Isaca Certified Information Security Manager CISM Exam Questions

Answer : C

The best way to ensure that frequently encountered incidents are reflected in the user security awareness training program is to include examples of help desk requests. Help desk requests are requests for assistance or support from users who encounter problems or issues related to information security, such as password resets, malware infections, phishing emails, unauthorized access, data loss, or system errors. Help desk requests can provide valuable insights into the types, frequencies, and impacts of the incidents that affect the users, as well as the users' knowledge, skills, and behaviors regarding information security.By including examples of help desk requests in the user security awareness training program, the information security manager can achieve the following benefits12:

Increase the relevance and effectiveness of the training content: By using real-life scenarios and cases that the users have experienced or witnessed, the information security manager can make the training content more relevant, engaging, and applicable to the users' needs and situations. The information security manager can also use the examples of help desk requests to illustrate the consequences and costs of the incidents, and to highlight the best practices and solutions to prevent or resolve them. This can help the users to understand the importance and value of information security, and to improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes accordingly.

Identify and address the gaps and weaknesses in the training program: By analyzing the patterns and trends of the help desk requests, the information security manager can identify and address the gaps and weaknesses in the existing training program, such as outdated or inaccurate information, insufficient or ineffective coverage of topics, or lack of feedback or evaluation. The information security manager can also use the examples of help desk requests to measure and monitor the impact and outcomes of the training program, such as changes in the number, type, or severity of the incidents, or changes in the users' satisfaction, performance, or behavior.

Enhance the communication and collaboration with the users and the help desk staff: By including examples of help desk requests in the user security awareness training program, the information security manager can enhance the communication and collaboration with the users and the help desk staff, who are the key stakeholders and partners in information security. The information security manager can use the examples of help desk requests to solicit feedback, suggestions, or questions from the users and the help desk staff, and to provide them with timely and relevant information, guidance, or support. The information security manager can also use the examples of help desk requests to recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of the users and the help desk staff in reporting, responding, or resolving the incidents, and to encourage and motivate them to continue their involvement and participation in information security.

The other options are not the best way to ensure that frequently encountered incidents are reflected in the user security awareness training program, as they are less reliable, relevant, or effective sources of information. Results of exit interviews are feedback from employees who are leaving the organization, and they may not reflect the current or future incidents that the remaining or new employees may face. Previous training sessions are records of the past training activities, and they may not capture the changes or updates in the information security environment, threats, or requirements.Responses to security questionnaires are answers to predefined questions or surveys, and they may not cover all the possible or emerging incidents that the users may encounter or experience12.References=Information Security Awareness Training: Best Practices - Infosec Resources,How to Create an Effective Security Awareness Training Program - Infosec Resources,Security Awareness Training: How to Build a Successful Program - ISACA,Security Awareness Training: How to Educate Your Employees - ISACA

Answer : B

= A forensic examination is a process of collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in a manner that is legally acceptable. The first step in conducting a forensic examination is to create an image of the original data on new media, such as a hard disk, a CD-ROM, or a USB drive. This is done to ensure that the original data is not altered, damaged, or destroyed during the examination. An image is an exact copy of the data, including the file system, the slack space, and the deleted files. Creating an image also allows the examiner to work on a duplicate of the data, rather than the original, which may be needed as evidence in court. Booting the original hard disk on a clean system is not a good practice, as it may change the data on the disk, such as the timestamps, the registry entries, and the log files. Duplicating data from the backup media is not sufficient, as the backup media may not contain all the data that is relevant to the investigation, such as the deleted files, the temporary files, and the swap files. Shutting down and relocating the server is not advisable, as it may cause data loss, corruption, or tampering. The server should be kept running and isolated from the network until an image is created.References= CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 204-205.

Prior to conducting a forensic examination, an information security manager should create an image of the original data on new media. This is done in order to preserve the evidence, as making changes to the original data could potentially alter or destroy the evidence. Creating an image of the data also helps to ensure that the data remains intact and free from any interference or tampering.

Answer : C

Answer : D

= Initiating the organization's incident response process is the best course of action for the information security manager when a cloud application used by the organization is found to have a serious vulnerability. The incident response process is a set of predefined steps and procedures that aim to contain, analyze, resolve, and learn from security incidents. The information security manager should follow the incident response process to ensure that the vulnerability is properly reported, assessed, mitigated, and communicated to the relevant stakeholders. The incident response process should also involve the cloud service provider (CSP) and the business owner of the application, as they are responsible for the security and functionality of the cloud application. Instructing the vendor to conduct penetration testing, suspending the connection to the application in the firewall, and reporting the situation to the business owner of the application are all possible actions that may be taken as part of the incident response process, but they are not the best initial course of action. Penetration testing may help to identify the root cause and the impact of the vulnerability, but it may also cause further damage or disruption to the cloud application. Suspending the connection to the application in the firewall may prevent unauthorized access or exploitation of the vulnerability, but it may also affect the availability and continuity of the cloud application. Reporting the situation to the business owner of the application is an important step to inform them of the risk and the potential business impact, but it is not sufficient to address the vulnerability and its consequences.Therefore, the information security manager should initiate the incident response process as the best course of action, and then perform the other actions as appropriate based on the incident response plan and the risk assessment.References= CISM Review Manual 2023, page 2111; CISM Practice Quiz2

Answer : A

An organization-wide social media policy is a document that defines the rules and guidelines for using social media platforms within the organization. It covers topics such as who can use social media, what they can post, how they should protect confidential information, and what are the consequences for violating the policy.An organization-wide social media policy helps to mitigate the risk of confidential information being disclosed by employees on social media by providing a clear and consistent framework for managing social media activities12.

References=1: CISM Review Manual (Digital Version), page 2712: CISM Review Manual (Print Version), page 271

Answer : C

= Patch management is the process of applying updates to software and hardware systems to fix security vulnerabilities and improve functionality. Patch management is one of the best ways to prevent the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, as it reduces the attack surface and closes the gaps that attackers can exploit. Patch management also helps to ensure compliance with security standards and regulations, and maintain the performance and availability of systems.

Intrusion detection is the process of monitoring network or system activities for signs of malicious or unauthorized behavior. Intrusion detection can help to detect and respond to attacks, but it does not prevent them from happening in the first place. Log monitoring is the process of collecting, analyzing and reviewing log files generated by various systems and applications. Log monitoring can help to identify anomalies, errors and security incidents, but it does not prevent them from occurring. Antivirus software is the program that scans files and systems for viruses, malware and other malicious code. Antivirus software can help to protect systems from infection, but it does not prevent the exploitation of system vulnerabilities that are not related to malware.

Therefore, patch management is the best security process to prevent the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, as it addresses the root cause of the problem and reduces the risk of compromise.References= CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition eBook | Digital | English1, Chapter 4: Information Security Program Development and Management, Section 4.3: Information Security Program Resources, Subsection 4.3.1: Information Security Infrastructure and Architecture, Page 204.

Answer : C

The correct answer is C because emerging risk should be addressed as early as possible in the system development life cycle, beginning with the planning phase. During planning, the organization defines business objectives, scope, requirements, stakeholders, expected benefits, technology approach, and initial risk considerations. Addressing risk early allows security requirements, compliance obligations, privacy needs, architecture expectations, and control considerations to be included before major design and implementation decisions are made. If risk is first addressed during design, implementation, or testing, the organization may face higher remediation costs, delays, or architectural limitations. Testing can identify whether controls are working, but it is too late to be the first point for addressing emerging risk. CISM emphasizes integrating security and risk management into business processes and system life cycle activities from the beginning. Early risk identification supports better decision-making, cost-effective control design, and alignment with business objectives. Therefore, the first phase should be planning.