Top Tips for Passing the Isaca CISM Exam on Your First Try

Consistent security is the primary reason for integrating the various assurance functions of an organization for the information security manager because it ensures that the security policies and standards are applied uniformly and effectively across different domains, processes, and systems of the organization. Comprehensive audits are not the primary reason for integrating the various assurance functions, but rather a possible outcome or benefit of doing so. A security-aware culture is not the primary reason for integrating the various assurance functions, but rather a desirable state or goal of the organization. Compliance with policy is not the primary reason for integrating the various assurance functions, but rather a basic requirement or expectation of the organization. References: https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2016/volume-4/integrating-assurance-functions https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2017/volume-3/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness-of-your-information-security-management-syst em

The most important issue in a penetration test is having a defined goal as well as success and failure criteria. A penetration test is a simulated cyber attack against a computer system or an application to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. The goal of a penetration test is to identify and evaluate the security risks and weaknesses of the target system or application, and to provide recommendations for improvement. The success and failure criteria of a penetration test are the metrics and indicators that measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the test, and the extent to which the test achieves its goal. By having a defined goal as well as success and failure criteria, the penetration tester can plan and execute the test in a systematic and structured manner, and can communicate and report the results and findings in a clear and concise way. The other options are not the most important issue in a penetration test, although they may be some factors or considerations that affect the test. Having an independent group perform the test is a desirable practice, as it can provide an unbiased and objective assessment of the target system or application. However, it is not essential, as long as the penetration tester follows ethical hacking principles and standards. Obtaining permission from audit is a mandatory requirement, as it ensures that the penetration test is authorized and compliant with the organization’s policies and regulations. However, it is not an issue, as it is a prerequisite for conducting the test. Performing the test without the benefit of any insider knowledge is an optional approach, as it simulates a real-world attack by an external hacker who does not have access to the internal design or configuration of the target system or application. However, it is not always feasible or effective, as some vulnerabilities may be hidden or inaccessible from an outsider’s perspective.

Strong encryption methods are the BEST control to protect customer personal information that is stored in the cloud, because they help to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or deletion of the data by encrypting it at rest and in transit. Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format using a secret key or algorithm, so that only authorized parties can decrypt and access the data. Encryption can help to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data, as well as to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

References =

CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2020, p. 72: “Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format using a secret key or algorithm.”

CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2020, p. 73: “Encryption can help to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, as well as to comply with legal and regulatory requirements for data protection.”

Saas Data Security: Protecting Your Customers’ Information In The Cloud - Fresent’s Blog: “Encryption and Data Protection: One of the most effective ways to protect sensitive data in the cloud is to encrypt it both at rest and in transit. Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format using a secret key or algorithm, so that only authorized parties can decrypt and access the data.”

False negatives are events that are not detected by the IDS, but should have been. An increase in false negatives indicates that the IDS is missing potential attacks or intrusions, which could compromise the security of the organization.

References = CISM Review Manual, 15th Edition, page 212; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, question ID 1001.

The third party’s lack of compliance with local regulations poses the greatest risk to the organization, as it may expose the organization to legal, regulatory, or reputational consequences, such as fines, sanctions, lawsuits, or loss of customer trust. Payroll information is considered sensitive personal data that may be subject to different privacy and security laws depending on the jurisdiction where it is generated, processed, or stored. Therefore, the organization should ensure that the third party adheres to the applicable regulations and standards, and obtains the necessary certifications or attestations to demonstrate compliance.

References = CISM Review Manual 2022, page 361; CISM Exam Content Outline, Domain 1, Task 1.22; Ensuring Vendor Compliance and Third-Party Risk Mitigation; How to Manage Access Risk Regarding Third-Party Service Providers

Using the VPN when accessing the organization’s online resources is the most important thing to ensure, as it provides a secure and encrypted connection between the remote employees and the organization’s network, and protects the data and systems from unauthorized access, interception, or tampering. VPNs also help to comply with the organization’s security policies and standards, and to prevent data leakage or breaches.

References = CISM Review Manual 2022, page 3081; CISM Exam Content Outline, Domain 4, Knowledge Statement 4.92; CISM 2020: Remote Access Security; How to Secure Remote Workers with VPN

Change control is the process of ensuring that changes to an information system are authorized, tested, documented and implemented in a controlled manner. Inadequate change control can result in deficient technical security controls, such as missing patches, misconfigurations, vulnerabilities or errors in the new application.

References = CISM Review Manual, 27th Edition, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2, page 2291

During post-incident review is the best time to update the incident response plan after observing several deficiencies in the current plan while responding to a high-profile security incident. A post-incident review is a process of analyzing and evaluating the incident response activities, identifying the lessons learned, and documenting the recommendations and action items for improvement. Updating the incident response plan during post-incident review helps to ensure that the plan reflects the current best practices, addresses the gaps and weaknesses, and incorporates the feedback and suggestions from the incident response team and other stakeholders. Therefore, during post-incident review is the correct answer.

References:

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Incident-Response-Plan-Basics_508c.pdf

https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/feature/5-critical-steps-to-creating-an-effective-incident-response-plan

https://www.integrify.com/blog/posts/incident-response-plan-need-an-update/

Analyzing security anomalies is the most effective way to detect security incidents, as it involves comparing the current state of the information system and network with the expected or normal state, and identifying any deviations or irregularities that may indicate a security breach or compromise. Security anomalies can be detected by using various tools and techniques, such as security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), log analysis, network traffic analysis, and behavioral analysis. (From CISM Review Manual 15th Edition)

References: CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 181, section 4.3.2.4; CISM: Information Security Incident Management Part 11, section recognize security anomalies.

Performing post-incident reviews is the best way to enhance training for incident response teams because it allows them to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their response, learn from the lessons and best practices, and implement corrective actions and improvement plans for future incidents. Post-incident reviews also help to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the incident response process and procedures, and to update them as needed.

References: The CISM Review Manual 2023 states that “post-incident reviews are an essential part of the incident response process” and that “they provide an opportunity to assess the performance of the incident response team, identify areas for improvement, and document lessons learned and best practices” (p. 191). The CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual 2023 also provides the following rationale for this answer: “Performing post-incident reviews is the best way to enhance training for incident response teams, as it enables them to learn from their experience and improve their skills and knowledge” (p. 97).

The number of reported incidents has increased is the best evidence that a recently established information security program is effective because it indicates that the organization has improved its detection and reporting capabilities and has raised awareness among employees about security issues. Regular IT balanced scorecards are communicated is not a good evidence because it does not measure the actual performance or outcomes of the security program. Senior management has reported fewer junk emails is not a good evidence because it does not reflect the overall security posture or maturity of the organization. The number of tickets associated with IT incidents have stayed consistent is not a good evidence because it does not show any improvement or reduction in security incidents or risks. References: https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2016/volume-6/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness -of-information-security-using-iso-27004 https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issue s/2014/volume-6/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness-of-your-information-security-management-system

Senior management support is essential to ensuring effective incident response because it provides the necessary authority, resources, and guidance for the information security team to perform their roles and responsibilities. Senior management support also helps to establish the goals, scope, policies, and procedures for the incident response plan (IRP), as well as to ensure its alignment with the business objectives and strategy. Senior management support also fosters a culture of security awareness, accountability, and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the incident response process.

The other options are not essential to ensuring effective incident response, although they may be helpful or beneficial. A business continuity plan (BCP) is a document that outlines the actions and arrangements to ensure the continuity of critical business functions in the event of a disruption or disaster. A cost-benefit analysis is a method of comparing the costs and benefits of different alternatives or solutions to a problem. A classification scheme is a system of categorizing information assets based on their sensitivity, value, and criticality.

References = CISM Manual1, Chapter 6: Incident Response Planning (IRP), Section 6.1: Incident Response Plan2

1: https://store.isaca.org/s/store#/store/browse/cat/a2D4w00000Ac6NNEAZ/tiles 2: 4