In processing controls must be established within an information system in order to ensure integrity—what combined objective do these controls serve during processing of transactions and datasets?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In processing controls are protective mechanisms inside a system that maintain integrity, completeness, and accuracy from input through output. Good controls reduce fraud, mistakes, and operational risk while supporting auditability.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We focus on controls that act during processing (not only pre-input or post-output).
  • The options mention security, completeness, and validation aspects.
  • We seek the combined objective fulfilled by such controls.


Concept / Approach:
Effective processing controls typically include: authentication/authorization checks, edit checks, sequence and batch totals, run-to-run controls, reasonableness checks, error trapping, and reconciliation. Together they prevent unauthorized changes, ensure all items are processed once, and keep bad or corrupt records from polluting downstream results.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Security: enforce permissions to stop unauthorized actions and tampering.2) Completeness: use control totals and end-of-file markers so every record in a batch is processed.3) Validity: use range, format, and referential checks to block invalid data before calculations occur.4) Exception handling: log, quarantine, and reprocess errors in a controlled queue.5) Audit trail: preserve run-to-run totals to trace transformations.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standards and audit guidance consistently specify that robust processing controls address confidentiality/integrity (prevent tampering), completeness (everything processed), and validity (reject or trap faulty data).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Prohibit tampering: true but incomplete alone.Verify all data processed: true but not sufficient.Block faulty data: true but only one dimension.None of the above: incorrect because all three are relevant.


Common Pitfalls:
Relying only on input validation, ignoring run-to-run controls, or failing to segregate duties can still allow omissions or unauthorized changes during processing.


Final Answer:
All of the above

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