Auditing Over Time: Types and Minimum Span
Question
Audits are either done based on the status of a system or application at a specific time or done as a study over a period of time that takes into account changes and processes.
Which of the following pairs matches an audit type that is done over time, along with the minimum span of time necessary for it?
Answers
Explanations
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A. B. C. D.D.
SOC Type 2 audits are done over a period of time, with six months being the minimum duration.
SOC Type 1 audits are designed with a scope that's a static point in time, and the other times provided for SOC Type 2 are incorrect.
The question is asking to match an audit type that is done over time, along with the minimum span of time necessary for it. The four options provided are all types of SOC (System and Organization Controls) audits, which are used to evaluate and report on the controls in place at a service organization.
SOC Type 1 reports are designed to evaluate the design of controls at a specific point in time. This means that the auditor examines the organization's systems and processes to determine if they are designed effectively to meet the relevant control objectives. The minimum span of time necessary for a SOC Type 1 audit is generally one day or less, as it focuses on a specific point in time.
SOC Type 2 reports are designed to evaluate the operating effectiveness of controls over a period of time. This means that the auditor examines the organization's systems and processes over a period of time (usually a minimum of six months) to determine if the controls are functioning as intended and are effective in meeting the relevant control objectives. Therefore, the minimum span of time necessary for a SOC Type 2 audit is generally six months or more.
Based on the above information, we can eliminate options B and C as they suggest that SOC Type 1 audits are done over a period of time, which is not correct. Option A states that the minimum span of time for a SOC Type 2 audit is one year, which is not necessarily correct, but it is closer to the minimum recommended timeframe. Option D suggests that the minimum span of time for a SOC Type 2 audit is six months, which is correct and therefore the best answer.
