Which of the following is the PRIMARY objective of the IS audit function?
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A. B. C. D.A.
The primary objective of the IS audit function is to ensure that the organization's information systems align with its business objectives, are adequately protected, and operate efficiently and effectively.
Option A: Performing reviews based on standards developed by professional organizations is one of the tasks of the IS audit function, but it is not the primary objective. Standards such as COBIT or ISO provide guidelines for conducting audits, but the main objective is not to follow these standards, but to ensure that the organization's information systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with business objectives.
Option B: Reporting to management on the functioning of internal controls is also an important responsibility of the IS audit function, but it is not the primary objective. IS auditors evaluate the design and effectiveness of controls to ensure that they mitigate risks to an acceptable level. The audit function then reports its findings to management and provides recommendations for improving controls or addressing any deficiencies.
Option C: Certifying the accuracy of financial data is not the primary objective of the IS audit function. While IS auditors may review financial systems to ensure they are secure and reliable, they do not typically perform attestations or issue certifications of financial data. That is the responsibility of external auditors or financial professionals.
Option D: Facilitating extraction of computer-based data for substantive testing is a task that IS auditors may perform, but it is not the primary objective of the function. IS auditors use various tools and techniques to extract and analyze data, but the primary objective is to evaluate the controls that ensure the accuracy, completeness, and validity of data, not to facilitate testing.
In summary, the primary objective of the IS audit function is to provide assurance to stakeholders that the organization's information systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with business objectives.