When assessing cross-training practices, an IS auditor should focus on the risk of what?

When assessing cross-training practices, focusing on the risk of one person knowing all parts of a system is crucial because it highlights the potential vulnerabilities that can arise from an over-reliance on a single individual's knowledge. This situation can create a critical point of failure; if that individual is unavailable—due to illness, resignation, or other reasons—the organization could face significant operational challenges or disruptions.

Cross-training aims to ensure that multiple employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform essential functions, thus reducing the organization's dependency on any one individual. By ensuring that knowledge is shared across a team, the organization can maintain continuity and minimize risks associated with personnel changes. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of distributing knowledge and operational skills among a broader pool of team members to safeguard against potential disruptions and maintain overall operational integrity.

Focusing solely on one person having extensive knowledge can lead to gaps in operations if that person is not present. This understanding forms the bedrock of effective succession planning and risk management within information systems audits.