Which of the following is true regarding the use of remote wipe for smart devices?

Remote wipe is a security feature used in mobile device management (MDM) that allows an

organization to erase data from a device remotely. This is critical in cases where a device is lost,

stolen, or compromised, ensuring that sensitive corporate data is protected.

Analysis of Answer Choices:

(A) It can restore default settings and lock encrypted data when necessary.

Partially correct but not the best answer. Remote wipe does erase data but does not necessarily lock

encrypted data unless additional security features are enabled.

(B) It enables the erasure and reformatting of secure digital (SD) cards.

Incorrect. Many remote wipe solutions do not erase external SD cards due to hardware limitations.

Users often need separate encryption for SD card data.

(C) It can delete data backed up to a desktop for complete protection if required.

Incorrect. Remote wipe only affects the device itself; it cannot erase backups stored on a desktop or

local drives.

(D) It can wipe data that is backed up via cloud computing. ✅

Correct. Many MDM solutions offer the ability to remove access to corporate cloud data, revoke

credentials, and remotely erase cloud-stored business files (such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or

iCloud backups).

IIA GTAG "Auditing Cybersecurity Risk" emphasizes the importance of managing remote access and

cloud-based data protection.

IIA Reference:

IIA GTAG – "Auditing Cybersecurity Risk"

IIA Practice Guide – "Assessing Mobile Device Security"

IIA Standard 2110 – Governance (IT security controls)

Thus, the correct answer is D, as modern remote wipe features allow organizations to remove data

from cloud backups, reducing data leakage risks.