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CAS-004 Practice Question: Wants to adopt a cybersecurity framework that…
An organization wants to adopt a cybersecurity framework that provides a structured approach to managing cyber risks. Which framework is BEST suited?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between governance/IT management frameworks (COBIT, ITIL) and cybersecurity-specific risk frameworks, trapping candidates who confuse ISO 27001's ISMS certification with a structured cyber risk management approach.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is specifically designed to provide a structured, risk-based approach to managing cybersecurity risks, offering core functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) and implementation tiers that align with an organization's risk appetite. It is the best fit because it directly addresses cyber risk management through a flexible, outcome-driven framework, unlike other frameworks that focus on IT governance, information security management systems, or service management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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COBIT
Why it's wrong here
COBIT is an IT governance and management framework focused on aligning IT with business objectives through control objectives; it does not deliver a cyber risk management structure. It is tempting because COBIT addresses IT risk and control, and would be correct when the organisation needs enterprise IT governance rather than cybersecurity risk management.
- ✓
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Why this is correct
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework supplies a structured, voluntary approach organised around Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover, giving organisations a repeatable way to manage cyber risk. Its risk-based core functions directly match the stem's requirement for structured cyber risk management.
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ISO 27001
Why it's wrong here
ISO 27001 certifies an information security management system, not a cyber-risk taxonomy for structuring risk analysis. It is tempting because it is a recognised security standard, but it would be correct when the goal is certifiable ISMS governance rather than a framework for categorising and managing cyber risks.
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ITIL
Why it's wrong here
ITIL is an IT service management framework covering incident, change and service delivery processes; it prescribes no cyber risk taxonomy, control catalogue or risk assessment method. It is tempting because ITIL governs IT operations, and would be correct when the organisation needs to structure service management rather than manage cyber risk.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.