CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
An IS auditor is reviewing the incident response (IR) process. Which of the following is the MOST important characteristic of an effective tabletop exercise?
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
✓
It involves all relevant stakeholders in a discussion format.
Tabletop exercises should focus on testing decision-making and communication, not just technical steps.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It measures the technical skills of the IR team.
Why it's wrong here
Tabletop exercises focus on process and communication, not technical skills.
- ✗
It uses a realistic scenario based on current threats.
Why it's wrong here
While important, realism alone does not ensure effectiveness.
- ✓
It involves all relevant stakeholders in a discussion format.
Why this is correct
Involving key personnel and promoting discussion tests coordination and decision-making.
- ✗
It is conducted without prior notice to participants.
Why it's wrong here
Surprise drills are more for operational testing; tabletop exercises are typically planned.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.