Srihari Subudhi is enthusiastic about both acquiring knowledge and disseminating it. He is an experienced expert in information systems auditing and a distinguished professional in the field of cybersecurity. With a strong academic background, with a Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA) and an MBA specializing in IT & Systems, Srihari is a pioneer in his career. His journey has been characterized by a passion for continuous learning, writing, and utilizing technology. Holding esteemed certifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM, and CRISC, he brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the forefront. Beyond the accolades, his firm belief in the transformative potential of a positive mindset adds a unique dimension to his work. Join Srihari on a journey where expertise meets enthusiasm, and the fusion of technology, knowledge, and optimism creates a narrative that goes beyond the ordinary.
The Literature Times: Can you briefly share your background and experience in information systems auditing and cybersecurity, highlighting what led you to write a book specifically for CISA exam preparation?
Srihari Subudhi: I have been working in the industry for more than 23 years in various IT/Cyber Security roles and I has significant exposure as an Internal IS Auditor. Many of my colleagues and friends consult me for guidance on various certification exams. I love discussing and teaching on such topics. In order to help my colleagues and friends in their preparation for the CISA exam, I decided to write this book on practice questions which are based on lot of research on the subject.
The Literature Times: How did you approach the creation of 750 practice multiple-choice questions, and what criteria guided your selection and organization of questions across key domains?
Srihari Subudhi: I have included the questions from all the five domains of CISA Exam, covering all important aspects from each domain. The number of questions in the domain-wise practice questions as well as in the Mock tests have keep carefully chosen as per the weightage for each domain. Many scenario-based questions in each domain have been also included.
The Literature Times: Can you explain the significance of the 300 answer explanations in enhancing candidates’ understanding and preparation?
Srihari Subudhi: Through 300 answer explanations, I have tried to explain why a particular answer option is correct and why the other answer options are not correct. I have also taken due care to include all important and relevant concepts/theories that are required to enhance the understanding on the topic.
The Literature Times: Why did you include three full-length mock tests, and how do you believe they contribute to a candidate’s readiness for the CISA exam?
Srihari Subudhi: The purpose of three full-length mock tests is to assess the readiness of the aspirants for the actual Exam. The number of questions in each mock test covers questions from each domain as per its weightage. Questions are of varying difficulty levels – some questions are direct concept related questions, while other questions are scenario-based questions.I have also included questions from latest technology/concepts such as Cloud Technology, Data Privacy, Technical Debt etc.
The Literature Times: With certifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM, and CRISC, how did your own certification journey influence the content of the book, and how do you balance academic knowledge with practical experience?
Srihari Subudhi: Preparing for any International Certification Exam like CISA, CISM, CISSP etc is always a challenging task.From my own journey of various certifications, I realise that understanding the concepts and corelating the concepts with own/others work experience is key to success. Academic knowledge and practical experience complement each other.
The Literature Times: Can you share insights into your writing process, especially in presenting complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner for both beginners and experienced professionals?
Srihari Subudhi: The answer explanations provided with 300 domain-wise questions would help beginners as well as experienced professionals. I have intentionally added many scenario-based questions across all domains as well as in mock tests so that candidates can visualise or corelate easily.
The Literature Times: Your biography mentions a belief in the transformative potential of a positive mindset. How did this belief shape your approach to writing the book, and how do you think it contributes to success in the CISA exam?
Srihari Subudhi: I love this question.From my own journey of life, I have realised that I can achieve more by maintaining a positive mindset. Be it running a marathon or passing a difficult Exam like CISSP, being positive really matters. I believe that this principle is equally relevant to others, including my colleagues and friends, and it extends to various examinations like the CISA Exam, as well as other life challenges.
The Literature Times: What key piece of advice would you give to individuals preparing for the CISA exam, and are there specific study techniques or strategies you recommend?
Srihari Subudhi: In my opinion, understanding the key concepts is important. Now a days, good resources are just few clicks away. Enough videos on CISA Exam topics/concepts from best instructors around the world are available on YouTube for free. I would also recommend the CISA exam aspirants for group study, if possible, for discussions on domain topics or practice questions.
The Literature Times: Do you have plans for additional resources or books in the field of cybersecurity or information systems auditing, and how do you envision supporting professional development in the future?
Srihari Subudhi: Yes, I do have plans for the future. I am now working on my next book in which I would introduce “Experiential learning”, wherein I would explain each question with real-life examples. In my life, I have faced lot of challenges in understanding various concepts because these concepts were never explained with corelation to real-life situations/examples. I strongly believe that one can understand a concept in a far better way if it is explained with real-life examples. So, my next book would have answer explanation with real-life examples for each question.
Order Book: https://www.amazon.in/Mastering-CISA%C2%AE-Exam-Ultimate-Question/dp/9358381205/
