Isaca CISM Certified Information Security Manager Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 5 Q81-100

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Question 81

An organization wants to implement a formal vulnerability disclosure program for external security researchers. The CISM is asked to ensure proper risk management and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define the scope of disclosure, establish safe reporting channels, assign roles and responsibilities, verify and remediate vulnerabilities, and acknowledge contributors
B) Ignore external researchers to reduce potential attack vectors
C) Accept vulnerability reports only from internal staff
D) Respond to reports only after incidents occur

Answer: Define the scope of disclosure, establish safe reporting channels, assign roles and responsibilities, verify and remediate vulnerabilities, and acknowledge contributors

Explanation:

A vulnerability disclosure program (VDP) encourages responsible reporting of security weaknesses and strengthens the organization’s security posture. The CISM ensures that the program is structured, risk-based, and aligned with governance and compliance objectives.

Defining the scope clarifies which systems, applications, or assets are in scope for disclosure, avoiding ambiguity. Safe reporting channels, such as secure email or web portals, protect sensitive information during communication. Roles and responsibilities ensure accountability for verification, remediation, and communication. Timely verification and remediation reduce exposure to potential exploitation. Acknowledging contributors encourages engagement and builds trust with the security research community.

Ignoring external researchers (Option B) risks undiscovered vulnerabilities remaining unaddressed. Accepting reports only from internal staff (Option C) limits visibility to external threats. Responding only after incidents (Option D) is reactive and increases the likelihood of breaches or compliance violations.

The CISM ensures integration with governance, risk management, and incident response processes. Metrics track reported vulnerabilities, remediation times, and repeat findings. Continuous improvement ensures alignment with emerging threats, regulatory obligations, and organizational priorities.

By defining a clear scope, the organization ensures that all vulnerability reporting activities occur within legally approved and operationally safe boundaries. A well-defined scope prevents disruptions to production systems, avoids legal complications, and ensures that researchers focus on assets that represent meaningful risk. Clear scoping also aligns vulnerability reporting with business priorities, helping the security team direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.

Establishing formal communication channels, such as secure reporting portals, encrypted email addresses, or standardized ticketing systems, enhances the reliability and consistency of vulnerability intake. Dedicated channels reduce delays, prevent miscommunication, and ensure sensitive information is handled appropriately. Well-structured communication pathways also improve transparency and foster trust between the organization and external security researchers who may wish to participate in responsible disclosure.

Assigning clear responsibilities is another essential component. Each stakeholder—including security analysts, system owners, legal staff, and incident response teams—must understand their roles in verifying, triaging, prioritizing, and remediating reported vulnerabilities. Clear task ownership helps maintain accountability, reduces operational bottlenecks, and ensures efficient coordination across teams. This clarity supports audit readiness and strengthens organizational governance.

The verification and remediation of vulnerabilities further enhance security posture. Verification helps distinguish genuine vulnerabilities from false reports, ensuring accurate risk evaluation. Remediation processes, whether through patching, configuration changes, or compensating controls, ensure that identified weaknesses are addressed in a timely and consistent manner. Continuous tracking, documentation, and follow-up help confirm that vulnerabilities are fully resolved and inform long-term improvements to the security program.

Finally, acknowledging contributors—whether internal staff or external researchers—plays a key role in fostering a positive and collaborative security culture. Recognizing the efforts of individuals who responsibly report vulnerabilities encourages continued participation in the disclosure process and reinforces the organization’s commitment to transparency and improvement.

Together, these practices strengthen the organization’s security posture, reduce both operational and strategic risk, and align directly with CISM responsibilities in governance, risk management, and program oversight. This structured approach ensures that vulnerabilities are handled consistently, efficiently, and in a manner that supports the organization’s long-term security objectives.

Question 82

A company wants to implement a formal patch management program for all systems. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with risk management objectives. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify all systems and applications, assess patch criticality, schedule deployment, test patches, monitor applications, and track compliance
B) Apply patches only when users report issues
C) Focus solely on servers and ignore endpoints
D) Rely on manual patching without process or tracking

Answer: Identify all systems and applications, assess patch criticality, schedule deployment, test patches, monitoraapplicationsn, and track compliance

Explanation:

Patch management is critical to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent exploitation. The CISM ensures a structured, risk-based approach that aligns with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and operational continuity.

Identification of all systems ensures complete coverage. Assessing patch criticality prioritizes high-risk vulnerabilities to reduce potential exposure. Scheduling deployment ensures minimal disruption to business operations. Testing patchebeforeto deployment prevents compatibility or performance issues. Monitoring ensures that patches are successfully applied and systems remain functional. Tracking compliance demonstrates governance and regulatory adherence.

Applying patches only when users report issues (Option B) is reactive, leaving systems vulnerable. Focusing solely on servers (Option C) ignores endpoints, laptops, and other devices that could serve as attack vectors. Relying on manual patching without tracking (Option D) increases errors, reduces visibility, and hampers governance.

The CISM ensures integration with governance, risk management, and security operations. Metrics track patch coverage, compliance, remediation times, and recurring vulnerabilities. Periodic reviews allow adaptation to emerging threats, vendor updates, and organizational changes.

By identifying systems, assessing criticality, scheduling and testing patches, monitoring, and tracking compliance, the organization reduces exposure, strengthens operational resilience, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 83

A company is implementing privileged access management (PAM) to control high-risk accounts. The CISM is asked to ensure the program reduces operational and security risk. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify privileged accounts, enforce least privilege, implement session monitoring, enable just-in-time access, and review logs regularly
B) Grant permanent elevated access to reduce operational overhead
C) Allow users to manage privileged credentials independently
D) Monitor privileged accounts only after incidents occur

Answer: Identify privileged accounts, enforce least privilege, implement session monitoring, enable just-in-time access, and review logs regularly

Explanation:

Privileged accounts represent high-risk targets for attackers. The CISM ensures that PAM programs reduce the likelihood of misuse, compromise, or unauthorized access while supporting operational efficiency.

Identifying all privileged accounts ensures complete coverage. Enforcing least privilege ensures users have only the access necessary for their role. Session monitoring provides visibility into activities and helps detect malicious behavior. Just-in-time access limits the duration of elevated privileges, reducing exposure. Regular log review ensures accountability, compliance, and detection of anomalies.

Granting permanent elevated access (Option B) increases the risk of compromise. Allowing independent credential management (Option C) reduces control and visibility. Monitoring only after incidents (Option D) is reactive, increasing the likelihood of undetected misuse or breaches.

The CISM ensures PAM is integrated with governance, risk management, IAM, and incident response. Metrics track privileged account usage, anomalies, access requests, and policy compliance. Continuous improvement ensures adaptation to new systems, threats, and regulatory requirements.

By identifying privileged accounts, enforcing least privilege, monitoring sessions, enabling just-in-time access, and reviewing logs, the organization reduces risk, improves accountability, and aligns with CISM responsibilities for governance, risk, and operational oversight.

Question 84

A company wants to implement a formal incident classification framework. The CISM is asked to ensure a consistent and effective response. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define incident categories by severity, impact, and type, assign response priorities, establish escalation procedures, and train staff accordingly
B) Respond to all incidents in the same manner without classification
C) Focus only on high-severity incidents and ignore low-severity events
D) Allow incident classification to be determined ad hoc by staff

Answer: Define incident categories by severity, impact, and type, assign response priorities, establish escalation procedures, and train staff accordingly

Explanation:

Incident classification ensures that response is prioritized and appropriate based on potential impact and organizational risk. The CISM ensures a structured framework that aligns with governance, risk management, and operational effectiveness.

Defining categories by severity, impact, and type provides clarity on how different incidents are handled. Assigning response priorities ensures critical incidents are addressed promptly. Escalation procedures establish clear accountability and reporting channels. Training staff ensures consistent application of classification and response procedures.

Responding to all incidents in the same manner (Option B) may result in inefficient resource allocation. Ignoring low-severity incidents (Option C) could allow trends or systemic issues to go unaddressed. Ad hoc classification (Option D) increases inconsistency, errors, and potential compliance gaps.

The CISM integrates incident classification with monitoring, metrics, reporting, and audit programs. Metrics track incident types, response times, and effectiveness. Continuous review ensures classification reflects emerging threats, organizational priorities, and regulatory obligations.

By defining categories, assigning priorities, establishing escalation, and training staff, the organization ensures a consistent, effective response, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and program management responsibilities.

Question 85

A company wants to implement continuous compliance monitoring for regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Map controls to regulatory requirements, monitor implementation continuously, detect non-compliance, report findings to management, and remediate gaps
B) Perform compliance audits only annually
C) Focus on IT systems alone without considering business processes
D) Rely solely on external auditors without internal monitoring

Answer: Map controls to regulatory requirements, monitor implementation continuously, detect non-compliance, report findings to management, and remediate gaps

Explanation:

Continuous compliance monitoring ensures that regulatory obligations are met proactively, reducing the risk of penalties, legal exposure, and reputational damage. The CISM ensures a structured, risk-based approach aligned with enterprise risk management and business objectives.

Mapping controls to regulatory requirements establishes a clear connection between policies, processes, and compliance obligations. Continuous monitoring detects gaps, misconfigurations, or deviations. Reporting findings to management ensures visibility and enables timely corrective actions. Remediation of gaps reduces regulatory and operational risk.

Performing audits only annually (Option B) is reactive and may miss ongoing non-compliance. Focusing only on IT systems (Option C) ignores process, human, and third-party risks. Relying solely on external auditors (Option D) reduces continuous oversight and internal accountability.

The CISM ensures integration with governance, risk management, and security programs. Metrics track compliance status, remediation times, recurring issues, and audit coverage. Periodic review ensures alignment with emerging regulatory changes, business priorities, and risk exposure.

By mapping controls, monitoring continuously, detecting non-compliance, reporting, and remediating gaps, the organization ensures regulatory adherence, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 86

A company wants to implement secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices. The CISM is asked to ensure security is integrated from design to deployment. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Incorporate security requirements during design, perform threat modeling, conduct code reviews, apply automated testing, and integrate security checks into CI/CD pipelines
B) Add security only during the final testing phase
C) Rely solely on developers’ discretion for security
D) Focus on perimeter security instead of application security

Answer: Incorporate security requirements during design, perform threat modeling, conduct code reviews, apply automated testing, and integrate security checks into CI/CD pipelines

Explanation:

Secure SDLC ensures security is built into applications rather than added as an afterthought. The CISM ensures alignment with governance, risk management, and business objectives.

Incorporating security during the design phase addresses vulnerabilities proactively. Threat modeling identifies potential attack vectors, misuse cases, and risk scenarios. Code reviews detect coding errors, insecure patterns, and adherence to standards. Automated testing, including static and dynamic analysis, ensures consistent detection of security flaws. Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines enables continuous validation and early remediation, reducing time and cost.

Adding security only during final testing (Option B) is reactive and expensive. Relying solely on developers’ discretion (Option C) risks inconsistency and gaps. Focusing on perimeter security (Option D) does not address application-level vulnerabilities.

The CISM ensures SDLC security aligns with risk management, incident response, and audit programs. Metrics track vulnerabilities detected, remediation time, and coverage across applications. Periodic review adapts to emerging threats, new frameworks, and regulatory changes.

By integrating security throughout SDLC, performing threat modeling, code reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD checks, the organization reduces risk, improves application resilience, and aligns with CISM governance and program management responsibilities.

Question 87

A company is planning to implement formal business continuity testing for critical processes. The CISM is asked to ensure risk and operational objectives are addressed. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Conduct tabletop exercises, simulate disruptions, test recovery procedures, evaluate effectiveness, and update plans based on findings
B) Assume plans are effective without testing
C) Focus only on IT systems while ignoring business processes
D) Test only once after implementation

Answer: Conduct tabletop exercises, simulate disruptions, test recovery procedures, evaluate effectiveness, and update plans based on findings

Explanation:

Business continuity testing validates the effectiveness of plans and ensures preparedness for operational disruptions. The CISM ensures testing is risk-based, structured, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Tabletop exercises allow stakeholders to practice roles and identify gaps without operational impact. Simulating disruptions, including IT, facilities, and personnel, validates recovery procedures. Evaluating effectiveness identifies weaknesses and informs adjustments. Updating plans ensures continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational risk appetite.

Assuming plans are effective without testing (Option B) increases the likelihood of failure during actual incidents. Focusing only on IT systems (Option C) neglects dependencies and critical business processes. Testing only once (Option D) fails to capture evolving risks or organizational changes.

The CISM integrates business continuity testing with governance, risk management, incident response, and compliance. Metrics track test outcomes, recovery time performance, and corrective actions implemented. Periodic reviews ensure alignment with emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.

By conducting exercises, simulations, evaluations, and updates, the organization ensures operational resilience, reduces risk exposure, and aligns with CISM governance and program management responsibilities.

Question 88

A company wants to implement formal cloud configuration management to reduce misconfigurations. The CISM is asked to ensure effectiveness. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define standard configurations, enforce baseline policies, monitor deviations continuously, remediate issues promptly, and review policies periodically
B) Rely on cloud provider defaults without internal controls
C) Configure resources individually without baselines
D) Ignore configuration monitoring to reduce overhead

Answer: Define standard configurations, enforce baseline policies, monitor deviations continuously, remediate issues promptly, and review policies periodically

Explanation:

Misconfigurations in cloud environments are a common cause of security incidents. The CISM ensures that configuration management is risk-based, consistent, and aligned with organizational objectives.

Defining standard configurations establishes security baselines. Enforcing baseline policies ensures uniformity across resources. Continuous monitoring detects deviations or unauthorized changes. Prompt remediation reduces exposure to attacks, data loss, or compliance violations. Periodic policy review ensures configurations remain current with emerging threats, organizational changes, and regulatory requirements.

Relying on provider defaults (Option B) may leave security gaps. Configuring resources individually (Option C) increases inconsistencies and risk. Ignoring monitoring (Option D) reduces visibility and slows response to misconfigurations.

The CISM integrates cloud configuration management with governance, risk, incident response, and audit programs. Metrics track deviations, remediation timelines, and compliance adherence. Continuous improvement ensures alignment with evolving threats, technology changes, and regulatory obligations.

By defining baselines, enforcing policies, monitoring continuously, remediating deviations, and reviewing policies, the organization strengthens cloud security, reduces operational risk, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 89

An organization wants to implement formal third-party risk monitoring for critical suppliers. The CISM is asked to ensure proactive risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify critical suppliers, define risk metrics, monitor supplier performance continuously, review incidents, and update risk ratings
B) Assess supplier risk only during contract negotiation
C) Rely solely on suppliers’ self-assessments
D) Ignore monitoring to reduce operational complexity

Answer: Identify critical suppliers, define risk metrics, monitor supplier performance continuously, review incidents, and update risk ratings

Explanation:

Third-party relationships introduce operational, security, and regulatory risk. The CISM ensures a structured, risk-based approach for proactive supplier risk management.

Identifying critical suppliers focuses attention on those whose disruption or compromise would impact operations. Defining risk metrics allows quantification of supplier performance and risk exposure. Continuous monitoring detects deviations, incidents, or emerging risks. Reviewing incidents ensures lessons are learned and improvementsinf controls. Updating risk ratings enables prioritization of remediation and resource allocation.

Assessing risk only at contract negotiation (Option B) ignores ongoing risks. Relying solely on self-assessment (Option C) may produce incomplete or biased information. Ignoring monitoring (Option D) increases the likelihood of undetected supplier issues.

The CISM integrates supplier risk monitoring with governance, compliance, and incident response programs. Metrics track performance, incident resolution, and risk trends. Periodic review ensures alignment with changing business needs, regulatory requirements, and threat landscapes.

By identifying critical suppliers, defining metrics, monitoring performance, reviewing incidents, and updating risk ratings, the organization strengthens third-party risk management, reduces exposure, and aligns with CISM governance and risk responsibilities.

Question 90

A company wants to implement secure remote access for employees. The CISM is asked to ensure access is risk-based and compliant. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Implement VPNs with strong authentication, enforce access policies based on risk and role, monitor remote sessions, and integrate with IAM and logging systems
B) Allow remote access without authentication to simplify operations
C) Apply only username/password authentication without additional controls
D) Ignore session monitoring for remote users

Answer: Implement VPNs with strong authentication, enforce access policies based on risk and role, monitor remote sessions, and integrate with IAM and logging systems

Explanation:

Secure remote access is critical to protect corporate resources while enabling business operations. The CISM ensures remote access aligns with risk management, compliance, and operational objectives.

VPNs with strong authentication (multi-factor) ensure secure connectivity. Access policies based on risk and role enforce least privilege. Monitoring remote sessions enables detection of unauthorized activity, unusual behavior, and potential breaches. Integration with IAM and logging systems provides centralized oversight, accountability, and support for audits.

Allowing access without authentication (Option B) exposes the organization to compromise. Relying solely on username/password (Option C) is insufficient against credential theft and phishing attacks. Ignoring session monitoring (Option D) reduces visibility and the ability to respond to threats.

The CISM integrates remote access management with governance, risk, incident response, and audit programs. Metrics track usage, anomalies, policy violations, and access effectiveness. Continuous review ensures adaptation to emerging threats, regulatory changes, and evolving business requirements.

By implementing VPNs with strong authentication, enforcing risk-based policies, monitoring sessions, and integrating with IAM and logging, the organization secures remote access, reduces risk exposure, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 91

A company wants to implement formal threat intelligence integration into its security operations. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Collect threat intelligence from multiple sources, contextualize data based on organizational risks, integrate with SIEM and incident response processes, and update defenses proactively
B) Rely solely on generic public threat feeds without context
C) Collect intelligence only after a breach occurs
D) Ignore intelligence integration to reduce operational complexity

Answer: Collect threat intelligence from multiple sources, contextualize data based on organizational risks, integrate with SIEM and incident response processes, and update defenses proactively

Explanation:

Threat intelligence provides actionable insights into current and emerging threats. The CISM ensures that integration strengthens organizational security posture, supports risk management, and informs proactive defense strategies.

Collecting intelligence from multiple sources ensures broad visibility into global and sector-specific threats. Contextualizing data based on organizational assets, criticality, and risk appetite ensures that the intelligence is actionable. Integration with SIEM allows automated detection, correlation, and alerting. Integration with incident response ensures rapid, structured mitigation. Updating defenses proactively, such as firewalls, endpoint protections, and policies, reduces exposure to attacks before they materialize.

Relying solely on generic public feeds (Option B) may generate irrelevant alerts and provide limited context. Collecting intelligence only post-breach (Option C) is reactive and increases exposure. Ignoring integration (Option D) reduces situational awareness and limits strategic security planning.

The CISM ensures alignment with governance, compliance, and risk management. Metrics track detected threats, response effectiveness, and mitigation timelines. Continuous review ensures intelligence sources, integration, and response processes adapt to evolving threats and organizational changes.

By collecting diverse intelligence, contextualizing it, integrating with operations, and updating defenses proactively, the organization improves security readiness, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk management, and operational oversight responsibilities.

Question 92

A company wants to implement a formal risk assessment program for emerging technologies. The CISM is asked to ensure risk-based decision-making. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify emerging technologies, evaluate business impact and threat landscape, assess likelihood and vulnerability, prioritize risks, and recommend mitigation strategies
B) Adopt technologies without assessment to accelerate innovation
C) Focus only on financial impact while ignoring security risks
D) Evaluate risks only after incidents occur

Answer: Identify emerging technologies, evaluate business impact and threat landscape, assess likelihood and vulnerability, prioritize risks, and recommend mitigation strategies

Explanation:

Emerging technologies introduce unknown risks and opportunities. The CISM ensures that risk assessments enable informed decision-making, aligning security objectives with business goals.

Identifying emerging technologies ensures comprehensive consideration of systems, platforms, or innovations under review. Evaluating business impact and threat landscape identifies potential operational, financial, and reputational consequences. Assessing likelihood and vulnerability quantifies exposure. Prioritizing risks allows management to focus resources on critical areas. Recommending mitigation strategies, such as secure architecture, training, or policies, reduces potential negative impact.

Adopting technologies without assessment (Option B) increases exposure to security breaches, operational failures, and compliance violations. Focusing solely on financial impact (Option C) neglects operational, technical, and regulatory risks. Evaluating risks only post-incident (Option D) is reactive, potentially increasing damage and cost.

The CISM ensures integration with governance, enterprise risk management, and project management processes. Metrics track identified risks, mitigations implemented, and residual risk exposure. Continuous review ensures alignment with evolving threats, business priorities, and technological advancements.

By identifying technologies, evaluating impact and threats, assessing likelihood, prioritizing risks, and recommending mitigation, the organization enables informed adoption, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 93

A company wants to implement formal access reviews for all critical systems. The CISM is asked to ensure compliance and risk mitigation. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define review frequency, validate user access against roles and responsibilities, remove unnecessary privileges, document results, and report to management
B) Review access only during annual audits
C) Rely solely on user self-attestation
D) Ignore access reviews to reduce administrative workload

Answer: Define review frequency, validate user access against roles and responsibilities, remove unnecessary privileges, document results, and report to management

Explanation:

Access reviews reduce the risk of privilege creep, unauthorized access, and insider threats. The CISM ensures that reviews are structured, risk-based, and aligned with compliance and governance requirements.

Defining review frequency ensures regular validation based on risk exposure. Validating access against roles ensures consistency with business needs and least privilege principles. Removing unnecessary or outdated access prevents privilege accumulation. Documenting results provides evidence of compliance, accountability, and traceability. Reporting to management ensures visibility and informed decision-making.

Reviewing access only during annual audits (Option B) may allow prolonged exposure to risks. Relying solely on self-attestation (Option C) reduces control and accountability. Ignoring reviews (Option D) increases the risk of insider threats, unauthorized access, and regulatory violations.

The CISM ensures integration with IAM, governance, and risk management programs. Metrics track compliance, access changes, and detected discrepancies. Periodic review ensures that access policies and review processes adapt to organizational, regulatory, and technological changes.

By defining frequency, validating access, removing unnecessary privileges, documenting, and reporting, the organization reduces risk, improves compliance, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and oversight responsibilities.

Question 94

A company wants to implement formal network security monitoring to detect advanced threats. The CISM is asked to ensure effective risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Deploy monitoring sensors, define critical network segments, collect and analyze logs, implement alerting and incident integration, and continuously refine detection rules
B) Monitor only perimeter devices
C) Collect logs without analysis
D) Respond to threats only after an incident is reported

Answer: Deploy monitoring sensors, define critical network segments, collect and analyze logs, implement alerting and incident integration, and continuously refine detection rules

Explanation:

Network security monitoring provides early detection of threats, anomalies, and attacks. The CISM ensures monitoring is comprehensive, risk-based, and integrated with incident response.

Deploying monitoring sensors across the network ensures visibility into traffic, endpoints, and cloud connections. Defining critical segments prioritizes monitoring where compromise would have the greatest impact. Collecting and analyzing logs detects malicious patterns and policy violations. Implementing alerting and integrating with incident response ensures rapid detection and mitigation. Continuously refining detection rules addresses evolving threats and reduces false positives.

Monitoring only perimeter devices (Option B) ignores lateral movement and internal threats. Collecting logs without analysis (Option C) limits actionable intelligence. Responding only post-incident (Option D) is reactive and may increase damage.

The CISM integrates network monitoring with governance, risk management, and compliance programs. Metrics track detected threats, response time, and rule effectiveness. Periodic review ensures alignment with emerging threats, network changes, and regulatory requirements.

By deploying sensors, defining segments, analyzing logs, alerting, and refining rules, the organization strengthens network security, reduces risk exposure, and aligns with CISM governance and operational responsibilities.

Question 95

A company wants to implement formal data classification to protect sensitive information. The CISM is asked to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify information types, define classification levels, apply protection controls based on classification, provide training, and review periodically
B) Apply generic controls without classification
C) Rely solely on users to identify sensitive data
D) Ignore classification to reduce administrative workload

Answer: Identify information types, define classification levels, apply protection controls based on classification, provide training, and review periodically

Explanation:

Data classification ensures that sensitive information receives appropriate protection based on its value and risk. The CISM ensures that classification aligns with regulatory requirements, governance, and risk management objectives.

Identifying information types ensures all critical data is considered. Defining classification levels (e.g., public, internal, confidential, restricted) establishes handling requirements. Applying controls, such as encryption, access restrictions, and monitoring, enforces protection. Providing training ensures staff understand classification rules and handling procedures. Periodic review ensures classification remains accurate amid organizational, regulatory, and technological changes.

Applying generic controls (Option B) may under- or over-protect information. Relying solely on users (Option C) increases the risk of misclassification and potential breaches. Ignoring classification (Option D) leaves sensitive information exposed to unauthorized access, loss, or regulatory penalties.

The CISM ensures integration with governance, risk management, and compliance programs. Metrics track classification coverage, incidents, and policy adherence. Continuous review ensures adaptation to evolving business, regulatory, and threat landscapes.

By identifying data, defining classification levels, applying controls, training staff, and reviewing periodically, the organization reduces risk, ensures compliance, and aligns with CISM governance and oversight responsibilities.

Question 96

A company wants to implement a formal mobile device management (MDM) program. The CISM is asked to ensure security and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define device enrollment policies, enforce access and encryption controls, monitor compliance, enable remote wipe, and review policies periodically
B) Allow any device without control to simplify operations
C) Focus only on corporate-issued devices while ignoring BYOD
D) Implement MDM without monitoring compliance

Answer: Define device enrollment policies, enforce access and encryption controls, monitor compliance, enable remote wipe, and review policies periodically

Explanation:

Mobile devices introduce risks such as data leakage, unauthorized access, and malware infections. The CISM ensures MDM policies are risk-based, enforceable, and aligned with regulatory requirements and business objectives.

Defining enrollment policies ensures only authorized devices gain access to corporate resources. Access controls enforce authentication and least privilege principles. Encryption protects data at rest and in transit. Monitoring compliance detects violations, non-compliant devices, or risky behavior. Remote wipe capabilities allow data removal from lost or stolen devices. Periodic policy review ensures controls remain effective and aligned with technological and regulatory changes.

Allowing any device without control (Option B) exposes the organization to unauthorized access and data loss. Focusing only on corporate devices (Option C) ignores BYOD risks. Implementing MDM without monitoring (Option D) reduces visibility, enforcement, and risk mitigation.

The CISM integrates MDM with governance, risk management, IAM, and incident response. Metrics track compliance, incidents, device enrollment, and remediation actions. Continuous improvement ensures adaptation to emerging threats, new devices, and regulatory obligations.

By defining enrollment policies, enforcing access and encryption controls, monitoring compliance, enabling remote wipe, and reviewing policies, the organization strengthens mobile security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and program management responsibilities.

Question 97

A company wants to implement formal security metrics and reporting to executive management. The CISM is asked to ensure effective governance and oversight. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define meaningful metrics aligned with business and risk objectives, collect data consistently, analyze trends, provide actionable insights, and report regularly to management
B) Report only incident counts without context
C) Focus solely on technical security metrics without business alignment
D) Avoid reporting to executives to reduce workload

Answer: Define meaningful metrics aligned with business and risk objectives, collect data consistently, analyze trends, provide actionable insights, and report regularly to management

Explanation:

Security metrics provide transparency, enable informed decision-making, and support continuous improvement. The CISM ensures that metrics are relevant, actionable, and aligned with enterprise risk management and business objectives.

Defining meaningful metrics ensures they reflect key risks, controls, and business priorities. Consistent data collection ensures reliability and comparability. Analyzing trends identifies areas for improvement, emerging threats, or recurring issues. Providing actionable insights helps executives make informed strategic decisions. Regular reporting ensures accountability, visibility, and governance compliance.

Reporting only incident counts (Option B) provides limited insight. Focusing solely on technical metrics (Option C) may ignore business impact and risk exposure. Avoiding executive reporting (Option D) reduces transparency and undermines governance.

The CISM integrates metrics and reporting with governance, risk management, and compliance programs. Metrics may include incident response times, compliance levels, threat detection effectiveness, and risk mitigation progress. Continuous review ensures alignment with evolving threats, business priorities, and regulatory requirements.

By defining metrics aligned with business objectives, analyzing trends, providing actionable insights, and reporting regularly, the organization strengthens governance, improves decision-making, and aligns with CISM responsibilities.

Question 98

A company wants to implement formal encryption key management for its enterprise systems. The CISM is asked to ensure security and operational effectiveness. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Establish key lifecycle procedures, enforce access controls, implement secure storage, rotate keys periodically, monitor usage, and review policies
B) Allow users to manage encryption keys independently
C) Use default vendor keys without control
D) Rotate keys only after a breach

Answer: Establish key lifecycle procedures, enforce access controls, implement secure storage, rotate keys periodically, monitor usage, and review policies

Explanation:

Encryption keys are critical assets; mismanagement can lead to data compromise, non-compliance, and operational failure. The CISM ensures structured key management aligned with security, operational, and regulatory requirements.

Establishing key lifecycle procedures addresses generation, distribution, storage, rotation, retirement, and destruction. Access controls ensure only authorized personnel can manage or use keys. Secure storage protects keys from unauthorized access. Periodic rotation reduces the risk of key compromise. Monitoring usage detects anomalies or unauthorized access. Periodic policy review ensures alignment with emerging threats, technology changes, and regulatory requirements.

Allowing users to manage keys independently (Option B) increases the risk of loss or compromise. Using default vendor keys (Option C) undermines security control and accountability. Rotating keys only after a breach (Option D) is reactive and increases exposure.

The CISM integrates key management with governance, risk management, and compliance programs. Metrics track key usage, rotation compliance, access events, and incidents. Continuous review ensures that the program evolves with security and regulatory requirements.

By establishing lifecycle procedures, enforcing controls, securing storage, rotating keys, monitoring usage, and reviewing policies, the organization protects sensitive data, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 99

A company wants to implement a formal cloud governance framework to manage risks and compliance. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with business objectives. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define cloud policies, establish roles and responsibilities, monitor compliance, integrate risk management, and review periodically
B) Rely solely on cloud provider governance
C) Focus only on cost management without security or compliance
D) Avoid governance to accelerate cloud adoption

Answer: Define cloud policies, establish roles and responsibilities, monitor compliance, integrate risk management, and review periodically

Explanation:

Cloud governance ensures secure, compliant, and cost-effective use of cloud resources. The CISM ensures that policies and controls align with risk management and business objectives.

Defining cloud policies establishes standards for security, access, configuration, data protection, and compliance. Roles and responsibilities ensure accountability for cloud operations and compliance. Monitoring ensures adherence to policies and regulatory obligations. Integration with risk management allows proactive identification and mitigation of cloud-related risks. Periodic review ensures alignment with evolving technology, threats, and regulatory requirements.

Relying solely on provider governance (Option B) leaves gaps in accountability, policy enforcement, and risk management. Focusing only on cost (Option C) ignores security, compliance, and operational risks. Avoiding governance (Option D) increases exposure to breaches, non-compliance, and mismanagement.

The CISM integrates cloud governance with enterprise risk management, compliance, and security operations. Metrics track policy adherence, incident trends, risk mitigation, and cloud usage efficiency. Continuous review ensures cloud governance remains relevant, effective, and aligned with organizational objectives.

By defining policies, assigning roles, monitoring compliance, integrating risk management, and reviewing periodically, the organization ensures secure, compliant cloud operations and aligns with CISM governance and oversight responsibilities.

Question 100

A company wants to implement formal threat modeling for critical applications. The CISM is asked to ensure risk-based security decisions. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify assets, map threats and vulnerabilities, assess impact and likelihood, prioritize risks, and recommend mitigation controls
B) Assume applications are secure by default
C) Focus only on code-level vulnerabilities without assessing business impact
D) Perform threat modeling only after an incident

Answer: Identify assets, map threats and vulnerabilities, assess impact and likelihood, prioritize risks, and recommend mitigation controls

Explanation:

Threat modeling is a proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks in applications. The CISM ensures that modeling informs secure design, risk management, and resource allocation.

Identifying assets ensures the protection of critical data, functions, and processes. Mapping threats and vulnerabilities identifies potential attack vectors, misuse cases, and weaknesses. Assessing impact and likelihood quantifies risk exposure. Prioritizing risks ensures focus on high-impact areas. Recommending mitigation controls (technical, procedural, or administrative) reduces exposure.

Assuming applications are secure by default (Option B) is unsafe. Focusing only on code-level vulnerabilities (Option C) ignores business impact and overall risk. Performing modeling only after incidents (Option D) is reactive and may increase damage.

The CISM integrates threat modeling with governance, risk management, SDLC, and compliance programs. Metrics track identified risks, mitigations implemented, and residual exposure. Continuous review ensures modeling accounts for emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and evolving business objectives.

By identifying assets, mapping threats, assessing impact, prioritizing risks, and recommending controls, the organization strengthens application security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk management, and oversight responsibilities.