Questions for the CISM were updated on : Jul 20 ,2024
Topic 1
Which of the following should be the FIRST step in developing an information security plan?
B
Explanation:
Prior to assessing technical vulnerabilities or levels of security awareness, an information security manager needs to gain an
understanding of the current business strategy and direction. A business impact analysis should be performed prior to
developing a business continuity plan, but this would not be an appropriate first step in developing an information security
strategy because it focuses on availability.
Topic 1
Senior management commitment and support for information security can BEST be obtained through presentations that:
D
Explanation:
Senior management seeks to understand the business justification for investing in security. This can best be accomplished
by tying security to key business objectives. Senior management will not be as interested in technical risks or examples of
successful attacks if they are not tied to the impact on business environment and objectives. Industry best practices are
important to senior management but, again, senior management will give them the right level of importance when they are
presented in terms of key business objectives.
Topic 1
The MOST appropriate role for senior management in supporting information security is the:
C
Explanation:
Since the members of senior management are ultimately responsible for information security, they are the ultimate decision
makers in terms of governance and direction. They are responsible for approval of major policy statements and requests to
fund the information security practice. Evaluation of vendors, assessment of risks and monitoring compliance with regulatory
requirements are day-to-day responsibilities of the information security manager; in some organizations, business
management is involved in these other activities, though their primary role is direction and governance.
Topic 1
Which of the following would BEST ensure the success of information security governance within an organization?
A
Explanation:
The existence of a steering committee that approves all security projects would be an indication of the existence of a good
governance program. Compliance with laws and regulations is part of the responsibility of the steering committee but it is not
a full answer. Awareness training is important at all levels in any medium, and also an indicator of good governance.
However, it must be guided and approved as a security project by the steering committee.
Topic 1
Information security governance is PRIMARILY driven by:
D
Explanation:
Governance is directly tied to the strategy and direction of the business. Technology constraints, regulatory requirements
and litigation potential are all important factors, but they are necessarily in line with the business strategy.
Topic 1
Which of the following represents the MAJOR focus of privacy regulations?
D
Explanation:
Protection of identifiable personal data is the major focus of recent privacy regulations such as the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Data mining is an accepted tool for ad hoc reporting; it could pose a threat to
privacy only if it violates regulatory provisions. Identity theft is a potential consequence of privacy violations but not the main
focus of many regulations. Human rights addresses privacy issues but is not the main focus of regulations.
Topic 1
Investments in information security technologies should be based on:
B
Explanation:
Investments in security technologies should be based on a value analysis and a sound business case. Demonstrated value
takes precedence over the current business climate because it is ever changing. Basing decisions on audit
recommendations would be reactive in nature and might not address the key business needs comprehensively. Vulnerability
assessments are useful, but they do not determine whether the cost is justified.
Topic 1
Retention of business records should PRIMARILY be based on:
B
Explanation:
Retention of business records is generally driven by legal and regulatory requirements. Business strategy and direction
would not normally apply nor would they override legal and regulatory requirements. Storage capacity and longevity are
important but secondary issues. Business case and value analysis would be secondary to complying with legal and
regulatory requirements.
Topic 1
Which of the following is characteristic of centralized information security management?
B
Explanation:
Centralization of information security management results in greater uniformity and better adherence to security policies. It is
generally less expensive to administer due to the economics of scale. However, turnaround can be slower due to the lack of
alignment with business units.
Topic 1
Successful implementation of information security governance will FIRST require:
B
Explanation:
Updated security policies are required to align management objectives with security procedures; management objectives
translate into policy; policy translates into procedures. Security procedures will necessitate specialized teams such as the
computer incident response and management group as well as specialized tools such as the security mechanisms that
comprise the security architecture. Security awareness will promote the policies, procedures and appropriate use of the
security mechanisms.
Topic 1
Which of the following individuals would be in the BEST position to sponsor the creation of an information security steering
group?
B
Explanation:
The chief operating officer (COO) is highly-placed within an organization and has the most knowledge of business operations
and objectives. The chief internal auditor and chief legal counsel are appropriate members of such a steering group.
However, sponsoring the creation of the steering committee should be initiated by someone versed in the strategy and
direction of the business. Since a security manager is looking to this group for direction, they are not in the best position to
oversee formation of this group.
Topic 1
The MOST important component of a privacy policy is:
A
Explanation:
Privacy policies must contain notifications and opt-out provisions: they are a high-level management statement of direction.
They do not necessarily address warranties, liabilities or geographic coverage, which are more specific.
Topic 1
The cost of implementing a security control should not exceed the:
C
Explanation:
The cost of implementing security controls should not exceed the worth of the asset. Annualized loss expectancy represents
the losses drat are expected to happen during a single calendar year. A security mechanism may cost more than this
amount (or the cost of a single incident) and still be considered cost effective. Opportunity costs relate to revenue lost by
forgoing the acquisition of an item or the making of a business decision.
Topic 1
When a security standard conflicts with a business objective, the situation should be resolved by:
C
Explanation:
Conflicts of this type should be based on a risk analysis of the costs and benefits of allowing or disallowing an exception to
the standard. It is highly improbable that a business objective could be changed to accommodate a security standard, while
risk acceptance* is a process that derives from the risk analysis.
Topic 1
Minimum standards for securing the technical infrastructure should be defined in a security:
D
Explanation:
Minimum standards for securing the technical infrastructure should be defined in a security architecture document. This
document defines how components are secured and the security services that should be in place. A strategy is a broad,
high-level document. A guideline is advisory in nature, while a security model shows the relationships between components.