Isaca Certification CISM Syllabus Exam Questions Answers

 The FIRST step in developing an information security strategy is to perform a gap analysis based on the current state of the organization’s information security posture. A gap analysis is a systematic process of comparing the current state with the desired state and identifying the gaps or deficiencies that need to be addressed. A gap analysis helps to establish a baseline for the information security strategy, as well as to prioritize the actions and resources needed to achieve the strategic objectives. A gap analysis also helps to align the information security strategy with the organizational goals and strategies, as well as to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, page 331; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, page 162

first step in developing an information security strategy is to conduct a risk-aware and comprehensive inventory of your company’s context, including all digital assets, employees, and vendors. Then you need to know about the threat environment and which types of attacks are a threat to your company1. This is similar to performing a gap analysis based on the current state3.

A data loss prevention (DLP) solution is a type of detective control that monitors and prevents unauthorized transmission or leakage of sensitive data from the organization. A DLP solution can enhance the organization’s antivirus controls by detecting and blocking malicious code that attempts to exfiltrate data, but this is not its main benefit. A DLP solution cannot eliminate the risk of data loss, as there may be other sources of data loss that are not covered by the DLP solution, such as physical theft, accidental deletion, or natural disasters. A DLP solution also does not reduce the need for a security awareness program, as human factors are often the root cause of data loss incidents. A security awareness program can educate and motivate employees to follow security policies and best practices, and to report any suspicious or anomalous activities. References =

ISACA, CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, 2020, page 79.

ISACA, CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, 12th Edition, 2020, question ID 1003.

The best way to ensure that information security concerns are considered during the procurement of SaaS solutions is to integrate information security risk assessments into the procurement process. This will allow the organization to identify and evaluate the potential security risks and impacts of using a SaaS provider, and to select the most appropriate solution based on the risk appetite and tolerance of the organization. Information security risk assessments should be conducted at the early stages of the procurement process, before selecting a vendor or signing a contract, and should be updated periodically throughout the contract lifecycle.

Providing regular information security training to the procurement team (B) is a good practice, but it may not be sufficient to address the specific security issues and challenges of SaaS solutions. The procurement team may not have the expertise or the authority to conduct information security risk assessments or to negotiate security requirements with the vendors.

Inviting IT members into regular procurement team meetings to influence best practice © is also a good practice, but it may not be effective if the IT members are not involved in the actual procurement process or decision making. The IT members may not have the opportunity or the influence to conduct information security risk assessments or to ensure that security concerns are adequately addressed in the procurement contracts.

Enforcing the right to audit in procurement contracts with SaaS vendors (D) is an important control, but it is not the most effective way to ensure that information security concerns are considered during the procurement process. The right to audit is a post-contractual measure that allows the organization to verify the security controls and compliance of the SaaS provider, but it does not prevent or mitigate the security risks that may arise from using a SaaS solution. The right to audit should be complemented by information security risk assessments and other security requirements in the procurement contracts.

References = CISM Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 3: Information Security Program Development and Management, Section: Information Security Program Management, Subsection: Procurement and Vendor Management, Page 141-1421