Isaca CISM Certified Information Security Manager Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 6 Q101-120

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Question 101

A company wants to implement formal insider threat detection. The CISM is asked to ensure proactive risk mitigation. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Monitor user activity patterns, define behavioral baselines, implement alerts for anomalies, integrate with IAM and incident response, and provide employee training
B) Investigate only after a data breach occurs
C) Rely solely on HR for detecting insider threats
D) Monitor only privileged accounts while ignoring regular users

Answer: Monitor user activity patterns, define behavioral baselines, implement alerts for anomalies, integrate with IAM and incident response, and provide employee training

Explanation:

Insider threats include malicious, negligent, or compromised users who can harm the organization. The CISM ensures proactive detection, mitigation, and governance alignment.

Monitoring user activity, such as login times, data access, and system usage, enables early detection of unusual behavior. Defining behavioral baselines allows deviations to be accurately identified. Implementing alerts ensures a timely response. Integration with IAM ensures proper access control, while incident response ensures structured investigation and mitigation. Training raises awareness of insider threats and encourages responsible behavior.

Investigating only post-breach (Option B) is reactive and increases damage risk. Relying solely on HR (Option C) ignores technical indicators and data-driven monitoring. Monitoring only privileged accounts (Option D) overlooks threats from regular users who may have indirect access to sensitive data.

Metrics track anomalies, response time, incidents detected, and remediation effectiveness. Continuous improvement ensures alignment with evolving threats, organizational priorities, and regulatory requirements.

By monitoring user activities across critical systems, the organization gains visibility into behaviors that may indicate misuse, compromised credentials, or intentionally malicious actions. Effective monitoring includes tracking authentication events, access to sensitive resources, data transfers, privilege escalations, and anomalous usage patterns. This visibility supports early detection and timely investigation of suspicious activity, reducing the likelihood that insider threats can operate undetected.

Defining behavioral baselines further strengthens detection capabilities. Baselines represent the normal patterns of employee activity—such as typical working hours, access frequency, or data usage levels—against which deviations can be measured. Establishing these baselines allows security teams to identify unusual or high-risk behavior more accurately, minimizing false positives while ensuring high-value alerts receive prompt attention. This capability is especially important in large or distributed environments where manual observation would be impossible.

Implementing automated alerts based on threshold breaches, abnormal behaviors, or policy violations creates a proactive defense mechanism. Alerts help security teams respond quickly to emerging threats such as unauthorized data access, attempts to bypass controls, or activities inconsistent with an employee’s role. Automated alerts also support incident response workflows by providing timely, context-rich information needed to evaluate severity and determine appropriate remediation steps.

Integrating insider threat detection controls with IAM systems strengthens identity governance and access oversight. IAM integration ensures that monitoring accurately reflects user entitlements, maps suspicious activity to specific accounts, and supports least-privilege access enforcement. It also enables rapid containment actions, such as disabling compromised accounts or revoking unnecessary permissions. Linking monitoring tools with incident response processes ensures that alerts automatically initiate investigation steps, evidence collection, and coordinated actions across security teams.

Training employees and managers on security awareness, acceptable use, and reporting procedures is an essential layer of defense. Education reduces the risk of accidental insider threats, such as improper data handling or unsafe sharing practices, and helps employees recognize early warning signs of malicious behavior or compromised coworkers. Training also reinforces the organization’s security culture, encouraging employees to follow established protocols and report concerns promptly.

Together, these measures strengthen the organization’s overall insider threat mitigation strategy. Comprehensive monitoring, clear baselines, actionable alerts, IAM integration, and proactive training ensure risks are managed holistically rather than reactively. This approach aligns with CISM governance, risk management, and oversight responsibilities by emphasizing structured processes, continuous improvement, and accountability. It helps safeguard sensitive information, maintain operational continuity, and support regulatory compliance, ultimately enhancing the organization’s overall security posture.

Question 102

A company wants to implement secure API management for its web services. The CISM is asked to ensure risk-based access and security. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define API access policies, enforce authentication and authorization, enable rate limiting and logging, monitor usage, and review periodically
B) Allow unrestricted API access to simplify integration
C) Rely solely on developers for API security
D) Ignore API monitoring after deployment

Answer: Define API access policies, enforce authentication and authorization, enable rate limiting and logging, monitor usage, and review periodically

Explanation:

APIs are critical interfaces for modern applications, but are common attack vectors. The CISM ensures that API security aligns with enterprise risk management and regulatory requirements.

Defining access policies establishes clear rules governing who can access APIs, what resources they may interact with, and under which specific conditions access is granted. These policies outline permissible actions, required roles, and acceptable use criteria, serving as the foundation for secure API governance. By formalizing these policies, the organization reduces ambiguity, ensures consistent enforcement, and aligns system behavior with business and security requirements. Clear access policies also help maintain compliance with regulatory standards by documenting how sensitive data and critical functions are protected.

Authentication ensures that only verified identities—whether users, applications, or devices—can interact with APIs. Strong authentication controls, such as OAuth, tokens, certificates, or MFA, prevent unauthorized entities from initiating API calls. Authorization complements authentication by determining what an authenticated identity is allowed to do. This supports the principle of least privilege, ensuring every identity receives only the minimum access required for its role. Together, authentication and authorization form a layered defense that significantly limits the potential impact of compromised credentials or malicious actors.

Rate limiting is another key safeguard that protects API endpoints from abuse, excessive traffic, and denial-of-service attacks. By controlling the number of requests allowed within a specified time frame, the system prevents a single client from overwhelming backend services. Rate limits also help prioritize legitimate traffic, preserve system performance, and prevent attackers from exploiting APIs for brute-force attempts, data scraping, or resource exhaustion. This ensures API reliability and supports availability, a critical pillar of information security.

Logging provides visibility into all API interactions, capturing details such as request origins, response times, error messages, authentication events, and unusual activity. These logs are invaluable for security monitoring, performance tuning, and compliance auditing. In the event of an incident, logs support forensic analysis by revealing patterns, timelines, and affected components. Ongoing analysis of logs can also help identify emerging threats, usage trends, or misconfigurations that may require remediation.

Periodic reviews ensure that API access policies and controls remain aligned with evolving security threats, business requirements, and technological changes. As environments grow, user roles shift, and new integrations are introduced, access needs can change significantly. Regular evaluation allows the organization to adjust permissions, refine rate limits, update authentication mechanisms, and retire obsolete access paths. This process supports continuous improvement and reduces the risk of outdated or overly permissive configurations.

Collectively, these practices strengthen the overall security posture of the organization’s API ecosystem. By clearly defining policies, enforcing identity verification, preventing abuse, maintaining detailed visibility, and revisiting controls regularly, organizations effectively manage risk and safeguard critical data and services. This structured approach aligns with CISM responsibilities in governance, risk management, and security program oversight, supporting both operational resilience and long-term strategic security goals.

Allowing unrestricted access (Option B) increases exposure to attacks. Relying solely on developers (Option C) risks inconsistent security practices. Ignoring monitoring (Option D) prevents detection of misuse or anomalies.

The CISM integrates API management with governance, risk, and compliance programs. Metrics track access violations, response times, anomalous activity, and policy adherence. Continuous improvement ensures alignment with evolving threats and business requirements.

By defining policies, enforcing controls, enabling logging, monitoring usage, and reviewing periodically, the organization strengthens API security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM responsibilities.

Question 103

A company wants to implement formal data loss prevention (DLP) controls. The CISM is asked to ensure sensitive data is protected across all channels. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify sensitive data, classify information, apply DLP policies across endpoints, network, and cloud, monitor incidents, and review effectiveness
B) Implement DLP only on email systems
C) Rely solely on encryption without monitoring
D) Apply DLP policies ad hoc without classification

Answer: Identify sensitive data, classify information, apply DLP policies across endpoints, network, and cloud, monitor incidents, and review effectiveness

Explanation:

DLP protects sensitive data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or exfiltration. The CISM ensures a comprehensive, risk-based approach.

Identifying sensitive data ensures full coverage. Classification aligns protection with data criticality and regulatory requirements. Applying policies across endpoints,   the network, and the cloud ensures consistent enforcement. Monitoring incidents allows a timely response to violations. Reviewing effectiveness identifies gaps and improves controls.

Focusing only on email (Option B) ignores other exfiltration channels. Relying solely on encryption (Option C) does not detect misuse. Ad hoc policy application (Option D) lacks consistency and oversight.

Metrics track policy violations, incident response times, coverage, and compliance. Continuous review ensures alignment with threats, regulations, and business needs.

By identifying, classifying, applying, monitoring, and reviewing, the organization strengthens data protection, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 104

A company wants to implement continuous monitoring for critical IT assets to improve resilience. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define critical assets, implement monitoring tools, establish alerting thresholds, integrate with incident response, and review performance metrics
B) Monitor assets only during audits
C) Focus solely on IT systems without considering business impact
D) Monitor passively without alerts or response integration

Answer: Define critical assets, implement monitoring tools, establish alerting thresholds, integrate with incident response, and review performance metrics

Explanation:

Continuous monitoring improves visibility, reduces risk exposure, and supports proactive incident response. The CISM ensures monitoring aligns with organizational priorities and risk appetite.

Defining critical assets prioritizes resources. Implementing monitoring tools collects performance, security, and availability data. Alerting thresholds ensure the timely detection of anomalies. Integration with incident response ensures structured mitigation. Reviewing metrics tracks effectiveness and identifies trends for improvement.

Monitoring only during audits (Option B) is reactive. Ignoring business impact (Option C) reduces contextual understanding. Passive monitoring without response integration (Option D) limits actionable intelligence.

Metrics track availability, anomalies, incidents, and response effectiveness. Continuous review ensures alignment with evolving business, threats, and compliance requirements.

By defining assets, monitoring proactively, alerting, integrating with response, and reviewing metrics, the organization strengthens resilience, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and oversight responsibilities.

Question 105

A company wants to implement formal secure configuration management for endpoints. The CISM is asked to ensure consistent security and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define baseline configurations, deploy endpoint management tools, enforce compliance policies, monitor deviations, and remediate promptly
B) Rely on default operating system configurations
C) Allow users to configure endpoints individually
D) Audit endpoints only annually

Answer: Define baseline configurations, deploy endpoint management tools, enforce compliance policies, monitor deviations, and remediate promptly

Explanation:

Secure configuration management ensures endpoints are hardened against threats, reducing vulnerabilities and operational risk. The CISM ensures policies are consistent, enforceable, and risk-based.

Defining baselines establishes expected security settings. Endpoint management tools enforce and maintain configurations. Compliance policies ensure adherence to security standards. Monitoring deviations detects misconfigurations or policy violations. Prompt remediation reduces exposure to attacks.

Relying on default settings (Option B) may leave systems vulnerable. Allowing user configuration (Option C) increases inconsistency and risk. Auditing only annually (Option D) delays detection of deviations.

Metrics track baseline adherence, deviations detected, remediation time, and compliance coverage. Continuous review ensures adaptation to emerging threats, OS updates, and regulatory requirements.

By defining baselines, enforcing policies, monitoring deviations, and remediating promptly, the organization strengthens endpoint security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk management, and operational responsibilities

Question 106

A company wants to implement formal identity and access management (IAM) for cloud and on-premises systems. The CISM is asked to ensure governance and risk alignment. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define access policies based on roles, implement single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), monitor access logs, review permissions regularly, and integrate with risk management
B) Allow users to self-provision access without oversight
C) Apply IAM only to cloud systems
D) Monitor access logs only after incidents occur

Answer: Define access policies based on roles, implement single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), monitor access logs, review permissions regularly, and integrate with risk management

Explanation:

IAM ensures that users access only what they are authorized to, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, insider threats, and compliance violations. The CISM ensures IAM is integrated with governance, risk management, and operational objectives.

Defining role-based access policies enforces the principle of least privilege. SSO improves user convenience while maintaining security. MFA adds a layer of protection against credential compromise. Monitoring access logs enables detection of anomalies, misuse, or unauthorized access. Regular permission reviews ensure that access reflects current roles and responsibilities. Integration with risk management ensures that high-risk accounts and activities are proactively monitored and mitigated.

Allowing users to self-provision access (Option B) increases the risk of privilege creep. Applying IAM only to cloud systems (Option C) leaves on-premises systems vulnerable. Monitoring logs only after incidents (Option D) is reactive and increases exposure.

Metrics track access violations, role changes, MFA adoption, and anomalous behavior. Continuous review ensures IAM aligns with emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and organizational changes.

By defining role-based policies, implementing SSO and MFA, monitoring logs, reviewing permissions, and integrating with risk management, the organization strengthens IAM, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 107

A company wants to implement formal endpoint detection and response (EDR) for advanced threat protection. The CISM is asked to ensure integration with incident response. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Deploy EDR agents on all endpoints, configure alerts for suspicious activity, integrate with SOC and incident response, analyze data proactively, and review effectiveness periodically
B) Rely solely on antivirus software
C) Deploy EDR only on critical servers
D) Monitor endpoints only after incidents occur

Answer: Deploy EDR agents on all endpoints, configure alerts for suspicious activity, integrate with SOC and incident response, analyze data proactively, and review effectiveness periodically

Explanation:

EDR provides continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities for endpoints, which are frequent attack vectors. The CISM ensures EDR deployment aligns with organizational risk management, governance, and compliance requirements.

Deploying EDR on all endpoints ensures comprehensive coverage. Configuring alerts for suspicious activity enables the timely detection of threats such as malware, ransomware, or lateral movement. Integration with the Security Operations Center (SOC) and incident response processes allows coordinated investigation and mitigation. Proactive analysis of data identifies trends and early signs of compromise. Periodic review evaluates effectiveness, coverage, and response performance.

Relying solely on antivirus software (Option B) is insufficient against modern threats. Deploying EDR only on critical servers (Option C) leaves endpoints vulnerable. Monitoring only after incidents (Option D) is reactive, allowing attacks to propagate.

Metrics track detections, incidents investigated, response times, and endpoint coverage. Continuous improvement ensures EDR aligns with evolving threats, business priorities, and regulatory obligations.

By deploying agents, configuring alerts, integrating with SOC, analyzing data, and reviewing effectiveness, the organization improves endpoint threat detection, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and operational oversight responsibilities.

Question 108

A company wants to implement formal security awareness training for employees. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with risk management and compliance requirements. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Develop role-based training, simulate phishing campaigns, track participation and effectiveness, provide reinforcement, and update content regularly
B) Deliver a one-time generic training session
C) Focus only on IT staff
D) Avoid tracking training completion to reduce administrative burden

Answer: Develop role-based training, simulate phishing campaigns, track participation and effectiveness, provide reinforcement, and update content regularly

Explanation:

Security awareness training mitigates human risk factors, including social engineering, phishing, and careless handling of data. The CISM ensures training is relevant, measurable, and aligned with organizational risk and compliance goals.

Role-based training ensures content matches job responsibilities and access levels. Simulated phishing campaigns provide practical reinforcement and measure susceptibility. Tracking participation and effectiveness allows evaluation of gaps and improvement areas. Regular reinforcement through newsletters, updates, and campaigns maintains awareness. Updating content ensures alignment with emerging threats, organizational changes, and regulatory requirements.

Delivering one-time generic training (Option B) is insufficient for ongoing risk management. Focusing only on IT staff (Option C) ignores risks from other business areas. Avoiding tracking (Option D) reduces accountability and compliance reporting.

Metrics track completion rates, phishing simulation results, and behavioral improvements. Continuous improvement ensures training evolves with emerging threats and business priorities.

By implementing role-based training, simulating phishing, tracking effectiveness, providing reinforcement, and updating content, the organization reduces human risk, improves compliance, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and oversight responsibilities.

Question 109

A company wants to implement formal secure remote desktop access for third-party vendors. The CISM is asked to ensure controlled and monitored access. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define vendor access policies, enforce MFA and time-limited sessions, monitor activity, integrate with logging and IAM, and review access regularly
B) Grant permanent remote access without monitoring
C) Allow vendor access only via personal devices
D) Monitor activity only after incidents occur

Answer: Define vendor access policies, enforce MFA and time-limited sessions, monitor activity, integrate with logging and IAM, and review access regularly

Explanation:

Third-party access poses a risk of unauthorized data access, compromise, or insider threats. The CISM ensures vendor access is secure, monitored, and compliant with policy and regulatory requirements.

Defining vendor access policies specifies what resources, systems, and permissions are allowed. MFA adds authentication robustness. Time-limited sessions enforce least privilege and reduce exposure. Monitoring activity detects anomalies or violations. Integration with logging and IAM ensures visibility and accountability. Regular access reviews ensure alignment with current contracts and business needs.

Granting permanent access without monitoring (Option B) increases the risk of misuse. Allowing access only via personal devices (Option C) may lack control and security standards. Monitoring only after incidents (Option D) is reactive and increases exposure.

Metrics track access events, policy violations, session durations, and incidents. Continuous review ensures adaptation to organizational changes, threats, and regulatory requirements.

By defining policies, enforcing MFA and time limits, monitoring activity, integrating with IAM, and reviewing access, the organization strengthens third-party access security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and risk responsibilities.

Question 110

A company wants to implement formal log management and SIEM integration. The CISM is asked to ensure effective monitoring and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Collect logs from critical systems, normalize and correlate data, implement alerts for anomalies, integrate with incident response, and review SIEM effectiveness
B) Store logs without analysis
C) Collect logs only from network devices
D) Analyze logs only during audits

Answer: Collect logs from critical systems, normalize and correlate data, implement alerts for anomalies, integrate with incident response, and review SIEM effectiveness

Explanation:

Log management and SIEM integration enable visibility, detection of anomalies, and compliance reporting. The CISM ensures these processes are risk-based and aligned with governance and operational objectives.

Collecting logs from critical systems ensures comprehensive coverage. Normalizing and correlating data facilitates the detection of complex threats and patterns. Alerts for anomalies enable rapid detection and response. Integration with incident response ensures structured investigation and mitigation. Reviewing SIEM effectiveness evaluates coverage, alert accuracy, and operational value.

Storing logs without analysis (Option B) limits actionable intelligence. Collecting logs only from network devices (Option C) misses application and endpoint events. Analyzing logs only during audits (Option D) is reactive and delayed.

Metrics track incidents detected, response times, log coverage, and correlation accuracy. Continuous review ensures alignment with emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and business priorities.

By collecting logs, normalizing and correlating, implementing alerts, integrating with response, and reviewing SIEM effectiveness, the organization strengthens monitoring, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and operational responsibilities.

Question 111

A company wants to implement formal privileged access management (PAM) to control administrator accounts. The CISM is asked to ensure risk reduction and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define privileged roles, implement PAM tools for session management, enforce MFA, monitor privileged activity, rotate credentials, and review access regularly
B) Allow administrators to manage accounts without oversight
C) Apply PAM only to IT servers and ignore databases
D) Audit privileged accounts only during annual audits

Answer: Define privileged roles, implement PAM tools for session management, enforce MFA, monitor privileged activity, rotate credentials, and review access regularly

Explanation:

Privileged accounts are high-value targets for attackers. The CISM ensures a structured PAM program that reduces risk, maintains compliance, and supports governance objectives.

Defining privileged roles establishes accountability and ensures only authorized individuals gain access. PAM tools provide session management, activity logging, and controlled access. MFA strengthens authentication. Monitoring activity enables the detection of anomalies, policy violations, or misuse. Rotating credentials reduces the risk of long-term compromise. Regular access reviews ensure privileges remain appropriate and align with organizational changes.

Allowing administrators unrestricted control (Option B) increases the risk of misuse or insider threats. Applying PAM only to servers (Option C) ignores other critical systems, including databases and network devices. Auditing only annually (Option D) delays detection of abuse or misconfigurations.

Metrics track privileged sessions, access violations, credential rotation compliance, and incidents. Continuous review ensures alignment with emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and business needs.

By defining roles, implementing PAM, enforcing MFA, monitoring activity, rotating credentials, and reviewing access, the organization strengthens privileged account security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and risk management responsibilities.

Question 112

A company wants to implement formal vulnerability management for its enterprise systems. The CISM is asked to ensure proactive risk mitigation. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify assets, scan for vulnerabilities regularly, assess risk based on likelihood and impact, prioritize remediation, validate fixes, and report metrics
B) Scan systems only after a breach
C) Focus solely on network devices
D) Remediate vulnerabilities only when requested by users

Answer: Identify assets, scan for vulnerabilities regularly, assess risk based on likelihood and impact, prioritize remediation, validate fixes, and report metrics

Explanation:

Vulnerability management identifies and mitigates weaknesses before they can be exploited. The CISM ensures the program aligns with risk management, operational priorities, and compliance requirements.

Identifying assets ensures full coverage, including endpoints, servers, applications, and network devices. Regular scanning detects new vulnerabilities. Risk assessment prioritizes remediation based on potential impact and likelihood. Remediation involves patching, configuration changes, or compensating controls. Validation ensures fixes are effective. Reporting metrics provides transparency, supports governance, and tracks program effectiveness.

Scanning only post-breach (Option B) is reactive. Focusing solely on network devices (Option C) misses critical application and endpoint vulnerabilities. Remediating only upon user request (Option D) is inconsistent and increases risk.

Metrics track vulnerabilities detected, remediation times, repeat findings, and compliance. Continuous review ensures the program adapts to emerging threats, asset changes, and regulatory obligations.

By identifying assets, scanning regularly, assessing risk, prioritizing remediation, validating fixes, and reporting metrics, the organization reduces exposure, strengthens security posture, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 113

A company wants to implement formal incident response (IR) playbooks for cybersecurity events. The CISM is asked to ensure preparedness and risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define IR procedures for common incident types, assign roles, simulate exercises, integrate with monitoring tools, document lessons learned, and update playbooks
B) Respond to incidents only ad hoc without formal procedures
C) Focus solely on IT incidents, ignoring business impacts
D) Update playbooks only after regulatory audits

Answer: Define IR procedures for common incident types, assign roles, simulate exercises, integrate with monitoring tools, document lessons learned, and update playbooks

Explanation:

Incident response ensures the organization can detect, contain, mitigate, and recover from cybersecurity events efficiently. The CISM ensures that IR aligns with risk management, governance, and operational objectives.

Defining procedures provides structured, repeatable steps for handling incidents such as malware, phishing, or data breaches. Assigning roles clarifies responsibilities. Simulation exercises (tabletop or live) test readiness. Integration with monitoring tools enables timely detection and automated response actions. Documenting lessons learned supports continuous improvement. Updating playbooks ensures alignment with evolving threats, technologies, and business priorities.

Ad hoc response (Option B) increases recovery time and potential impact. Focusing solely on IT incidents (Option C) neglects business processes and regulatory consequences. Updating only after audits (Option D) delays improvement and leaves gaps in readiness.

Metrics track incident detection time, containment time, recovery, and lessons applied. Continuous review ensures IR remains effective, comprehensive, and aligned with enterprise risk management.

By defining procedures, assigning roles, simulating exercises, integrating monitoring, documenting lessons, and updating playbooks, the organization strengthens IR capability, reduces impact, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 114

A company wants to implement formal secure coding practices within its SDLC. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define coding standards, provide developer training, implement static and dynamic analysis, conduct peer code reviews, and enforce security gates before production deployment
B) Perform security testing only after deployment
C) Allow developers to follow their preferred practices without oversight
D) Focus only on perimeter security

Answer: Define coding standards, provide developer training, implement static and dynamic analysis, conduct peer code reviews, and enforce security gates before production deployment

Explanation:

Secure coding prevents vulnerabilities such as injection attacks, buffer overflows, and insecure authentication. The CISM ensures that coding practices are risk-based, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives.

Defining coding standards establishes secure development guidelines. Developer training ensures awareness and skill development. Static and dynamic analysis detectvulnerabilities automatically during development. Peer code reviews provide an additional layer of verification. Security gates in CI/CD pipelines prevent dthe eployment of code that fails security checks.

Testing only post-deployment (Option B) is reactive and increases risk. Allowing unregulated practices (Option C) leads to inconsistent security. Focusing only on perimeter security (Option D) ignores application-level risks.

Metrics track vulnerabilities detected, remediation rates, compliance with standards, and secure deployment success. Continuous review ensures adaptation to new threats, technologies, and regulatory requirements.

By defining standards, training developers, implementing analysis, reviewing code, and enforcing security gates, the organization reduces software risk and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 115

A company wants to implement formal cloud access security broker (CASB) policies. The CISM is asked to ensure data protection and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define access policies, monitor cloud usage, enforce encryption and DLP, detect shadow IT, integrate with IAM, and review policies periodically
B) Rely solely on cloud provider controls
C) Ignore monitoring of unsanctioned applications
D) Implement CASB only after a breach

Answer: Define access policies, monitor cloud usage, enforce encryption and DLP, detect shadow IT, integrate with IAM, and review policies periodically

Explanation:

CASB ensures visibility and control over cloud services, mitigating the risk of data loss, non-compliance, and shadow IT. The CISM ensures policies align with governance, risk management, and operational objectives.

Defining access policies clarifies who can use cloud services and under what conditions. Monitoring usage identifies unauthorized or risky behavior. Encryption and DLP protect sensitive information. Shadow IT detection identifies unsanctioned applications. Integration with IAM ensures identity-based control. Periodic review ensures policies remain effective against evolving threats and organizational changes.

Relying solely on provider controls (Option B) may leave gaps. Ignoring unsanctioned apps (Option C) increases risk. Implementing CASB only after a breach (Option D) is reactive and exposes the organization.

Metrics track policy violations, incidents prevented, shadow IT usage, and cloud compliance. Continuous review ensures alignment with threats, regulatory changes, and business priorities.

By defining policies, monitoring cloud usage, enforcing controls, detecting shadow IT, integrating IAM, and reviewing policies, the organization strengthens cloud security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 116

A company wants to implement formal business continuity planning (BCP) for critical IT services. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify critical processes, conduct business impact analysis (BIA), define recovery objectives, develop plans and procedures, test and maintain plans regularly
B) Create plans only for the IT infrastructure without considering the business impact
C) Rely solely on backup systems for continuity
D) Develop BCP plans only after a disruption occurs

Answer: Identify critical processes, conduct business impact analysis (BIA), define recovery objectives, develop plans and procedures, test and maintain plans regularly

Explanation:

Business continuity ensures that critical services continue or are restored quickly during disruptions. The CISM ensures BCP aligns with organizational risk tolerance, governance, and regulatory obligations.

Identifying critical processes ensures focus on functions that, if disrupted, would significantly impact operations, revenue, or reputation. Conducting a BIA quantifies financial, operational, and regulatory impacts. Defining recovery objectives, such as Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO), sets measurable targets for continuity and recovery. Developing plans and procedures provides structured guidance for staff to follow during incidents. Regular testing and maintenance ensure plans remain effective, reflect organizational changes, and address emerging risks.

Creating plans only for IT infrastructure (Option B) neglects operational, personnel, and supply chain considerations. Relying solely on backups (Option C) ignores the broader process, communication, and operational dependencies required for continuity. Developing BCP only after a disruption (Option D) is reactive and may result in significant downtime and loss.

Metrics track recovery performance, test outcomes, gaps identified, and plan updates. Continuous review ensures alignment with evolving threats, organizational growth, and regulatory requirements.

By identifying critical processes, performing BIA, defining recovery objectives, developing plans, and regularly testing and maintaining them, the organization strengthens resilience, reduces operational risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 117

A company wants to implement formal security architecture reviews for new IT projects. The CISM is asked to ensure risk-based security design. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Establish review criteria, evaluate design against security standards, assess threats and controls, document findings, and require mitigation before implementation
B) Review only after the system is deployed
C) Focus solely on network security without considering applications or data
D) Leave reviews to developers without oversight

Answer: Establish review criteria, evaluate design against security standards, assess threats and controls, document findings, and require mitigation before implementation

Explanation:

Security architecture reviews proactively identify risks in system designs. The CISM ensures that security is integrated into projects from inception, reducing vulnerabilities and aligning with risk management.

Establishing review criteria provides a consistent framework for assessment, including confidentiality, integrity, availability, compliance, and operational requirements. Evaluating designs against security standards ensures adherence to policies, regulations, and best practices. Assessing threats and controls identifies gaps, potential attack vectors, and mitigation opportunities. Documenting findings supports accountability, transparency, and improvement. Requiring mitigation ensures that risks are addressed before deployment, reducing exposure to incidents.

Reviewing only post-deployment (Option B) is reactive and costly. Focusing solely on network security (Option C) ignores application logic, data protection, and user interactions. Leaving reviews to developers without oversight (Option D) risks bias and incomplete assessment.

Metrics track identified risks, mitigations applied, compliance with architecture standards, and review effectiveness. Continuous review ensures alignment with emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and organizational priorities.

By establishing criteria, evaluating designs, assessing threats, documenting findings, and requiring mitigation, the organization strengthens security architecture, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and operational responsibilities.

Question 118

A company wants to implement formal encryption standards for sensitive data at rest and in transit. The CISM is asked to ensure regulatory compliance and risk reduction. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify sensitive data, select encryption algorithms based on standards, enforce key management, monitor implementation, and review policies regularly
B) Use default vendor encryption without control
C) Encrypt only on demand without policy guidance
D) Implement encryption only after a data breach

Answer: Identify sensitive data, select encryption algorithms based on standards, enforce key management, monitor implementation, and review policies regularly

Explanation:

Encryption protects sensitive data from unauthorized access and ensures compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. The CISM ensures encryption is applied consistently, securely, and in alignment with organizational risk and governance objectives.

Identifying sensitive data ensures comprehensive protection coverage. Selecting encryption algorithms based on standards ensures strong cryptographic protection. Enforcing key management includes secure generation, storage, rotation, and destruction of keys. Monitoring implementation verifies adherence to policies and identifies gaps. Regular policy review ensures alignment with evolving threats, technologies, and regulatory changes.

Using default vendor encryption (Option B) may result in weak or poorly managed protection. Encrypting only on demand (Option C) increases the risk of data exposure. Implementing encryption post-breach (Option D) is reactive and may lead to regulatory penalties.

Metrics track encryption coverage, key management compliance, incidents prevented, and policy adherence. Continuous review ensures policies adapt to organizational growth, emerging threats, and regulatory changes.

By identifying data, selecting strong algorithms, enforcing key management, monitoring implementation, and reviewing policies, the organization protects sensitive data, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 119

A company wants to implement formal vendor risk management (VRM) for third-party services. The CISM is asked to ensure security and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify critical vendors, assess risk based on security, operational, and compliance criteria, define contracts with controls, monitor vendor performance, and review periodically
B) Rely solely on vendor self-assessments
C) Manage only financial risk, ignoring security or compliance
D) Address vendor risks only after incidents

Answer: Identify critical vendors, assess risk based on security, operational, and compliance criteria, define contracts with controls, monitor vendor performance, and review periodically

Explanation:

Vendor risk can introduce security, operational, and compliance exposure. The CISM ensures a structured VRM program that mitigates these risks while supporting governance objectives.

Identifying critical vendors prioritizes resources and attention based on potential impact. Assessing risk across security, operations, and compliance ensures a comprehensive evaluation. Contracts with defined controls enforce security obligations and service level agreements. Monitoring vendor performance ensures adherence to obligations and identifies deviations. Periodic reviews ensure VRM remains effective and aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.

Relying solely on self-assessments (Option B) is insufficient for assurance. Focusing only on financial risk (Option C) ignores critical security and compliance factors. Addressing risks post-incident (Option D) is reactive and may result in significant impact.

Metrics track vendor compliance, security incidents, contractual adherence, and risk ratings. Continuous review ensures adaptation to evolving threats, regulatory requirements, and business priorities.

By identifying vendors, assessing risk, defining contracts, monitoring performance, and reviewing periodically, the organization reduces vendor-related risk and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 120

A company wants to implement formal threat and vulnerability reporting to executive management. The CISM is asked to ensure actionable insights and alignment with enterprise risk. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Collect threat and vulnerability data, prioritize based on risk, provide executive summaries with trends and actionable recommendations, and review the reporting framework regularly
B) Report only raw vulnerability counts without context
C) Focus only on technical staff without executive reporting
D) Provide reporting only during audits

Answer: Collect threat and vulnerability data, prioritize based on risk, provide executive summaries with trends and actionable recommendations, and review the reporting framework regularly

Explanation:

Effective reporting ensures that executives understand the risk landscape and can make informed decisions. The CISM ensures reporting is actionable, aligned with governance, and supports enterprise risk management.

Collecting threat and vulnerability data ensures comprehensive visibility. Prioritizing based on risk highlights critical issues requiring management attention. Executive summaries translate technical data into business-relevant insights, including trends and recommended actions. Reviewing the reporting framework ensures consistency, relevance, and adaptability to emerging threats and business priorities.

Reporting only raw counts (Option B) lacks context and actionable insights. Focusing only on technical staff (Option C) prevents executive awareness and informed decision-making. Reporting only during audits (Option D) is infrequent and reactive.

Metrics track vulnerabilities mitigated, risk reduction, reporting timeliness, and executive engagement. Continuous review ensures reporting remains effective and aligned with organizational strategy, threats, and compliance requirements.

By collecting data, prioritizing risk, providing executive summaries, and reviewing frameworks, the organization enhances visibility, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.