improving change management processes using a workflow tool, holding the application owner accountable for monitoring metrics, and using a single vendor for the application servers as the last priority.