The best assurance that a new DBMS meets local privacy regulations is provided by a compliance audit. ISACA defines privacy compliance as adherence to relevant data protection laws, regulations, standards, and policies. A compliance-focused review is therefore the most direct way to determine whether the DBMS design, configuration, and operation satisfy applicable privacy requirements.
Option A is correct because the question is specifically about meeting local privacy regulations. A compliance audit is designed to assess conformance with external legal and regulatory obligations as well as applicable internal requirements. ISACA’s privacy risk guidance also notes that privacy assessments determine whether an enterprise is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Option B is incorrect because an administrative audit is broader and does not specifically target legal and regulatory privacy compliance.
Option C is incorrect because a general IT controls review may assess access, change management, backup, and operations controls, but it does not directly assure compliance with privacy laws.
Option D is incorrect because a forensic audit is typically used to investigate incidents or evidence after suspected wrongdoing, not to assess upfront regulatory compliance. ISACA’s digital forensics guidance is centered on identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting evidence.
Therefore, A is the best answer because a compliance audit most directly evaluates whether the DBMS meets local privacy regulatory requirements.
References (Official ISACA):
ISACA, Privacy Compliance — adherence to relevant data protection laws, regulations, standards, and policies.
ISACA Journal, Privacy Risk Management — privacy risk assessment determines compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
ISACA Journal, What Is Your Privacy and Data Protection Strategy? — privacy strategy should ensure compliance with privacy standards, rules, and laws.
ISACA, Overview of Digital Forensics — clarifies why forensic audit is not the best fit for regulatory assurance.
