CISM Exam - Free Sample Questions & Answers
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A recovery point objective (RPO) is required in which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
A recovery point objective (RPO) is required in a disaster recovery plan (DRP), because it indicates the earliest point in time to which it is acceptable to recover data after a disaster. It effectively quantifies the permissible amount of data loss in case of interruption. It is determined based on the acceptable data loss in case of disruption of operations1. A DRP is a document that defines the procedures, resources, and actions to restore the critical IT systems and data in the event of a disaster that affects the normal operations of the organization2. A DRP should include the RPO for each critical system and data, as well as the backup and restoration methods, frequency, and location to achieve the RPO3.
A RPO is not required in an information security plan, an incident response plan, or a business continuity plan (BCP), because these plans have different purposes and scopes. An information security plan is a document that defines the objectives, policies, standards, and guidelines for information security management in the organization4. An incident response plan is a document that defines the procedures, roles, and responsibilities for identifying, analyzing, responding to, and learning from security incidents that may compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information assets. A BCP is a document that defines the procedures, resources, and actions to ensure the continuity of the essential business functions and processes in the event of a disruption that affects the normal operations of the organization. These plans may include other metrics, such as recovery time objective (RTO), which is the amount of time after a disaster in which business operation is resumed, or resources are again available for use, but they do not require a RPO.
References = 1: IS Disaster Recovery Objectives – RunModule 2: Information System Contingency Planning Guidance - ISACA 3: CISM Certified Information Security Manager – Question1411 4: CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2021, page 23. : CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2021, page 223. : CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2021, page 199. : RTO vs. RPO – What is the difference? - Advisera
An organization would like to invest in a new emerging technology. Which of the following is MOST important for the information security manager to consider when evaluating its impact?
Correct Answer: B
An organization has identified IT failures in a call center application. Of the following, who should own this risk?
Correct Answer: B
Which of the following should an information security manager do FIRST upon learning that some security hardening settings may negatively impact future business activity?
Correct Answer: A
Security hardening is the process of applying security configuration settings to systems and software to reduce their attack surface and improve their resistance to threats1. Security hardening settings are based on industry standards and best practices, such as the CIS Benchmarks2, which provide recommended security configurations for various software applications, operating systems, and network devices. However, security hardening settings may not always be compatible with the business requirements and objectives of an organization, and may negatively impact the functionality, performance, or usability of the systems and software3. Therefore, before applying any security hardening settings, an information security manager should perform a risk assessment to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the settings, and to identify and prioritize the risks associated with them. A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the risks that an organization faces, and determining the appropriate risk responses. A risk assessment helps the information security manager to balance the security and business needs of the organization, and to communicate the risk level and impact to the relevant stakeholders. A risk assessment should be performed first, before taking any other actions, such as reducing security hardening settings, informing business management of the risk, or documenting a security exception, because it provides the necessary information and justification for making informed and rational decisions. References = 1: Basics of the CIS Hardening Guidelines | RSI Security 2: CIS Baseline Hardening and Security Configuration Guide | CalCom 3: CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 121 : CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 122 : CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 145 : CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 146 : CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 147
Which of the following is an example of a deterrent control?
Correct Answer: D
The correct answer is D because a warning banner is a deterrent control designed to discourage inappropriate or unauthorized activity. Deterrent controls do not necessarily prevent an action technically; instead, they warn users of consequences, establish notice, and reduce the likelihood of misuse. A warning banner may inform users that access is monitored, unauthorized access is prohibited, and violations may result in disciplinary or legal action. Separation of responsibilities is primarily a preventive control because it reduces the opportunity for fraud, error, or misuse by dividing duties among different individuals. Periodic data restoration is a corrective or recovery control because it helps restore data after loss or corruption. An intrusion detection system is a detective control because it identifies suspicious or unauthorized activity after it occurs or while it is occurring. CISM requires understanding the purpose of control types, including preventive, detective, corrective, deterrent, compensating, and recovery controls. Since a warning banner discourages undesirable behavior, it is the best example of a deterrent control.