The best way to determine whether programmers have permission to alter data in the production environment is by reviewing the access rights that have been granted. Access rights are permissions or privileges that define what actions or operations a user can perform on an information system or resource. By reviewing the access rights that have been granted to programmers, an IS auditor can verify whether they have been authorized to modify data in the production environment, which is where live data and applications are stored and executed. The access control system's log settings are parameters that define what events or activities are recorded by the access control system, which is a system that enforces the access rights and policies of an information system or resource. The access control system's log settings are not the best way to determine whether programmers have permission to alter data in the production environment, as they do not indicate what permissions or privileges have been granted to programmers. How the latest system changes were implemented is a process that describes how software updates or modifications are deployed to the production environment. How the latest system changes were implemented is not the best way to determine whether programmers have permission to alter data in the production environment, as it does not indicate what permissions or privileges have been granted to programmers. The access control system's configuration is a set of rules or parameters that define how the access control system operates and functions. The access control system's configuration is not the best way to determine whether programmers have permission to alter data in the production environment, as it does not indicate what permissions or privileges have been granted to programmers.

Access to the data center is controlled by a mantrap provides the greatest assurance that only authorized individuals can access a data center. A mantrap is a physical security device that consists of a small space with two sets of interlocking doors, such that the first set of doors must close before the second set opens1. A mantrap prevents unauthorized entry by requiring authentication at both doors, such as biometric scanners, card readers, or PIN codes. A mantrap also prevents tailgating, which is the act of following an authorized person into a restricted area without proper authorization2. A mantrap can also detect and trap intruders who attempt to force their way through the doors.
The other options are less effective physical controls for data center access. The data center is patrolled by a security guard is a deterrent measure, but it does not prevent unauthorized access by itself. A security guard may not be able to monitor all entry points, or may be distracted, bribed, or overpowered by intruders. Access to the data center is monitored by video cameras is a detective measure, but it does not prevent unauthorized access either. Video cameras can record the activities of intruders, but they cannot stop them from entering or alert the security personnel in real time. ID badges must be displayed before access is granted is a preventive measure, but it relies on human verification, which can be prone to errors or manipulation. ID badges can also be lost, stolen, or forged by intruders.
References:
Mantrap (access control) - Wikipedia1
Tailgating (security) - Wikipedia2

Scope creep is the uncontrolled expansion of a project's scope, which can result in delays, cost overruns, and quality issues. To mitigate the risk of scope creep, an IS auditor should look for project change management controls, which are processes and procedures for managing changes to the project's scope, schedule, budget, and quality. Project change management controls ensure that changes are properly requested, approved, documented, communicated, and implemented. Source code version control, existence of an architecture review board, and configuration management are also important for software development, but they do not directly address the risk of scope creep. References: ISACA Frameworks: Blueprints for Success, Project Management Institute: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge

The most important factor for the organization to ensure when reducing the retention period for media containing completed low-value transactions is that the retention period complies with data owner responsibilities. Data owners are accountable for defining the retention and disposal requirements for the data under their custody, based on business, legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations. The policy should reflect the data owner's decisions and obtain their approval. The policy should also include a risk-based approach, but this is not as important as complying with data owner responsibilities. The retention period should allow for review during the year-end audit, but this may not be necessary for low-value transactions that have minimal impact on financial reporting. The total transaction amount may have some impact on financial reporting, but this is not a direct consequence of reducing the retention period. References:
* CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, pages 414-4151
* CISA Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, Question ID: 255