Isaca CISM Certified Information Security Manager Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 7 Q121-140

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Question 121

A company wants to implement formal network segmentation to reduce the impact of potential security breaches. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify critical assets, define trust zones, apply segmentation controls (firewalls, VLANs), monitor traffic flows, and review segmentation policies regularly
B) Rely solely on perimeter firewalls without internal segmentation
C) Segment only high-value servers while ignoring endpoints
D) Implement segmentation only after a breach occurs

Answer: Identify critical assets, define trust zones, apply segmentation controls (firewalls, VLANs), monitor traffic flows, and review segmentation policies regularly

Explanation:

Network segmentation reduces the attack surface and limits lateral movement by attackers. The CISM ensures segmentation aligns with business priorities, governance, and risk management.

Identifying critical assets ensures that sensitive or high-value systems receive proper isolation. Defining trust zones organizes the network logically, grouping assets by function, sensitivity, or risk profile. Applying segmentation controls, such as firewalls, VLANs, and access control lists, enforces isolation and mitigates the spread of attacks. Monitoring traffic flows ensures policy enforcement, identifies anomalies, and supports incident response. Regular review of segmentation policies ensures the network adapts to changes in business processes, threat landscape, or regulatory requirements.

Relying solely on perimeter firewalls (Option B) leaves internal systems exposed. Segmenting only servers (Option C) neglects endpoints and critical user devices that can be exploited. Implementing segmentation after a breach (Option D) is reactive and increases exposure.

Metrics track segmentation effectiveness, policy compliance, blocked traffic anomalies, and incident containment. Continuous review ensures alignment with enterprise risk management, operational requirements, and emerging threats.

By identifying assets, defining trust zones, applying controls, monitoring flows, and reviewing policies, the organization strengthens network resilience, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 122

A company wants to implement formal patch management for all enterprise systems. The CISM is asked to ensure security and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Maintain an asset inventory, evaluate patches for criticality, test in a controlled environment, deploy patches according to risk, monitor patch status, and review patch management policies
B) Apply patches only when end users report issues
C) Deploy all patches immediately without testing
D) Patch only servers while ignoring workstations

Answer: Maintain an asset inventory, evaluate patches for criticality, test in a controlled environment, deploy patches according to risk, monitor patch status, and review patch management policies

Explanation:

Patch management mitigates vulnerabilities and reduces the likelihood of exploitation. The CISM ensures the program is risk-based, systematic, and aligned with organizational governance and compliance obligations.

Maintaining an asset inventory ensures all systems are accounted for and tracked. Evaluating patches based on criticality prioritizes high-risk vulnerabilities. Testing patches in a controlled environment reduces the risk of operational disruption. Deploying patches according to risk ensures that critical vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Monitoring patch status verifies compliance and identifies systems that remain unpatched. Reviewing patch management policies ensures the process stays effective, up-to-date, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Applying patches only after users report issues (Option B) is reactive and leaves systems exposed. Deploying all patches immediately without testing (Option C) may disrupt operations. Patching only servers (Option D) leaves endpoints and critical devices vulnerable.

Metrics play a critical role in measuring the effectiveness of a patch management program. Tracking patch coverage provides visibility into how many systems, applications, and devices have received the latest updates. This ensures that security teams can quickly identify gaps where unpatched vulnerabilities may expose the organization to exploitation. Monitoring deployment timelines ensures that patches are applied within acceptable windows based on severity, helping to minimize exposure time. Metrics that measure incidents or service disruptions caused by unpatched vulnerabilities highlight operational risks and emphasize the importance of timely remediation. Compliance rates, whether internal or regulatory, ensure that patching activities align with required standards, such as industry frameworks or government mandates.

Continuous review of the patch management process is essential. Threats evolve rapidly, and adversaries often exploit known vulnerabilities within days—or even hours—of disclosure. Regular assessments ensure the patch program remains current with emerging threats, changes to asset inventories, and updates to regulatory requirements. Review cycles allow organizations to refine processes, adopt improved tools, and respond to lessons learned from previous patch deployments or security incidents. This ongoing adaptation supports resilience and prevents the patch management program from becoming outdated or misaligned with the organization’s risk profile.

A strong patch management program begins with an accurate and up-to-date asset inventory. Without knowing what assets exist, what software they run, and how they are interconnected, security teams cannot effectively prioritize patching efforts. Comprehensive inventories enable organizations to categorize assets by criticality, exposure, and business importance, forming the foundation for risk-based patching.

Evaluating and testing patches before deployment further strengthens security and operational stability. Testing ensures compatibility, prevents outages, and allows teams to validate that patches will not disrupt essential business services. This step supports change management practices and minimizes the likelihood of unplanned downtime.

Deploying patches based on risk ensures that the most critical vulnerabilities—those that affect high-value assets, are actively exploited, or pose significant operational impact—are addressed first. Risk-based prioritization aligns patching decisions with broader governance and risk management strategies, ensuring that resources are directed where they provide the greatest security benefit.

Monitoring patched systems ensures that deployments occur successfully and continue to operate as expected. Monitoring also helps verify that systems remain compliant over time, especially in dynamic environments where configurations may drift or devices may be reimaged or replaced. This assures that the organization’s security posture stays strong long after patches are applied.

Reviewing patch management policies, procedures, and tools ensures the program remains effective and aligned with business objectives. Regular updates ensure the organization keeps pace with technology changes, industry best practices, cloud adoption, and shifts in regulatory landscapes.

By maintaining a complete asset inventory, evaluating and testing patches carefully, deploying updates based on risk, monitoring system status, and regularly reviewing patch policies, the organization builds a robust and adaptable patch management program. These practices strengthen the overall security posture, reduce exposure to cyber threats, and support operational continuity. They also align directly with CISM responsibilities in governance, risk management, and security program operations, ensuring that patching activities support both strategic and operational security objectives.

Question 123

A company wants to implement formal monitoring of social media and external threat intelligence sources. The CISM is asked to ensure proactive identification of emerging threats. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Collect and analyze threat intelligence, assess relevance and risk, disseminate actionable information to stakeholders, integrate with security monitoring, and review processes regularly
B) Monitor only after an incident occurs
C) Rely solely on internal logs for threat information
D) Focus only on competitors’ activities without analyzing security risks

Answer: Collect and analyze threat intelligence, assess relevance and risk, disseminate actionable information to stakeholders, integrate with security monitoring, and review processes regularly

Explanation:

Threat intelligence provides insight into emerging threats, attack trends, and vulnerabilities. The CISM ensures that intelligence is actionable, aligned with risk management, and integrated into security operations.

Collecting threat intelligence from social media, dark web, vendors, and public sources ensures comprehensive coverage. Assessing relevance and risk prioritizes actionable threats that could impact the organization. Disseminating intelligence to relevant stakeholders allows timely mitigation actions. Integrating threat intelligence with monitoring tools enables automated alerts and proactive defense. Regular review ensures intelligence processes remain effective, relevant, and aligned with changing threat landscapes.

Monitoring only after incidents (Option B) is reactive and may delay mitigation. Relying solely on internal logs (Option C) misses external threats. Focusing only on competitors’ activities (Option D) ignores broader security risks.

Metrics track threat indicators, mitigations applied, incident prevention, and intelligence timeliness. Continuous review ensures threat intelligence supports risk-based decisions, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance.

By collecting, assessing, disseminating, integrating, and reviewing intelligence, the organization proactively identifies threats, strengthens defenses, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 124

A company wants to implement formal security metrics and dashboards for executive reporting. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with business objectives and risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define key security metrics aligned with business and risk objectives, collect data consistently, visualize trends, provide actionable insights, and review metrics periodically
B) Report only incident counts without context
C) Focus solely on technical metrics without business relevance
D) Avoid executive reporting to reduce workload

Answer: Define key security metrics aligned with business and risk objectives, collect data consistently, visualize trends, provide actionable insights, and review metrics periodically

Explanation:

Security metrics enable executives to understand risk exposure, compliance, and operational effectiveness. The CISM ensures metrics are meaningful, aligned with business priorities, and support governance objectives.

Defining metrics aligned with risk and business objectives ensures relevance to decision-making. Consistent data collection ensures accuracy and comparability. Visualizing trends in dashboards improves communication and situational awareness. Providing actionable insights helps management prioritize resources and mitigation strategies. Reviewing metrics periodically ensures alignment with evolving threats, business processes, and regulatory requirements.

Reporting only incident counts (Option B) provides limited insight. Focusing solely on technical metrics (Option C) may not communicate risk effectively to executives. Avoiding executive reporting (Option D) reduces transparency and accountability.

Metrics track incident response times, compliance, threat detection effectiveness, and policy adherence. Continuous review ensures alignment with business goals, risk management, and regulatory obligations.

By defining aligned metrics, collecting and visualizing data, providing insights, and reviewing periodically, the organization enhances decision-making, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance and oversight responsibilities.

Question 125

A company wants to implement formal secure software supply chain management. The CISM is asked to ensure the mitigation of risks associated with third-party code and components. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Evaluate third-party libraries and components for vulnerabilities, establish secure development and acquisition policies, monitor supply chain dependencies, and enforce remediation or replacement as needed
B) Use all third-party components without assessment
C) Focus only on internal code while ignoring third-party dependencies
D) Address supply chain risks only after a compromise

Answer: Evaluate third-party libraries and components for vulnerabilities, establish secure development and acquisition policies, monitor supply chain dependencies, and enforce remediation or replacement as needed

Explanation:

Software supply chain attacks, such as malicious libraries or compromised dependencies, are significant risks. The CISM ensures that third-party code and components are evaluated, monitored, and managed proactively.

Evaluating libraries and components identifies known vulnerabilities and ensures they meet security standards. Establishing policies guides secure acquisition, integration, and development practices. Monitoring supply chain dependencies detects changes, updates, or newly discovered vulnerabilities. Enforcing remediation or replacement ensures security gaps are addressed before exploitation.

Using all third-party components without assessment (Option B) increases exposure to malicious or vulnerable code. Focusing only on internal code (Option C) ignores critical supply chain risks. Addressing risks only after compromise (Option D) is reactive and increases potential impact.

Metrics track component vulnerabilities, remediation rates, compliance with policies, and supply chain risk assessments. Continuous review ensures the program adapts to new threats, emerging dependencies, and regulatory requirements.

By evaluating components, establishing policies, monitoring dependencies, and enforcing remediation, the organization strengthens software supply chain security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 126

A company wants to implement formal mobile device management (MDM) to secure corporate data on mobile devices. The CISM is asked to ensure governance, risk reduction, and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define device policies, enforce encryption, enable remote wipe and device tracking, integrate with IAM, monitor compliance, and review policies regularly
B) Allow employees to configure devices freely without oversight
C) Apply MDM only to company-owned devices while ignoring BYOD
D) Monitor mobile devices only after incidents occur

Answer: Define device policies, enforce encryption, enable remote wipe and device tracking, integrate with IAM, monitor compliance, and review policies regularly

Explanation:

MDM ensures corporate data protection on mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. The CISM ensures that MDM aligns with enterprise risk management, compliance obligations, and governance objectives.

Defining device policies establishes rules for acceptable use, security configurations, and access control. Enforcing encryption protects data at rest and in transit. Remote wipe and device tracking provide mitigation in case of loss, theft, or compromise. Integration with IAM ensures identity-based access and consistent policy enforcement. Monitoring compliance allows early detection of policy violations. Regular policy review ensures alignment with evolving mobile technologies, threats, and regulatory requirements.

Allowing employees free configuration (Option B) increases the risk of data leakage or malware. Applying MDM only to company-owned devices (Option C) ignores the risks posed by BYOD. Monitoring only after incidents (Option D) is reactive and delays mitigation.

Metrics track device compliance, incidents mitigated, encryption enforcement, and policy violations. Continuous review ensures policies adapt to evolving mobile threats and business requirements.

By defining policies, enforcing encryption, enabling remote wipe, integrating IAM, monitoring compliance, and reviewing policies, the organization strengthens mobile security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 127

A company wants to implement formal secure remote access for employees. The CISM is asked to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define remote access policies, enforce MFA and VPN or zero-trust access, monitor connections, integrate with IAM, and review access logs and policies regularly
B) Allow all employees unrestricted remote access
C) Use remote access only during emergencies without monitoring
D) Focus solely on network connectivity without security controls

Answer: Define remote access policies, enforce MFA and VPN or zero-trust access, monitor connections, integrate with IAM, and review access logs and policies regularly

Explanation:

Secure remote access protects organizational resources while supporting business continuity and operational efficiency. The CISM ensures remote access is governed, risk-based, and compliant with regulatory and policy requirements.

Defining remote access policies specifies who can connect, from which devices, and under what conditions. MFA strengthens authentication and reduces the risk of credential compromise. VPN or zero-trust network access ensures secure communication channels. Monitoring connections detects anomalous activity and policy violations. Integration with IAM ensures consistent identity-based access enforcement. Regular review of logs and policies ensures alignment with emerging threats, organizational changes, and compliance requirements.

Unrestricted access (Option B) exposes critical systems to threats. Emergency-only access without monitoring (Option C) is reactive and lacks governance. Focusing solely on connectivity (Option D) ignores authentication, encryption, and monitoring, reducing security effectiveness.

Metrics track remote access attempts, successful and blocked logins, policy violations, and MFA adoption. Continuous review ensures alignment with enterprise risk management, threat landscape, and compliance requirements.

By defining policies, enforcing MFA and secure access methods, monitoring connections, integrating IAM, and reviewing logs, the organization strengthens remote access security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 128

A company wants to implement formal security awareness programs to prevent phishing attacks. The CISM is asked to ensure measurable results and risk reduction. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Develop targeted awareness campaigns, simulate phishing attempts, track employee response rates, reinforce training, and update content based on emerging threats
B) Provide a one-time generic security training session
C) Focus only on IT staff while ignoring business units
D) Avoid monitoring training effectiveness to reduce administrative work

Answer: Develop targeted awareness campaigns, simulate phishing attempts, track employee response rates, reinforce training, and update content based on emerging threats

Explanation:

Phishing is a primary vector for security incidents, including credential compromise and malware infection. The CISM ensures awareness programs are risk-based, measurable, and effective across the organization.

Targeted campaigns provide role-specific content to address relevant risks. Simulated phishing campaigns test employee awareness and provide practical experience. Tracking response rates allows measurement of program effectiveness and identifies individuals or groups needing additional training. Reinforcement through follow-ups, newsletters, or targeted reminders ensures retention and behavior change. Updating content based on emerging threats ensures the program remains relevant and proactive.

A one-time generic training session (Option B) is insufficient for ongoing risk mitigation. Focusing only on IT staff (Option C) leaves most employees vulnerable. Avoiding effectiveness tracking (Option D) limits accountability and improvement.

Metrics track phishing click rates, training completion, repeat offenders, and behavioral improvements. Continuous review ensures alignment with organizational risk posture, threat landscape, and regulatory requirements.

By implementing targeted campaigns, phishing simulations, tracking, reinforcement, and updates, the organization reduces human risk, strengthens security culture, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 129

A company wants to implement formal database security controls to protect sensitive customer information. The CISM is asked to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Implement role-based access control, encryption at rest and in transit, activity monitoring, database activity logging, periodic audits, and policy review
B) Rely solely on application-level access controls
C) Encrypt only select tables without monitoring
D) Audit database activity only after a breach

Answer: Implement role-based access control, encryption at rest and in transit, activity monitoring, database activity logging, periodic audits, and policy review

Explanation:

Database systems store critical organizational and customer information. The CISM ensures database security controls are comprehensive, risk-based, and aligned with compliance and governance requirements.

Role-based access control enforces the principle of least privilege and prevents unauthorized access. Encryption protects sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Activity monitoring detects anomalies, policy violations, and potential insider threats. Logging provides an auditable record for forensic and compliance purposes. Periodic audits verify policy compliance and identify gaps. Reviewing policies ensures controls remain aligned with evolving threats, regulatory requirements, and business needs.

Relying solely on application-level controls (Option B) may not prevent direct database access. Encrypting only selected tables (Option C) leaves other sensitive data exposed. Auditing only post-breach (Option D) is reactive and increases exposure.

Metrics track access violations, suspicious activity, encryption coverage, audit findings, and remediation effectiveness. Continuous review ensures controls adapt to emerging threats and regulatory obligations.

By implementing RBAC, encryption, monitoring, logging, audits, and policy review, the organization protects sensitive data, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 130

A company wants to implement formal change management for IT systems to reduce operational and security risk. The CISM is asked to ensure governance and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Establish a formal change management process, document change requests, evaluate risk and impact, approve changes, monitor implementation, and review process effectiveness
B) Apply changes immediately without approval
C) Allow users to implement changes without documentation
D) Review changes only during annual audits

Answer: Establish a formal change management process, document change requests, evaluate risk and impact, approve changes, monitor implementation, and review process effectiveness

Explanation:

Change management ensures that system modifications do not introduce operational failures or security vulnerabilities. The CISM ensures the process aligns with governance, risk management, and compliance objectives.

A formal process provides structure, ensures accountability, and supports decision-making. Documenting change requests maintains an auditable record. Evaluating risk and impact identifies potential operational or security issues. Approval ensures that changes meet organizational standards and risk criteria. Monitoring implementation ensures adherence to the plan. Reviewing process effectiveness supports continuous improvement and alignment with business and regulatory requirements.

Applying changes without approval (Option B) increases the risk of outages or security breaches. Allowing undocumented changes (Option C) reduces accountability and traceability. Reviewing only during audits (Option D) is too infrequent and reactive.

Metrics track change success rates, incident rates post-change, compliance with process, and process review outcomes. Continuous review ensures the change management process evolves with organizational growth, technological complexity, and regulatory requirements.

By establishing a formal process, documenting, evaluating, approving, monitoring, and reviewing changes, the organization reduces operational and security risk and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 131

A company wants to implement formal endpoint security for all corporate devices. The CISM is asked to ensure protection against malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Deploy endpoint protection platforms (EPP), enforce regular updates, implement anti-malware, enable device encryption, monitor endpoint activity, and review effectiveness periodically
B) Rely solely on user vigilance
C) Protect only high-value servers
D) Audit endpoints only after incidents occur

Answer: Deploy endpoint protection platforms (EPP), enforce regular updates, implement anti-malware, enable device encryption, monitor endpoint activity, and review effectiveness periodically

Explanation:

Endpoint devices are prime targets for cyber threats and often serve as entry points for attackers. The CISM ensures that endpoint security is comprehensive, proactive, and aligned with organizational risk management.

Deploying an EPP provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and exploits. Regular updates and patching reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities. Anti-malware solutions detect and mitigate threats proactively. Device encryption protects data in case of theft or loss. Monitoring endpoint activity enables the detection of anomalous behavior and policy violations. Periodic review ensures effectiveness, alignment with evolving threats, and compliance with regulations.

Relying solely on user vigilance (Option B) is insufficient because human error is a primary factor in incidents. Protecting only high-value servers (Option C) leaves most endpoints vulnerable. Auditing endpoints only after incidents (Option D) is reactive and increases exposure.

Metrics track threat detections, remediation times, endpoint coverage, and compliance rates. Continuous review ensures endpoint security adapts to emerging threats, technology changes, and regulatory requirements.

By deploying EPP, updating systems, implementing anti-malware, encrypting devices, monitoring activity, and reviewing effectiveness, the organization strengthens endpoint protection, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 132

A company wants to implement formal logging and monitoring of critical systems to detect anomalous behavior. The CISM is asked to ensure integration with risk management. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define logging requirements, collect logs from critical systems, implement SIEM correlation, set alerts for anomalies, review events regularly, and adjust thresholds as needed
B) Store logs without monitoring
C) Monitor only after incidents occur
D) Collect logs solely from network devices

Answer: Define logging requirements, collect logs from critical systems, implement SIEM correlation, set alerts for anomalies, review events regularly, and adjust thresholds as needed

Explanation:

Logging and monitoring are fundamental for detecting threats, investigating incidents, and supporting compliance. The CISM ensures these activities are aligned with enterprise risk management and operational objectives.

Defining logging requirements ensures consistent coverage across systems and compliance with regulatory standards. Collecting logs from critical systems provides comprehensive visibility. SIEM correlation enables the detection of complex attack patterns across multiple sources. Alerts for anomalies facilitate a timely response to suspicious activity. Regular review ensures operational effectiveness and identifies trends or gaps. Adjusting thresholds improves accuracy and reduces false positives.

Storing logs without monitoring (Option B) limits usefulness. Monitoring only post-incident (Option C) is reactive and increases risk. Collecting logs solely from network devices (Option D) misses application and endpoint events critical for comprehensive detection.

Metrics track detected anomalies, incidents investigated, response times, and coverage. Continuous review ensures monitoring evolves with threats, regulatory requirements, and business priorities.

By defining requirements, collecting logs, implementing SIEM, setting alerts, reviewing events, and adjusting thresholds, the organization strengthens security monitoring, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 133

A company wants to implement formal data classification to support access control and regulatory compliance. The CISM is asked to ensure consistent application. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define data classification categories, apply labeling policies, restrict access based on classification, train employees, monitor compliance, and review classifications regularly
B) Allow employees to classify data individually without oversight
C) Classify only customer data while ignoring internal data
D) Review classification only after data breaches

Answer: Define data classification categories, apply labeling policies, restrict access based on classification, train employees, monitor compliance, and review classifications regularly

Explanation:

Data classification ensures that sensitive information receives appropriate protection based on risk, business impact, and regulatory obligations. The CISM ensures that classification is standardized, enforceable, and aligned with enterprise risk management.

Defining classification categories, such as confidential, internal, and public, standardizes understanding and policy enforcement. Labeling policies communicate classification clearly and guide handling. Access restrictions based on classification enforce the principle of least privilege. Employee training ensures proper handling and awareness. Monitoring compliance ensures consistent application and identifies deviations. Regular review maintains relevance as data changes, regulatory requirements evolve, and business processes adapt.

Allowing employees to classify individually (Option B) introduces inconsistency and risk. Classifying only customer data (Option C) neglects internal, strategic, and intellectual property. Reviewing classification post-breach (Option D) is reactive and may expose sensitive data unnecessarily.

Metrics track classification coverage, compliance, access violations, and incidents. Continuous review ensures data classification remains effective, aligned with threats, and compliant with regulations.

By defining categories, labeling data, restricting access, training employees, monitoring, and reviewing classifications, the organization safeguards sensitive data, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 134

A company wants to implement formal threat modeling for new applications. The CISM is asked to ensure risk-based design and early mitigation. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify assets, evaluate threats and vulnerabilities, define risk scenarios, implement controls, document findings, and review regularly
B) Perform threat modeling only after application deployment
C) Focus only on network threats while ignoring application logic
D) Leave threat modeling to developers without oversight

Answer: Identify assets, evaluate threats and vulnerabilities, define risk scenarios, implement controls, document findings, and review regularly

Explanation:

Threat modeling identifies potential attack vectors and mitigates risks during the design phase of applications. The CISM ensures that this process is systematic, risk-based, and integrated into governance and risk management.

Identifying assets establishes what needs protection, including data, processes, and system components. Evaluating threats and vulnerabilities identifies potential risks and attack surfaces. Defining risk scenarios prioritizes which threats to address first based on likelihood and impact. Implementing controls reduces exposure. Documenting findings supports accountability, compliance, and lessons learned. Regular review ensures adaptation to emerging threats, technology changes, and business needs.

Performing modeling only post-deployment (Option B) is reactive and costly. Focusing solely on network threats (Option C) ignores vulnerabilities within application logic, authentication, or input validation. Leaving modeling to developers without oversight (Option D) risks incomplete assessment.

Metrics track identified risks, controls implemented, residual risk, and mitigation effectiveness. Continuous review ensures threat modeling aligns with organizational objectives and the emerging threat landscape.

By identifying assets, evaluating threats, defining scenarios, implementing controls, documenting, and reviewing, the organization reduces application risk, strengthens security design, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 135

A company wants to implement formal physical security controls for critical data centers. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with operational risk and regulatory requirements. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Establish access control policies, implement surveillance systems, monitor entry logs, enforce visitor management, conduct regular audits, and review procedures
B) Allow unrestricted physical access to data centers
C) Focus only on IT staff access while ignoring contractors and visitors
D) Audit physical security only after a theft

Answer: Establish access control policies, implement surveillance systems, monitor entry logs, enforce visitor management, conduct regular audits, and review procedures

Explanation:

Physical security protects assets, data, and operations from unauthorized access or tampering. The CISM ensures controls are comprehensive, aligned with enterprise risk, and compliant with regulatory obligations.

Access control policies define who may enter data centers and under what conditions. Surveillance systems provide real-time monitoring and recording for deterrence and investigation. Entry logs track personnel and provide auditability. Visitor management ensures controlled and documented access for third parties. Regular audits assess compliance, identify gaps, and support continuous improvement. Reviewing procedures ensures relevance as threats, personnel, and operational requirements change.

Unrestricted access (Option B) exposes critical systems to theft or sabotage. Focusing only on IT staff (Option C) ignores contractor and visitor risks. Auditing post-incident only (Option D) is reactive and insufficient for risk reduction.

Metrics track access violations, incident reports, audit findings, and procedure adherence. Continuous review ensures physical security remains effective and aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.

By establishing access policies, implementing surveillance, monitoring logs, managing visitors, auditing, and reviewing, the organization strengthens physical security, reduces risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 136

A company wants to implement formal backup and recovery procedures for all critical systems. The CISM is asked to ensure data integrity and operational resilience. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Identify critical systems and data, define backup frequency and retention policies, verify backup integrity, test recovery processes regularly, and review policies periodically
B) Backup only after systems fail
C) Rely on default vendor backup solutions without verification
D) Store backups without testing recovery

Answer: Identify critical systems and data, define backup frequency and retention policies, verify backup integrity, test recovery processes regularly, and review policies periodically

Explanation:

Backup and recovery are essential for business continuity, data protection, and regulatory compliance. The CISM ensures that backup processes are comprehensive, tested, and aligned with risk management objectives.

Identifying critical systems and data ensures protection of assets that could impact operations, compliance, or reputation. Defining backup frequency and retention ensures data is consistently protected and meets business and regulatory requirements. Verifying backup integrity confirms data can be restored reliably. Testing recovery processes validates procedures and ensures personnel are prepared. Periodic review ensures alignment with evolving business needs, technology changes, and emerging risks.

Backing up only after system failure (Option B) is reactive and can result in permanent data loss. Relying solely on vendor defaults without verification (Option C) may lead to incomplete or corrupted backups. Storing backups without testing recovery (Option D) provides a false sense of security.

Metrics track backup success rates, recovery test results, recovery time, and retention compliance. Continuous review ensures backup and recovery remain effective, reliable, and aligned with enterprise risk management.

By identifying critical data, defining policies, verifying integrity, testing recovery, and reviewing policies, the organization strengthens resilience, reduces operational risk, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 137

A company wants to implement formal vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty programs. The CISM is asked to ensure alignment with enterprise risk management and compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define program scope, establish reporting channels, assess and validate vulnerabilities, implement remediation, provide feedback to reporters, and review program effectiveness
B) Ignore vulnerability reports from external researchers
C) Respond only to critical incidents without a structured process
D) Implement programs without integration into security operations

Answer: Define program scope, establish reporting channels, assess and validate vulnerabilities, implement remediation, provide feedback to reporters, and review program effectiveness

Explanation:

Vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty programs encourage responsible reporting of security flaws, improving security posture. The CISM ensures programs are structured, risk-based, and integrated into governance and operational practices.

Defining program scope clarifies which systems and applications are eligible. Establishing secure reporting channels ensures safe submission of findings. Assessing and validating vulnerabilities ensures accuracy and prioritization based on risk. Implementing remediation addresses identified risks promptly. Providing feedback to reporters encourages participation and maintains transparency. Reviewing program effectiveness ensures continuous improvement, alignment with business objectives, and compliance with regulatory or contractual obligations.

Ignoring external reports (Option B) forfeits valuable intelligence. Responding only to critical incidents without process (Option C) is reactive and inconsistent. Implementing programs without operational integration (Option D) reduces effectiveness and delays mitigation.

Metrics track vulnerabilities reported, remediation timelines, critical findings addressed, and program participation. Continuous review ensures alignment with evolving threats, technology changes, and risk management objectives.

By defining scope, establishing channels, validating vulnerabilities, remediating, providing feedback, and reviewing, the organization strengthens security, reduces exposure, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 138

A company wants to implement formal security incident escalation procedures. The CISM is asked to ensure a timely and effective response. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define incident severity levels, establish escalation paths, assign roles and responsibilities, integrate with incident response tools, monitor adherence, and review escalation effectiveness
B) Allow staff to decide escalation individually without guidance
C) Escalate incidents only after they become critical
D) Review escalations only during post-incident audits

Answer: Define incident severity levels, establish escalation paths, assign roles and responsibilities, integrate with incident response tools, monitor adherence, and review escalation effectiveness

Explanation:

Incident escalation ensures that security events receive appropriate attention and response based on severity. The CISM ensures procedures are structured, risk-based, and aligned with organizational governance and compliance.

Defining severity levels standardizes the classification of incidents. Establishing escalation paths ensures incidents reach the right personnel or management promptly. Assigning roles and responsibilities clarifies accountability. Integrating with incident response tools ensures timely notifications and tracking. Monitoring adherence ensures procedures are followed consistently. Reviewing escalation effectiveness identifies gaps and improves responsiveness.

Allowing staff to decide individually (Option B) introduces inconsistency and delays. Escalating only after incidents become critical (Option C) delays mitigation and increases impact. Reviewing only post-incident (Option D) prevents proactive improvement.

Metrics track response times, escalation adherence, incidents resolved, and lessons learned. Continuous review ensures escalation procedures adapt to evolving threats, operational needs, and compliance requirements.

By defining severity, establishing paths, assigning roles, integrating tools, monitoring, and reviewing, the organization ensures timely incident response, reduces impact, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 139

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

A) Define roles and permissions, implement centralized IAM, enforce MFA, monitor access, review privileges regularly, and integrate with audit and compliance processes
B) Allow users to request access without oversight
C) Manage IAM only for on-premises systems
D) Review access rights only during annual audits

Answer: Define roles and permissions, implement centralized IAM, enforce MFA, monitor access, review privileges regularly, and integrate with audit and compliance processes

Explanation:

IAM ensures that users have appropriate access to systems and data while reducing the risk of unauthorized access. The CISM ensures IAM is centralized, structured, risk-based, and compliant with regulations.

Defining roles and permissions enforces the principle of least privilege. Centralized IAM provides consistency, visibility, and control. MFA strengthens authentication and mitigates credential compromise. Monitoring access identifies anomalies, misuse, and violations. Regular privilege review ensures access remains appropriate as roles change. Integration with audit and compliance processes ensures accountability and supports regulatory requirements.

Allowing access without oversight (Option B) increases risk. Managing only on-premises systems (Option C) ignores cloud resources, leaving gaps. Reviewing access only annually (Option D) delays detection of inappropriate privileges.

Metrics track privilege violations, MFA adoption, access requests processed, and audit compliance. Continuous review ensures IAM adapts to organizational changes, emerging threats, and regulatory requirements.

By defining roles, centralizing IAM, enforcing MFA, monitoring, reviewing, and integrating, the organization reduces access risk, strengthens security, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.

Question 140

A company wants to implement formal third-party security assessments before onboarding vendors. The CISM is asked to ensure risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. Which approach should the CISM prioritize?

A) Define assessment criteria, conduct security questionnaires or audits, evaluate risk, enforce remediation or controls, document results, and review periodically
B) Accept vendors based solely on reputation
C) Evaluate security only after vendor incidents occur
D) Conduct assessments only for high-spend vendors without risk consideration

Answer: Define assessment criteria, conduct security questionnaires or audits, evaluate risk, enforce remediation or controls, document results, and review periodically

Explanation:

Third-party security assessments reduce the risk of data breaches, operational disruption, and compliance violations. The CISM ensures assessments are structured, risk-based, and aligned with organizational governance.

Defining assessment criteria ensures consistent evaluation across vendors. Security questionnaires or audits identify potential vulnerabilities and gaps. Evaluating risk allows prioritization of vendors based on potential impact. Enforcing remediation or controls ensures risk mitigation before onboarding. Documenting results provides accountability and auditability. Periodic review ensures assessments remain relevant as vendors, technologies, and regulatory requirements evolve.

Accepting vendors based solely on reputation (Option B) may overlook security gaps. Evaluating only after incidents (Option C) is reactive and exposes the organization. Assessing only high-spend vendors (Option D) ignores potential risk exposure from smaller but critical suppliers.

Metrics track vendor compliance, risk mitigation actions, remediation timelines, and assessment coverage. Continuous review ensures third-party assessments reduce exposure and support enterprise risk management objectives.

By defining criteria, conducting assessments, evaluating risk, enforcing controls, documenting, and reviewing, the organization mitigates third-party risk, strengthens security, and aligns with CISM governance, risk, and operational responsibilities.