Systems-based methods leverage technology and automated tools to gather, analyze, and report data in real-time. These methods are highly effective for conducting inquiries because they provide consistent, reliable, and scalable ways to monitor performance, identify issues, and generate actionable insights.
Examples of Systems-Based Methods:
Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM):
Monitors processes and controls in real-time to detect anomalies or non-compliance.
Example: Automatically identifying unauthorized transactions in financial systems.
Log Management:
Collects and analyzes logs from IT systems to track events and detect security incidents.
Example: Reviewing access logs to identify suspicious login attempts.
Application Performance Monitoring (APM):
Tracks the performance of applications to identify inefficiencies or failures.
Example: Monitoring web application performance to detect slow response times.
Management Dashboards:
Provides a centralized view of key metrics and findings to enable real-time decision-making.
Example: A dashboard displaying compliance metrics and risk indicators for executive leadership.
Why Option C is Correct:
Systems-based methods such as continuous control monitoring, log management, and dashboards leverage technology to enable real-time monitoring and analysis, making them the most effective for systems-based inquiries.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Surveys: Surveys are useful but are not systems-based; they rely on human input and are typically periodic.
B. Avoiding links to performance appraisals: While this may foster honest responses, it is unrelated to systems-based methods.
D. Observations and meetings: These are manual methods, not systems-based approaches leveraging technology.
References and Resources:
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) – Discusses the use of log management and monitoring tools.
ISO 31000:2018 – Highlights the importance of automated systems in risk management inquiries.
COSO ERM Framework – Recommends using dashboards and monitoring systems for inquiries and decision-making.
