What should be the goal of risk assessment when planning an IS audit?

The primary goal of risk assessment in the context of planning an information systems audit is to provide reasonable assurance that the audit will cover material items. This approach is aligned with the principles of auditing, where the focus is on identifying and assessing risks that could have a significant impact on the organization’s ability to achieve its objectives.

In risk assessment, auditors prioritize resources and efforts on areas deemed to have a higher risk of material misstatement or inadequate controls. By focusing on reasonable assurance, auditors acknowledge the inherent limitations in any audit process: the possibility of not detecting every issue or irregularity while still aiming to identify key risks that could influence decision-making and operational integrity.

The concept of "reasonable assurance" recognizes that while an audit cannot provide an absolute guarantee or definitive assurance—such as the total certainty that every material item will be covered—it can provide a level of confidence that the significant risks have been identified and addressed. This strategic focus helps ensure that the audit is efficient and effective, ultimately safeguarding the organization’s interests without overstretching available resources.

In contrast, the other choices imply an unrealistic expectation of either definite or total assurance, which is not feasible in an audit context. The nature of auditable information systems introduces variability and unforeseeable conditions, making it