PECB Risk Manager Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

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Risk Manager PECB Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question No 1:

Can organizations obtain certification against ISO 31000?

A Yes, organizations of any type or size can obtain certification against ISO 31000
B Yes, but only organizations that manufacture products can obtain an ISO 31000 certification
C No, organizations cannot obtain certification against ISO 31000, as the standard provides only guidelines

Answer: C

Explanation:

ISO 31000 is a globally recognized standard for risk management, providing guidelines and a framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a risk management process. However, it is important to understand that ISO 31000 is not a certifiable standard like ISO 9001 (quality management) or ISO 14001 (environmental management). Rather, it offers guidelines that organizations can use to improve their risk management processes.

A. Yes, organizations of any type or size can obtain certification against ISO 31000: This statement is incorrect because ISO 31000 itself does not provide a certification process. While organizations can adopt its principles and frameworks to improve their risk management practices, there is no formal certification for ISO 31000. Instead, organizations may choose to undergo a certification process for other standards like ISO 9001 (quality) or ISO 27001 (information security), which often include elements of risk management aligned with ISO 31000.
B. Yes, but only organizations that manufacture products can obtain an ISO 31000 certification: This statement is also incorrect. ISO 31000 applies to organizations of all types and sizes, not just those involved in manufacturing. Any organization, regardless of industry or sector, can adopt the guidelines set out in ISO 31000 to enhance their approach to risk management, but certification is not available.
C. No, organizations cannot obtain certification against ISO 31000, as the standard provides only guidelines: This statement is correct. ISO 31000 is not a certifiable standard. It provides guidelines, principles, and a framework to help organizations integrate risk management into their governance and decision-making processes. However, since it is a guideline rather than a certification standard, organizations cannot be certified against it.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C, as ISO 31000 serves as a framework for effective risk management, but it does not offer certification. Organizations can follow the guidelines and apply best practices but cannot receive a formal certification for ISO 31000.

Question No 2:

Which of the following statements best defines information security risk?

A. The potential that threats will exploit vulnerabilities of an information asset and cause harm to an organization
B. Weakness of an asset or control that can be exploited by one or a group of threats
C. Potential cause of an unwanted incident related to information security that can cause harm to an organization

Answer: A

Explanation:

Information security risk is a fundamental concept in the field of information security and refers to the potential for harm that arises from the interplay between threats, vulnerabilities, and assets. Understanding this risk involves looking at how these factors can lead to a damaging outcome for an organization.

A. The potential that threats will exploit vulnerabilities of an information asset and cause harm to an organization is the best definition of information security risk. This option captures the core concept of risk, which is the likelihood that a threat (e.g., a hacker, malware, etc.) will successfully exploit a vulnerability (a weakness in the system or controls) and cause harm to an information asset (such as data or systems). This combination of threats, vulnerabilities, and assets is what constitutes risk, and it is central to risk management in information security.

B. Weakness of an asset or control that can be exploited by one or a group of threats is more closely related to the concept of vulnerability rather than risk. A vulnerability is indeed a weakness, but risk goes beyond just the weakness; it involves the potential exploitation of that weakness by threats, leading to potential harm.

C. Potential cause of an unwanted incident related to information security that can cause harm to an organization is a broader definition that could apply to several concepts in information security, including threats or incidents. However, it lacks the key element of exploitation of vulnerabilities in the context of risk, which makes it less precise than option A.

In conclusion, A. The potential that threats will exploit vulnerabilities of an information asset and cause harm to an organization is the most accurate and comprehensive definition of information security risk.

Question No 3:

Bontton established a risk management process based on ISO/IEC 27005, to systematically manage information security threats. Is this a good practice?

A. Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides guidelines for information security risk management that enable organizations to systematically manage information security threats
B. Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides guidelines to systematically manage all types of threats that organizations may face
C. No, ISO/IEC 27005 cannot be used to manage information security threats in the food sector

Answer: A

Explanation:

ISO/IEC 27005 is an international standard specifically designed for managing information security risks. It provides a structured framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to information security. This standard is part of the broader ISO/IEC 27000 series, which focuses on information security management systems (ISMS). The framework laid out in ISO/IEC 27005 is suitable for organizations of various sizes and across different industries, including sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology, among others.

Why Option A is Correct:

ISO/IEC 27005 provides detailed guidelines for managing information security risks, focusing on threats that directly impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. This makes it highly applicable to businesses like Bontton that are aiming to protect sensitive data and manage security risks systematically. The scenario described highlights a focus on managing potential cyber threats, employee training, and data protection awareness, all of which fall directly in line with ISO/IEC 27005's approach to risk management. The fact that Bontton is adopting this standard means they are following a well-recognized, structured approach to manage and mitigate information security risks, which is a good practice.

Why Other Options Are Not Correct:

B. Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides guidelines to systematically manage all types of threats that organizations may face:
This statement is partially true but misleading. ISO/IEC 27005 specifically addresses information security threats and risks. While the framework can certainly help organizations manage threats to information, it is not designed to address all types of threats that a business might face (such as physical threats or operational risks). Therefore, this option is too broad, as ISO/IEC 27005 is not intended for managing all types of threats, only those that relate to information security.

C. No, ISO/IEC 27005 cannot be used to manage information security threats in the food sector:
This statement is incorrect. ISO/IEC 27005 is a generic framework for information security risk management and is applicable across various industries, including the food sector. The standard does not limit its use to specific sectors; it focuses on how to manage risks related to information security, regardless of the industry. Hence, it can absolutely be used in the food sector, or any other sector, for managing information security threats.

In conclusion, adopting ISO/IEC 27005 as part of a risk management process is a good practice for systematically managing information security risks, as it is specifically tailored to these types of threats, making A the correct answer.

Question No 4:

The risk assessment process was led by Henry, Bontton’s risk manager. The first step that Henry took was identifying the company’s assets. Afterward, Henry created various potential incident scenarios. One of the main concerns regarding the use of the application was the possibility of being targeted by cyber attackers, as a great number of organizations were experiencing cyberattacks during that time. After analyzing the identified risks, Henry evaluated them and concluded that new controls must be implemented if the company wants to use the application. Among others, he stated that training should be provided to personnel regarding the use of the application and that awareness sessions should be conducted regarding the importance of protecting customers’ personal data. Lastly, Henry communicated the risk assessment results to the top management. They decided that the application will be used only after treating the identified risks.

Based on scenario 1, Bontton used ISO/IEC 27005 to ensure effective implementation of all ISO/IEC 27001 requirements. Is this appropriate?

A. Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides direct guidance on the implementation of the requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001
B. Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides a number of methodologies that can be used under the risk management framework for implementing all requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001
C. No, ISO/IEC 27005 does not contain direct guidance on the implementation of all requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001

Answer: B

Explanation:

ISO/IEC 27005 and ISO/IEC 27001 are both part of the larger family of standards related to information security management systems (ISMS). However, while they are complementary, they serve different purposes. ISO/IEC 27005 focuses specifically on risk management within the context of an ISMS, while ISO/IEC 27001 provides the framework for setting up, operating, and improving the ISMS as a whole.

ISO/IEC 27005 is primarily concerned with providing guidelines for information security risk management. It outlines how to identify, assess, and treat risks to information security, making it an essential standard for performing risk assessments, as seen in the case of Bontton. Henry’s actions—such as identifying company assets, creating potential incident scenarios, analyzing risks, evaluating them, and implementing controls—align with the guidelines provided by ISO/IEC 27005.

However, ISO/IEC 27005 does not directly implement the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001. It provides methodologies and frameworks that can be used within the risk management process to ensure that the organization complies with the broader requirements of ISO/IEC 27001. ISO/IEC 27001 specifies the structure for creating and managing the ISMS and contains requirements for risk assessment as part of the overall process, but it does not dive into the detailed methodologies of risk management—this is where ISO/IEC 27005 plays a role.

Therefore, the correct answer is B: ISO/IEC 27005 provides a number of methodologies that can be used under the risk management framework for implementing the risk assessment portion of the requirements in ISO/IEC 27001.

Now, let's review why the other options are incorrect:

A. Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides direct guidance on the implementation of the requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001:
This statement is incorrect because ISO/IEC 27005 provides detailed guidance on risk management, but it does not directly implement the entire set of requirements in ISO/IEC 27001. ISO/IEC 27001 outlines the structure of an ISMS, whereas ISO/IEC 27005 focuses specifically on risk assessment. Thus, it complements ISO/IEC 27001, but it doesn’t directly address all of its requirements.

C. No, ISO/IEC 27005 does not contain direct guidance on the implementation of all requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001:
While this statement might seem plausible because ISO/IEC 27005 doesn’t directly cover every requirement in ISO/IEC 27001, it’s misleading. ISO/IEC 27005 is highly relevant to implementing the risk management aspects of ISO/IEC 27001, particularly the risk assessment and treatment parts. It provides methodologies that are essential for fulfilling certain requirements within ISO/IEC 27001, making the statement too broad and not entirely accurate.

In conclusion, B is the correct answer because ISO/IEC 27005 provides methodologies that help implement the risk management framework required by ISO/IEC 27001, supporting the overall process of managing risks effectively within an ISMS.

Question No 5:

They decided that the application will be used only after treating the identified risks.According to scenario 1, what type of controls did Henry suggest?

A. Technical
B. Managerial
C. Administrative

Answer: C

Explanation:

In this scenario, Henry, the risk manager, has recommended controls that focus on the procedures and policies within the organization, specifically in terms of managing risks related to the use of the application. He emphasized the importance of training and awareness sessions, which are crucial components of a administrative control strategy.

Administrative controls are designed to guide and manage how employees, processes, and systems operate within the organization. They are procedural in nature, focusing on policies, training, and awareness programs, rather than relying directly on technological solutions. In this case, Henry suggested training for personnel regarding the use of the application and awareness sessions on protecting customer data, which are perfect examples of administrative controls. These controls address the human factor, ensuring employees understand the risks and how to mitigate them through proper conduct.

Technical controls, on the other hand, involve the implementation of specific technologies or systems to prevent or detect risks. These might include firewalls, encryption, or intrusion detection systems. However, Henry's focus was not on specific technology solutions but on the actions people should take to mitigate risks, making technical controls an inappropriate answer in this case.

Managerial controls generally involve policies, management oversight, and decision-making processes aimed at overall risk management but do not usually focus on the operational actions of employees or their education. While Henry did communicate the risk assessment results to top management, the focus of the controls he recommended was more on how people should be trained and made aware of risks rather than on managing the organization’s broader policies.

Therefore, the controls Henry suggested—training, awareness sessions, and communication with top management—are best classified as administrative controls, which focus on the procedural and human aspects of security.

Question No 6:

Henry concluded that one of the main concerns regarding the use of the application for online ordering was cyberattacks. What did Henry identify in this case? Refer to scenario 1.

A. A threat
B. The vulnerabilities of an asset
C. The consequences of a potential security incident

Answer: A

Explanation:

In the given scenario, Henry identified cyberattacks as one of the main concerns regarding the use of the application. This corresponds to the definition of a threat in the risk management context. A threat is defined as any potential danger or event that could exploit a vulnerability and harm an asset. In this case, cyberattacks represent an external threat that could exploit vulnerabilities in the application and potentially lead to a security breach.

A threat is something that can cause harm to an organization, and here, the risk of cyberattacks poses a direct danger to the company's application and its users' data. Cyberattacks are common in the digital world, especially for organizations handling sensitive data like personal information, making them a significant concern.
B. The vulnerabilities of an asset refers to weaknesses in the company's systems or processes that could be exploited by threats. While Henry is aware of the cyberattack threat, the scenario does not focus on identifying specific vulnerabilities in the application itself but rather on the broader risk of cyberattacks.
C. The consequences of a potential security incident refers to the outcomes or impacts of a security breach, such as data loss or reputation damage. Although Henry is concerned about cyberattacks, the focus here is on identifying the threat itself, not the specific consequences, which would come into play later in the risk assessment process.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. A threat, as Henry identified cyberattacks as a major concern, which directly aligns with the concept of a threat in risk management.

Question No 7:

Which information security principle does Bontton want to ensure in this case?

A. Integrity
B. Availability
C. Confidentiality

Correct answer: C

Explanation:

In the scenario, Bontton’s primary concern is ensuring that only authorized users have access to customers' personal data. This requirement directly aligns with the principle of confidentiality in information security. Confidentiality refers to the protection of sensitive information from unauthorized access. It ensures that only individuals or systems with the proper permissions are able to access specific data.

Let’s break down the principles of information security and why confidentiality is the correct answer:

A. Integrity
The integrity principle is concerned with ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and protected from unauthorized modification. Integrity ensures that the data has not been tampered with or altered in any unauthorized way. While maintaining the integrity of customer data is certainly important, the main concern in this scenario is access control—specifically limiting access to authorized users, which falls under confidentiality, not integrity.

B. Availability
Availability is the principle that ensures information and resources are accessible when needed by authorized users. This principle focuses on maintaining operational continuity and preventing disruptions that could cause a loss of access to critical data or services. However, Bontton’s concern in this case is not about ensuring that the data is available, but rather ensuring that the data is only accessible to authorized users. Therefore, availability does not directly apply to this specific concern.

C. Confidentiality
The confidentiality principle is the correct answer because Bontton is focused on restricting access to sensitive data, specifically ensuring that only authorized personnel can access customers' personal information. By implementing security controls to protect data access, Bontton is ensuring that confidential information remains private and secure, aligning directly with the goal of safeguarding customer data.

In conclusion, Bontton wants to ensure that only authorized users have access to personal data, which clearly aligns with the principle of confidentiality. Therefore, C is the correct answer.

Question No 8:

According to ISO/IEC 27000, what is the definition of information security?

A. Preservation of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information
B. Protection of privacy during the processing of personally identifiable information (PII)
C. Preservation of authenticity, accountability, and reliability in the cyberspace

Answer: A

Explanation:

ISO/IEC 27000 is part of the family of standards that focus on information security management systems (ISMS). According to the ISO/IEC 27000 series, information security is defined as the preservation of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. These three principles—commonly referred to as the CIA triad—are the core of information security:

Confidentiality ensures that information is accessible only to those authorized to access it.
Integrity involves maintaining the accuracy and completeness of information, ensuring that it is not altered or destroyed in an unauthorized manner.
Availability ensures that information and systems are accessible and usable when required by authorized individuals.

These principles are essential to safeguarding the organization’s information assets against threats, ensuring that sensitive data is protected, that systems remain operational, and that information is reliable.

Let’s now review why the other options are incorrect:

B. Protection of privacy during the processing of personally identifiable information (PII) focuses specifically on privacy concerns and the handling of personal data. While this is an important aspect of information security, it is more specific to privacy regulations and does not cover the broader concept of information security defined in ISO/IEC 27000.
C. Preservation of authenticity, accountability, and reliability in cyberspace is an important consideration in cybersecurity, but it is not the precise definition of information security as outlined in the ISO/IEC 27000 standard. Authenticity, accountability, and reliability are part of security goals but are not the core elements of the definition of information security according to ISO/IEC 27000.

Therefore, A is the correct answer because it directly aligns with the ISO/IEC 27000 definition, which focuses on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

Question No 9:

Which statement regarding risks and opportunities is correct?

A. Risks always have a positive outcome, whereas opportunities have an unpredicted outcome
B. Opportunities might have a positive impact, whereas risks might have a negative impact
C. There is no difference between opportunities and risks; these terms can be used interchangeably

Answer: B

Explanation:

The key difference between risks and opportunities lies in their potential impact on the outcome of a project, decision, or situation. Here's a breakdown of each option and why B is the correct one:

A. Risks always have a positive outcome, whereas opportunities have an unpredicted outcome: This statement is incorrect because risks do not always have a positive outcome. In fact, risks are typically associated with the potential for negative outcomes or harm. While some risks can lead to unexpected benefits, they are generally viewed as threats or uncertainties that can cause harm if not managed properly. On the other hand, opportunities are not inherently unpredictable; they are simply situations that could lead to beneficial outcomes, though not guaranteed.
B. Opportunities might have a positive impact, whereas risks might have a negative impact: This statement is correct because it accurately describes the fundamental distinction between risks and opportunities. Opportunities are favorable situations that, if leveraged correctly, can lead to positive outcomes, such as increased profits, growth, or success. Risks, on the other hand, represent the possibility of adverse effects or losses, such as financial setbacks, project failure, or reputational damage. While both risks and opportunities involve uncertainty, the potential impact of opportunities is typically positive, and the potential impact of risks is typically negative.
C. There is no difference between opportunities and risks; these terms can be used interchangeably: This statement is incorrect because risks and opportunities are not the same. Risks are related to potential threats or losses, while opportunities refer to favorable conditions or chances for improvement or gain. Using these terms interchangeably would lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in decision-making, as each concept addresses different aspects of uncertainty and potential outcomes.

Thus, B is the correct statement because it accurately reflects the nature of both risks and opportunities in decision-making, project management, and strategic planning. Risks are associated with negative impacts, while opportunities are associated with positive impacts.

Question No 10:

Which of the following risk assessment methods provides an information security risk assessment methodology and involves three phases: building asset-based threat profiles, identifying infrastructure vulnerabilities, and developing security strategy and plans?

A. OCTAVE-S
B. MEHARI
C. TRA

Answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is A because OCTAVE-S (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation – Simplified) is a streamlined version of the original OCTAVE methodology. It was developed by CERT® at Carnegie Mellon University specifically to assist smaller organizations that need a practical, structured approach to information security risk assessments.

OCTAVE-S is distinctive in that it follows a three-phase methodology, which directly aligns with the elements described in the question:

Building Asset-Based Threat Profiles:
This is the first phase where the organization identifies its critical assets (such as customer databases, proprietary software, or internal communication systems) and builds profiles based on potential threats to these assets. This includes identifying who might exploit the asset, what motivates them, and the consequences of such an attack.
Identifying Infrastructure Vulnerabilities:
In this phase, the organization evaluates its technical infrastructure, such as networks, servers, and applications, to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise the critical assets. This step ensures that the assessment is grounded in the reality of the organization's IT environment.
Developing Security Strategy and Plans:
Based on the findings from the first two phases, the organization formulates a risk mitigation strategy, which includes specific security plans and practices tailored to address the risks identified. This includes both technical controls (like firewalls, access controls) and non-technical measures (like policies and training).

This phased approach makes OCTAVE-S particularly useful for organizations that need to align their information security posture with their business needs, without requiring large-scale technical resources or expertise.

Now, let's compare this with the other options:

B. MEHARI (Method for Harmonized Analysis of Risk):
MEHARI is a comprehensive risk analysis and management method developed by CLUSIF. While it does cover risk identification and treatment planning, it follows a different structure and is heavily reliant on decision trees and qualitative scoring models. It does not explicitly follow the three-phase structure described in the question.
C. TRA (Threat and Risk Assessment):
TRA is a general risk assessment process used in many security and privacy frameworks. It evaluates the likelihood and impact of threats but lacks a standardized, structured methodology like OCTAVE-S. TRA doesn't formalize the process into distinct, named phases like asset profiling, infrastructure analysis, and strategic planning in the same way OCTAVE-S does.

In summary, OCTAVE-S is the most appropriate answer because it explicitly provides a structured, phased approach to information security risk assessment, which includes identifying critical assets, assessing vulnerabilities, and creating a detailed strategy—exactly as described in the question.