CISM Certified Information Security Manager Questions and Answers

Information security governance is MOST important to have in place to help ensure an organization’s cybersecurity program meets the needs of the business. This is because information security governance provides the strategic direction, oversight and accountability for the cybersecurity program. It also ensures that the program aligns with the business objectives, risk appetite and compliance requirements of the organization. Information security governance involves defining roles and responsibilities, establishing policies and standards, setting goals and metrics, allocating resources and monitoring performance of the cybersecurity program.

The best security control for an organization that permits the storage and use of its critical and sensitive information on employee-owned smartphones is establishing the authority to remote wipe. Remote wipe is a feature that allows an authorized administrator or user to remotely erase the data on a device in case of loss, theft, or compromise1. Remote wipe can help prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of the organization’s information on employee-owned smartphones, as well as protect the privacy of the employee’s personal data. Remote wipe can be implemented through various methods, such as mobile device management (MDM) software, native device features, or third-party applications2. However, remote wipe requires the consent and cooperation of the employee, as well as a clear policy that defines the conditions and procedures for its use. The other options are not the best security controls for an organization that permits the storage and use of its critical and sensitive information on employee-owned smartphones. Developing security awareness training is an important measure to educate employees about the security risks and responsibilities associated with using their own smartphones for work purposes, but it does not provide a technical or physical protection for the data on the devices3. Requiring the backup of the organization’s data by the user is a good practice to ensure data availability and recovery in case of device failure or loss, but it does not prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of the data on the devices4. Monitoring how often the smartphone is used is a possible way to detect abnormal or suspicious activities on the devices, but it does not prevent or mitigate the impact of a data breach on the devices. References: 4: Mobile Device Backup - NIST 3: Security Awareness Training - NIST 1: Remote Wipe - Lifewire 2: How Businesses with a BYOD Policy Can Secure Employee Devices - IBM : Mobile Device Security Policy – SANS

The most effective way to prevent information security incidents is to implement a security awareness training program for employees. Security awareness training provides employees with the knowledge and skills they need to identify potential security threats and protect their systems from unauthorized access and malicious activity. Security awareness training also helps to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to information security, and can help to reduce the risk of information security incidents by making employees more aware of potential risks. Additionally, implementing a security information and event management (SIEM) tool, deploying a consistent incident response approach, and deploying intrusion detection tools in the network environment can also help to reduce the risk of security incidents

Reviewing the vendor contract should be the information security manager’s first course of action when discovering an HVAC vendor has remote access to the stores to enable real-time monitoring and equipment diagnostics. The vendor contract should specify the terms and conditions of the vendor’s access to the retailer’s network, such as the scope, purpose, duration, frequency, and method of access. The vendor contract should also define the roles and responsibilities of both parties regarding security, privacy, compliance, liability, and incident response. Reviewing the vendor contract will help the information security manager to understand the contractual obligations and expectations of both parties, and to identify any gaps or issues that need to be addressed or resolved1. The other options are not the first course of action for the information security manager when discovering an HVAC vendor has remote access to the stores. Conducting a penetration test of the vendor may be a useful way to assess the vendor’s security posture and potential vulnerabilities, but it should be done with the vendor’s consent and cooperation, and after reviewing the vendor contract2. Reviewing the vendor’s technical security controls may be a necessary step to verify the vendor’s compliance with security standards and best practices, but it should be done after reviewing the vendor contract and in accordance with the agreed-upon audit procedures3. Disconnecting the real-time access may be a drastic measure that could disrupt the vendor’s service delivery and violate the vendor contract, unless there is a clear and imminent threat or breach that warrants such action. References: 1: Vendor Access: Addressing the Security Challenge with Urgency - BeyondTrust 2: Penetration Testing - NIST 3: Reduce Risk from Third Party Access | BeyondTrust : Third-Party Vendor Security Risk Management & Prevention

Reviewing the provider’s incident definitions and notification criteria is the FIRST course of action when aligning the organization’s incident response capability with a public cloud service provider. This is because the organization needs to understand how the provider defines and classifies incidents, what their roles and responsibilities are, and how they will communicate with the organization in case of an incident. This will help the organization align its own incident response processes and expectations with the provider’s and ensure a coordinated and effective response.

The severity hierarchy for information security incident classification should be based on the potential or actual impact of the incident on the business objectives, operations, reputation, and stakeholders. The adverse effects on the business can be measured by criteria such as financial loss, operational disruption, legal liability, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and public confidence. The other options are not the primary basis for a severity hierarchy, although they may be considered as secondary factors or consequences of an incident

A merger with another organization would likely require a revision to the information security program because it can result in significant changes to the structure, size, and information systems of the merged entity. This can affect the security requirements, risk tolerance, and governance policies of the organization. To ensure that the information security program remains effective, it is important to review and revise the security policies, standards, and procedures in light of the changes brought on by the merger. The information security program should align with the new organization's risk tolerance, security requirements, and governance policies. This information can be found in the ISACA's Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Study Manual, Section 3.1.

The best course of action to prevent further damage is to isolate the endpoint device. Isolating the endpoint device will prevent the compromised system from connecting to other systems on the network and spreading the infection. Other possible courses of action include wiping and resetting the endpoint device, running a virus scan, and powering off the endpoint device. However, these actions will not prevent the compromised system from continuing to spread the infection.

To overcome the perception that security is a hindrance to business activities, it is important for an information security manager to promote the relevance and contribution of security. By demonstrating the value that security brings to the organization, including protecting assets and supporting business objectives, the information security manager can help to change the perception of security from a hindrance to a critical component of business success.

Relying on senior management to enforce security, focusing on compliance, and reiterating the necessity of security are all important elements of a comprehensive security program, but they do not directly address the perception that security is a hindrance to business activities. By promoting the relevance and contribution of security, the information security manager can help to align security with the overall goals and objectives of the organization, and foster a culture that values and supports security initiatives.

The strongest justification for granting an exception to the security policy that disables access to USB storage devices on laptops and desktops is that the benefit is greater than the potential risk. A security policy is a document that defines the goals, objec-tives, principles, roles, responsibilities, and requirements for protecting information and systems in an organization. A security policy should be based on a risk assessment that identifies and evaluates the threats and vulnerabilities that affect the organiza-tion’s assets, as well as the potential impact and likelihood of incidents. A security pol-icy should also be aligned with the organization’s business objectives and risk appe-tite1. However, there may be situations where a security policy cannot be fully enforced or complied with due to technical, operational, or business reasons. In such cases, an exception to the policy may be requested and granted by an authorized person or body, such as a security manager or a policy committee. An exception to a security policy should be justified by a clear and compelling reason that outweighs the risk of non-compliance. An exception to a security policy should also be documented, approved, monitored, reviewed, and revoked as necessary2. The strongest justification for grant-ing an exception to the security policy that disables access to USB storage devices on laptops and desktops is that the benefit is greater than the potential risk. USB storage devices are portable devices that can store large amounts of data and can be easily connected to laptops and desktops via USB ports. They can provide several benefits for users and organizations, such as:

•Enhancing data mobility and accessibility

•Improving data backup and recovery

•Supporting data sharing and collaboration

•Enabling data encryption and authentication

However, USB storage devices also pose significant security risks for users and organi-zations, such as:

•Introducing malware or viruses to laptops and desktops

•Exposing sensitive data to unauthorized access or disclosure

•Losing or stealing data due to device loss or theft

•Violating security policies or regulations

Therefore, an exception to the security policy that disables access to USB storage de-vices on laptops and desktops should only be granted if the benefit of using them is greater than the potential risk of compromising them. For example, if a user needs to transfer a large amount of data from one laptop to another in a remote location where there is no network connection available, and the data is encrypted and protected by a strong password on the USB device, then the benefit of using the USB device may be greater than the risk of losing or exposing it. The other options are not the strongest justifications for granting an exception to the security policy that disables access to USB storage devices on laptops and desktops. Enabling USB storage devices based on user roles is not a justification, but rather a possible way of implementing a more gran-ular or flexible security policy that allows different levels of access for different types of users3. Users accepting the risk of noncompliance is not a justification, but rather a requirement for requesting an exception to a security policy that acknowledges their responsibility and accountability for any consequences of noncompliance4. Accessing being restricted to read-only is not a justification, but rather a possible control that can reduce the risk of introducing malware or viruses from USB devices to laptops and desktops5. References: 1: Information Security Policy - NIST 2: Policy Exception Man-agement - ISACA 3: Deploy and manage Removable Storage Access Control using In-tune - Microsoft Learn 4: Policy Exception Request Form - University of California 5: Re-movable Media Policy Writing Tips - CurrentWare

The best way to reduce the risk associated with a bring your own device (BYOD) program is to implement a mobile device policy and standard. This policy should include guidelines and rules regarding the use of mobile devices, such as acceptable use guidelines and restrictions on the types of data that can be stored or accessed on the device. Additionally, it should also include requirements for secure mobile device practices, such as the use of strong passwords, encryption, and regular patching. A mobile device management (MDM) solution can also be implemented to help ensure mobile devices meet the organizational security requirements. However, it is not enough to simply implement the policy and MDM solution; employees must also be trained on the secure mobile device practices to ensure the policy is followed.

The most effective way to gain senior management approval of security investments in network infrastructure is by demonstrating that targeted security controls tie to business objectives.

Security investments should be tied to business objectives and should support the overall goals of the organization. By demonstrating that the security controls will directly support the organization's business objectives, senior management will be more likely to approve the investment.

According to the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Study Manual, "To gain senior management's approval for investments in security, it is essential to show how the security controls tie to business objectives and are in support of the overall goals of the organization."

While performing penetration tests against the network, highlighting competitor performance, and presenting comparable security implementation estimates from vendors are all useful in presenting the value of security investments, they are not as effective as demonstrating how the security controls will support the organization's business objectives.

Business criticality is the degree to which an asset is essential to the success of the business and the extent to which its loss or compromise could have a significant impact on the business. Business criticality is one of the main factors that help to determine the inherent risk of an asset, as assets that are more critical to the business tend to have a higher inherent risk.

Implementing the principle of least privilege primarily requires the identification of job duties. This principle states that users should only be given the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job duties. By identifying the specific job duties of each user, an organization can determine the minimum level of access needed, and restrict access to any unnecessary resources. This helps to minimize the potential damage that can be caused by a malicious or compromised user.

The primary purpose for continuous monitoring of security controls is to ensure the effectiveness of controls. This involves regularly assessing the controls to ensure that they are meeting their intended objectives, and that any potential weaknesses are identified and addressed. Continuous monitoring also helps to ensure that control gaps are minimized, and that systems are available and aligned with compliance requirements.

A balanced scorecard enables information security governance by providing a framework for aligning security objectives with business goals and measuring performance against them. The other choices are not directly related to governance but may be supported by it.

A balanced scorecard is a strategic management tool that describes the cause-and-effect linkages between four high-level perspectives of strategy and execution: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth2. It helps organizations communicate and monitor their vision and strategy across different levels and functions2.

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.

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for leading and coordinating an organization's information security program, and as such, is in a prime position to influence the security culture within the organization. The CISO is responsible for setting policies and standards, educating employees about security risks and best practices, and ensuring that the organization is taking appropriate measures to mitigate security risks. By demonstrating a strong commitment to information security, the CISO can help to create a security-aware culture within the organization.

Executive management may not take action related to a risk if they have determined that the cost of implementing necessary controls to mitigate the risk exceeds the potential financial losses that the organization may incur if the risk were to materialize. In cases such as this, it is important for the information security team to provide the executive team with thorough cost-benefit analysis that outlines the cost of implementing the controls versus the expected losses from the risk.

An independent review report indicating compliance with industry standards BEST provides an information security manager with sufficient assurance that a service provider complies with the organization’s information security requirements. This is because an independent review report is an objective and reliable source of evidence that the service provider has implemented and maintained effective security controls that meet the industry standards and best practices. An independent review report can also provide assurance that the service provider has addressed any gaps or weaknesses identified in previous audits or assessments.

The first step when developing a business case for a new intrusion detection system (IDS) solution is to define the issues to be addressed. A business case is a document that provides the rationale and justification for initiating a project or investment. It typically includes information such as the problem statement, the objectives, the alternatives, the costs and benefits, the risks and assumptions, and the expected outcomes. The first step in developing a business case is to define the issues to be addressed, which means identifying and describing the current situation, the problems or challenges faced by the organization, and the needs or opportunities for improvement. By defining the issues to be addressed, the information security manager can establish the scope and purpose of the business case, and provide a clear and compelling problem statement that explains why a new IDS solution is needed. The other options are not the first step when developing a business case for a new IDS solution, although they may be part of the subsequent steps. Performing a cost-benefit analysis is a step that involves comparing the costs and benefits of different alternatives, including the new IDS solution and the status quo. A cost-benefit analysis can help evaluate and justify the feasibility and desirability of each alternative, and support the decision-making process. Calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO) is a step that involves estimating the direct and indirect costs associated with acquiring, operating, maintaining, and disposing of an asset or a system over its entire life cycle. A TCO calculation can help determine the long-term financial implications of investing in a new IDS solution, and compare it with other alternatives. Conducting a feasibility study is a step that involves assessing the technical, operational, legal, and economic aspects of implementing a project or an investment. A feasibility study can help identify and mitigate any potential issues or risks that may affect the success of the project or investment, and provide recommendations for improvement

The most important consideration when determining which type of failover site to employ is the recovery time objectives (RTOs). A failover site is a backup site that can be used to restore the functionality and operations of an organization’s primary site in the event of a disaster or disruption. There are different types of failover sites, such as hot sites, warm sites, and cold sites, that vary in terms of availability, cost, and complexity. A recovery time objective (RTO) is a metric that defines the maximum acceptable amount of time that an organization can tolerate to restore a system or an application after a disaster or disruption. By determining the RTOs for each system or application, the organization can choose the most suitable type of failover site that can meet its recovery needs and expectations. For example, if the RTO for a critical system is very low, the organization may opt for a hot site that can provide immediate failover and minimal downtime. However, if the RTO for a non-critical system is high, the organization may choose a cold site that requires manual setup and activation, but has lower cost and maintenance. The other options are not the most important consideration when determining which type of failover site to employ, although they may be some factors or constraints that affect the decision. Reciprocal agreements are arrangements between two or more organizations that agree to provide backup facilities or resources to each other in case of a disaster or disruption. Reciprocal agreements can help reduce the cost and complexity of setting up and maintaining a failover site, but they may not guarantee the availability or compatibility of the backup facilities or resources. Disaster recovery test results are outcomes of testing and validating the functionality and performance of a failover site. Disaster recovery test results can help evaluate and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of a failover site, but they do not determine which type of failover site to employ. Data retention requirements are policies and regulations that define how long and in what format an organization must store its data. Data retention requirements can affect the design and configuration of a failover site, but they do not dictate which type of failover site to employ