Isaca Certified Information Security Manager CISM Exam Questions

Answer : C

A strict change control process (C) is the most effective preventive measure because it embeds compliance with standards into the system lifecycle and operational workflow. If staff are deviating from configuration/management standards, the core issue is often lack of enforced process controls: undocumented changes, rushed fixes, inconsistent approvals, or missing validation. Formal change management ensures changes are requested, risk-assessed, approved by authorized parties, tested, implemented, and reviewed, with traceability and accountability. Annual awareness training (A) helps general understanding but is weaker than a control that prevents and detects unauthorized deviations. Vulnerability scanning (B) is detective and may identify weaknesses after the fact, but it does not ensure standards are followed. Updating configuration baselines (D) is valuable, but without change control, baselines can still be bypassed. In CISM program management, the best answer typically emphasizes repeatable, auditable processes that reduce human error and enforce governance.

Answer : B

The control owner is the individual accountable for implementing and managing specific controls that mitigate risks. While the risk owner is responsible for the overall risk and decision-making, it is the control owner who ensures the selected mitigation is effectively implemented and maintained.

''The control owner is responsible for ensuring that the control is properly designed, implemented, and operating effectively.''

--- CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 2: Risk Management, Section: Risk Treatment

ISACA practice questions stress this distinction: the control owner is tasked with the execution of mitigation strategies.

Answer : A

The best way to help ensure alignment of the information security program with organizational objectives is A. Establish an information security steering committee. This is because an information security steering committee is a cross-functional group of senior executives and managers who provide strategic direction, oversight, and support for the information security program. An information security steering committee can help to ensure that the information security program is aligned with the organizational objectives by:

Communicating and promoting the vision, mission, and value of information security to the organization and its stakeholders

Defining and approving the information security policies, standards, and procedures

Establishing and monitoring the information security goals, metrics, and performance indicators

Allocating and prioritizing the resources and budget for information security initiatives and projects

Resolving any conflicts or issues that may arise between the information security function and the business units

Reviewing and endorsing the information security risk assessment and treatment plans

Ensuring compliance with the legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations regarding information security

An information security steering committee is a cross-functional group of senior executives and managers who provide strategic direction, oversight, and support for the information security program. (From CISM Manual or related resources)

Reference = CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.2.2, page 20; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual 9th Edition, Question 9, page 3; Information Security Governance: Guidance for Boards of Directors and Executive Management, 2nd Edition

Answer : D

The first step when a potential breach is discovered is to validate the breach. According to the CISM Review Manual, Domain 4, the information security manager must confirm the event to avoid unnecessary escalation or resource allocation. This validation ensures that the incident is real and justifies further response actions. Invoking the incident response plan or informing management comes after the breach is validated.

Answer : A

Influencing human behavior is the primary benefit of an information security awareness training program because it helps to reduce the human errors and vulnerabilities that can compromise the security of data and systems. An information security awareness training program is a process or a program that informs and empowers users to protect data and computing assets from security risks and cyberattacks. It includes educational offerings that cover regulatory requirements, compliance policies, and safe computing practices. An information security awareness training program helps to influence human behavior by raising awareness of the security threats and challenges, enhancing knowledge and skills of the security best practices and controls, and fostering a positive security culture and attitude among the users. By influencing human behavior, an information security awareness training program can improve the security posture and performance of the organization, as well as prevent or mitigate the impact of security incidents. Therefore, influencing human behavior is the correct answer.

https://www.isms.online/iso-27002/control-6-3-information-security-awareness-education-and-training/

https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2019/volume-1/the-benefits-of-information-security-and-privacy-awareness-training-programs

https://threatcop.com/blog/benefits-and-purpose-of-security-awareness-training/.

Answer : D

Reviewing controls listed in the vendor contract is the most helpful approach for properly scoping the security assessment of an existing vendor because it helps to determine the security requirements and expectations that the vendor has agreed to meet. A vendor contract is a legal document that defines the terms and conditions of the business relationship between the organization and the vendor, including the scope, deliverables, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties. A vendor contract should also specify the security controls that the vendor must implement and maintain to protect the organization's data and systems, such as encryption, authentication, access control, backup, monitoring, auditing, etc. Reviewing controls listed in the vendor contract helps to ensure that the security assessment covers all the relevant aspects of the vendor's security posture, as well as to identify any gaps or discrepancies between the contract and the actual practices. Therefore, reviewing controls listed in the vendor contract is the correct answer.

https://medstack.co/blog/vendor-security-assessments-understanding-the-basics/

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/NCSC-Vendor-Security-Assessment.pdf

https://securityscorecard.com/blog/how-to-conduct-vendor-security-assessment

Answer : D

The first thing an information security manager should do after learning through mass media of a data breach at the organization's hosted payroll service provider is to validate the breach with the provider, which means contacting the provider directly and confirming the details and scope of the breach, such as when it occurred, what data was compromised, and what actions the provider is taking to mitigate the impact. Validating the breach with the provider can help the information security manager assess the situation accurately and plan the next steps accordingly. The other options, such as suspending the data exchange, notifying regulatory authorities, or initiating the business continuity plan, may be premature or unnecessary before validating the breach with the provider. Reference:

https://www.wired.com/story/sequoia-hr-data-breach/

https://cybernews.com/news/kronos-major-hr-and-payroll-service-provider-hit-with-ransomware-warns-of-a-long-outage/

https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/pay-in-crisis-as-major-payroll-company-hacked-20211117-p599mr