CISMP-V9 BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles V9.0 Questions and Answers

The ISO/IEC 27000 series, particularly ISO/IEC 27001, provides a framework for information security management systems (ISMS) that helps organizations secure their information assets. This series covers various aspects of information security, including the protection of organizational records and data protection & privacy, which are legal compliance requirements in many jurisdictions. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are also considered within the scope of information security as they pertain to the protection of proprietary information and assets. Forensic recovery of data and data deduplication are technical and operational considerations but are not directly addressed as compliance legal requirements within the ISO/IEC 27000 series.

References: The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard outlines the requirements for an ISMS, including the need to address legal, physical, and technical controls to protect information assets12. The Advisera guide on ISO 27001 further explains the standard’s requirements for documented information, which would include organizational records and policies related to data protection and privacy3.

The best practice when handling and investigating digital evidence for use in a criminal cybercrime investigation is to ensure that digital devices are forensically “clean” before any investigation takes place. This means that the devices should be free from any potential contamination that could compromise the integrity of the evidence. It’s crucial to maintain the original state of digital evidence as much as possible to ensure its admissibility in court. Altering digital evidence should be avoided unless it’s absolutely necessary for the investigation, and even then, it should be done following strict protocols to document the changes made. While law enforcement often handles digital evidence, the principle of maintaining a forensically clean state applies universally to ensure the evidence remains untainted and reliable.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and reliability of digital evidence. It outlines the procedures and controls that should be in place when dealing with digital evidence, which includes ensuring devices are forensically clean before investigation1.

The access control method described is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). In RBAC, access permissions are based on the roles within an organization, and users are assigned to these roles based on their responsibilities and qualifications. Each role has a defined set of access permissions to perform certain operations. This method simplifies management and ensures that only authorized users can perform actions relevant to their role. For instance, ‘Developers’ can create and update files, ‘Reviewers’ can upload and update files, and ‘Administrators’ have the rights to upload, delete, and update files. This aligns with the RBAC model where permissions are grouped by role rather than by individual user, making it easier to manage and audit.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a framework for understanding the principles of information security management, including access control mechanisms like RBAC12.

When selecting a third-party digital forensics service provider, it is crucial to ensure that the company has the appropriate accreditations and the staff hold relevant certifications. This ensures that the service provider adheres to recognized standards and best practices in digital forensics, which is essential for the integrity and admissibility of evidence. Company accreditation provides assurance that the organization follows industry-recognized quality standards, while staff certification demonstrates that the individuals handling the forensic process are qualified and competent. This combination is vital for maintaining the credibility of the forensic investigation and the security of the data handled.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of management issues, including risk management, security standards, and legislation, which are relevant when considering third-party services1.

According to the OWASP Top 10 list, Injection Flaws are among the most prolific web application vulnerabilities. This category includes a variety of attacks such as SQL, NoSQL, OS, and LDAP injection where untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query. The attacker’s hostile data can trick the interpreter into executing unintended commands or accessing unauthorized data. Injection flaws are particularly dangerous because they can lead to data breaches, loss of data integrity, and denial of service, among other impacts.

References: The OWASP Top 10 is a widely recognized document that outlines the most critical security risks to web applications. The 2024 edition continues to list Injection Flaws (A03:2021-Injection) as one of the top security risks, emphasizing their prevalence and severity in web applications1.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is known for producing standards that cover good practices in various domains, including information assurance. BSI is the UK’s national standards body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It contributes to the development of international standards through ISO, which provides frameworks and best practices for information security management systems (ISMS), such as the ISO/IEC 27000 series. These standards are designed to help organizations manage the security of assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee details, and information entrusted by third parties.

References: The BSI’s role in developing international standards for information assurance is supported by its status as the UK’s national standards body and its contributions to ISO, which can be verified through ISO’s official website and related documentation12.

 Turning on SSID broadcasts is not considered a best practice for securing a wireless network. SSID broadcasts make the network name publicly visible, which can be an invitation for unauthorized users to attempt to access the network. Best practices suggest disabling SSID broadcasts to make the network less visible and thus less likely to be targeted by malicious actors. While using WPA encryption, MAC filtering, and dedicating an access point on a VLAN connected to a firewall are all recommended security measures, advertising the network’s presence via SSID broadcasts does not enhance security and could potentially compromise it12.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines best practices for securing information systems and networks, including wireless networks3. It is recommended to consult the BCS course approved reference book ‘Information Security Management Principles’ for a deeper understanding of these practices4.

Anomaly-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) are particularly effective in detecting zero-day attacks because they do not rely on known signatures, which zero-day attacks would not have. Instead, they monitor network behavior for deviations from a baseline of normal activity. This approach can identify suspicious activities that could indicate a novel or unknown threat, such as a zero-day exploit12345. These systems use various methods, including machine learning and deep learning, to detect patterns that could signify an attack, making them a robust solution against the unpredictable nature of zero-day threats12345.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of understanding different types of controls and their characteristics, including technical security controls like IDS, which are essential for managing the security of information systems6. The syllabus also covers the effectiveness of controls, which is relevant when considering the capabilities of anomaly-based IDS in the context of zero-day attack detection7.

 Online retailers are the most at risk for the theft of electronic-based credit card data due to the nature of their business, which involves processing a large volume of transactions over the internet. This exposes them to various cyber threats, includinghacking, phishing, and other forms of cyber-attacks that can compromise credit card information. Traditional market traders, mail delivery businesses, and agricultural producers typically do not handle credit card transactions to the same extent or in the same electronic manner as online retailers, making them less likely targets for this specific type of data theft.

The principles of Information Security Management emphasize the importance of protecting sensitive data, such as credit card information, through technical security controls and risk management practices. Online retailers must implement robust security measures, including encryption, secure payment gateways, and regular security audits, to mitigate the risks associated with electronic transactions12.

References :=

• BCS Information Security Management Principles, particularly the sections on Technical Security Controls and Information Risk, provide guidance on protecting electronic data and managing the associated risks1.
• Additional insights can be found in the Information Security Management Principles, 3rd Edition by Andy Taylor, David Alexander, Amanda Finch, David Sutton2.

Loading bays are areas of a facility where goods are loaded and unloaded, which can be busy and potentially hazardous. They are considered vulnerable points for security breaches due to the high volume of goods movement and external access. Using them as staff entrances increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential security incidents. By restricting access to loading bays and directing staff to use dedicated entrances, an organization can better control entry points, monitor traffic, and maintain security protocols. This principle is part of the Physical and Environmental Security Controls domain, which emphasizes the importance of securing physical access to protect information assets1.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides guidance on the importance of physical security controls in protecting information assets and suggests that access to different areas within a facility should be controlled and managed appropriately2.

SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture) is a framework and methodology specifically designed for Enterprise Security Architecture and Service Management. It provides a layered approach to security architecture, ensuring that security is aligned with business goals and is driven by risk management principles. SABSA’s methodology integrates with business and IT management processes, focusing on the design, delivery, and support of security services within the enterprise environment1.

TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is also used in the context of enterprise architecture but is not solely focused on security. It provides a comprehensive approach to the design, planning, implementation, and governance of an enterprise information architecture2.

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment2.

OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) is an online community that produces freely-available articles, methodologies, documentation, tools, and technologies in the field of web application security2.

References: The information provided here is based on the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles and the knowledge of current frameworks and methodologies relevant to enterprise security architecture and service management34.

 Ensuring the correctness of data inputted to a system is a fundamental aspect of data integrity within information security. Integrity refers to the trustworthiness and accuracy of data throughout its lifecycle. This means that the data has not been altered in an unauthorized manner and remains consistent, accurate, and trustworthy. It is crucial for the proper functioning of any system that relies on data to make decisions or perform operations. Measures to ensure data integrity include input validation, error checking, and data verification processes that prevent incorrect data entry, unauthorized data alteration, and ensure that the data reflects its intended state.

References: This concept is covered under the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which outlines integrity as one of the key facets of information security, ensuring that data remains authentic and unaltered from its original state123.

 In the context of information security, risk is typically calculated as the product of likelihood and impact. This formula encapsulates the probability of a vulnerability being exploited (likelihood) and the potential damage or loss that could result from such an event (impact). The goal is to quantify the level of risk in order to prioritize mitigation efforts effectively. Options B, C, and D do not represent standard risk calculation formulas in information security management.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding risk management within the domain of information security. It emphasizes the need for calculating risks to inform security controls and decision-making processes1. Additionally, ISO 27001, a leading international standard for information security management systems, also supports the formula of Risk = Likelihood * Impact as part of its risk assessment and treatment methodology2.

Static testing is a method where the code is analyzed without being executed. It involves reviewing the code, documentation, and other related artifacts to identify errors at an early stage. Static testing can detect potential issues like syntax errors, variable misuse, and security vulnerabilities. This type of testing is crucial because it helps to find errors before the code is run, which can save time and resources in the development process. It’s typically done through various techniques such as code reviews, walkthroughs, and the use of static analysis tools12.

References :=

• Understanding of static testing and its importance in the software development lifecycle is well-documented in the literature, including the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles1.
• Further details on static testing methodologies and their application can be found in industry-specific guidelines and best practices2.

 The global pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, which inherently increases the risk of information security breaches due to insecure premises (A) and the need for additional tools like VPNs ©. There’s also a higher likelihood of attackers exploiting vulnerabilities during such operational changes (D). However, the need for additional physical security at data centres and corporate headquarters (B) is less likely to be a direct result of a pandemic since the focus shifts to remote work and digital security rather than physical premises that are less occupied.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive understanding of IS management issues, including risk management, security standards, legislation, and business continuity1. It emphasizes the importance of adapting security measures to current business and technical environments, which would include the shift to remote work during a pandemic

 When an organization opts for public cloud services, it relinquishes direct control over many aspects of security and privacy. While the cloud service provider maintains the physical servers, the organization loses the ability to physically access these servers. This is a significant shift from traditional on-premises data centers where the organization would have complete control over and access to the physical infrastructure. In the context of the public cloud, the organization must rely on the cloud provider’s security measures and protocols to protect its data. However, it’s important to note that while physical access is lost, cloud providers typically offer robust security features and compliance certifications that can compensate for this loss12.

References: The information provided aligns with the principles outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the security controls and risks associated with different types of information security management environments3. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides guidelines on security and privacy in public cloud computing, which discuss the shared responsibility model and the implications of losing physical control over servers2.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a security framework that impacts organizations involved with credit card transactions. It sets the requirements for ensuring the security of cardholder data, which is crucial for businesses that accept credit cards, process credit card transactions, store cardholder data, or transmit it. PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for these entities to help prevent credit card fraud, hacking, and various other security vulnerabilities. The standard requires organizations to maintain a secure network, protect cardholder data, manage vulnerabilities, implement strong access control measures, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain an information security policy.

References: The importance of PCI DSS in the context of Information Security Management Principles is highlighted by its role in protecting payment-related data and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of financial transactions. It aligns with the domains of Technical Security Controls and Physical and Environmental Security Controls, as it encompasses both digital and physical aspects of data protection123.

Defence in depth is a security concept that involves implementing multiple layers of security controls throughout an information system. The idea is that if one control fails or a vulnerability is exploited, other controls will provide redundancy and continue to protect the system. This approach is analogous to a physical fortress with multiple walls; if an attacker breaches one wall, additional barriers exist to stop them from progressing further. In the context of information security, this could include a combination of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and strict access controls, among others. Defence in depth is designed to address security vulnerabilities not only in technology but also in processes and people, acknowledging that human error or negligence can often lead to security breaches.

References: The concept of defence in depth aligns with the Information Security Management Principles as outlined by BCS, particularly under the domains of Technical Security Controls and Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Management. It is alsosupported by various industry sources that describe defence in depth as a strategy that leverages multiple security measures to protect an organization’s assets12345.

 Online retailers are the most at risk for the theft of electronic-based credit card data due to the nature of their business, which involves processing a large volume of transactions over the internet. This exposes them to various cyber threats, including hacking, phishing, and other forms of cyber-attacks that can compromise credit card information. Traditional market traders, mail delivery businesses, and agricultural producers typically do not handle credit card transactions to the same extent or in the same electronic manner as online retailers, making them less likely targets for this specific type of data theft.

The principles of Information Security Management emphasize the importance of protecting sensitive data, such as credit card information, through technical security controls and risk management practices. Online retailers must implement robust security measures, including encryption, secure payment gateways, and regular security audits, to mitigate the risks associated with electronic transactions12.

References :=

• BCS Information Security Management Principles, particularly the sections on Technical Security Controls and Information Risk, provide guidance on protecting electronic data and managing the associated risks1.
• Additional insights can be found in the Information Security Management Principles, 3rd Edition by Andy Taylor, David Alexander, Amanda Finch, David Sutton2.

 The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) protects the right to privacy, which includes the security of personal data and protection against surveillance1. This right is not absolute and can be limited under certain conditions, such as for the protection of national security or public safety. Most European countries have developed specific legislation that allows police and security services to monitor communications traffic, but this must be done within the boundaries set by the ECHR and subsequent legislation like the GDPR. The GDPR itself does not override the ECHR but complements it by providing detailed regulations on the processing of personal data, including provisions for law enforcement authorities to process data for criminal investigations in a way that respects fundamental rights23.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of understanding legal frameworks like the ECHR and GDPR that impact information security management. These frameworks guide the development of policies and procedures to ensure that the monitoring of communications by law enforcement is conducted lawfully and respects individuals’ right to privacy45. Additionally, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 in the UK, for example, sets out the legal authority for police to intercept communications, ensuring compliance with the ECHR6.

The software program described is one that obfuscates the source code, making it difficult to inspect, manipulate, or reverse engineer. This is characteristic of proprietary source software, where the source code is not openly shared or available for public viewing or modification. Proprietary software companies often obfuscate their code to protect intellectual property and prevent unauthorized use or reproduction of their software. Unlike open-source software, where the source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute, proprietary software keeps its source code a secret to maintain control over the software’s functions and distribution.

References: The concept of obfuscating source code is aligned with the Information Security Management Principles under the domain of Technical Security Controls, which includes protecting intellectual property and preventing unauthorized access12345.

In a virtualized cloud environment, the hypervisor, also known as the virtual machine monitor (VMM), is the software, firmware, or hardware that creates and runs virtual machines. It is responsible for managing the system’s hardware resources so they are distributed efficiently among multiple virtual environments. The hypervisor provides the secure separation between guest machines by ensuring that each guest machine operates independently and is unaware of the other guests’ existence. This isolation prevents one guest from accessing or interfering with another guest’s resources, which is crucial for maintaining security in a multi-tenant environment where multiple virtual machines are hosted on a single physical server.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive understanding of information security management, including the role of the hypervisor in ensuring secure separation between guest machines in a virtualized environment12.

Static verification refers to the set of processes that analyze code without executing it to ensure that defined coding practices are being followed. This method involves reviewing the code to detect errors, enforce coding standards, and identify security vulnerabilities. It is a crucial part of the software development lifecycle and helps maintain code quality and reliability. Static verification can be performed manually through code reviews or automatically using static analysis tools.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles includes the understanding of technical security controls, which encompasses static verification as a means to ensure the integrity and security of software code1.

The term ‘computer misuse’ typically refers to activities that are illegal or unauthorized and involve a computer system. This includes illegal interception of information, illegal access to computer systems, and downloading of pirated software, as these actions are unauthorized and often involve breaching security measures. However, the illegal retention of personal data, while a serious privacy concern and potentially a legal issue, is not typically classified under the scope of ‘computer misuse’. Instead, it falls under data protection and privacy regulations, which deal with the proper handling and storage of personal information.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles discusses various forms of computer misuse within the context of informationsecurity management, emphasizing the importance of understanding and complying with legal requirements related to information security1.

The term “Break Glass” refers to an emergency access procedure that allows users to bypass normal security controls to gain access to a system or service during a critical situation. This method is analogous to breaking the glass of a fire alarm to handle an emergency. In the context of information security management, it is a controlled process that is typically documented, monitored, and audited to ensure it is used only during genuine emergencies. It is a part of an organization’s disaster recovery and business continuity planning, ensuring that critical systems can still be accessed when standard authentication methods fail or are unavailable due to various reasons such as service outages, DDoS attacks, or loss of access by the primary administrator12.

References :=

• Microsoft Entra ID documentation on managing emergency access admin accounts3.
• StrongDM’s blog explaining the need for “Break Glass” accounts for privileged access1.
• SSH Academy’s definition of “Break Glass” access2.

 Arson is an act of intentionally setting fire to property for malicious reasons. It is a criminal act and is not classified as a natural disaster. Natural disasters are events that occur due to natural processes of the Earth, such as tsunamis, lightning strikes, and other weather-related events. An electromagnetic pulse can be a natural event if it is caused by solar flares or a man-made event if it is the result of a nuclear explosion. However, arson is always the result of human activity and is not caused by natural processes1.

References := The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a clear understanding of IS management issues, including risk management, security standards, legislation, and business continuity, which are relevant to identifying and classifying the nature of disasters in the context of disaster recovery planning1.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the most beneficial technology for ensuring consistent security settings across an organization’s devices, especially in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or mobile computing environment. MDM allows for the central management of security policies,the enforcement of strong authentication measures, and the protection of corporate data on personal devices. It provides the necessary tools to configure devices remotely, enforce security policies, manage applications, and protect against unauthorized access. This aligns with the Information Security Management Principles, particularly under the domains of Technical Security Controls and Procedural/People Security Controls, as it encompasses both the technology and the policies that govern its use by people within the organization123. References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding the concepts relating to information security management, which includes the knowledge of controls and characteristics that are essential for managing the security of information systems4. Additionally, the benefits of MDM in securing mobile and BYOD environments are well-documented, further supporting its selection as the most appropriate technology for Geoff’s requirements123.

 Network visualization is a powerful tool in managing information security as it can transform complex data sets into visual formats that are easier to understand and analyze. This is particularly useful in cybersecurity, where large volumes of data need to be monitored for potential security threats. Effective data visualization can provide meaningful insights into network security data, helping analysts to quickly identify patterns, anomalies, and trends that may indicate security incidents12.

While options B and C are methods of data analysis, they do not leverage the unique capabilities of visualization for rapid interpretation of security data. Option D is incorrect because the operation of visualization software does not inherently reduce malware infection risks; it’s the insights gained from visualization that can assist in proactive threat detection and management12.

References :=

• Effective Data Visualization in Cybersecurity, IEEE Conference1.
• A Survey of Visualization Systems for Network Security, IEEE Transactions2.