The answer is deploying centralized endpoint management to enforce encryption, as this directly addresses the root cause of non-compliance. By using tools like Microsoft Intune or SCCM, administrators can push full-disk encryption policies—such as BitLocker—to all laptops automatically, ensuring that any device lacking encryption is immediately remediated without relying on user intervention. On the CISA exam, this question tests your understanding of preventive versus corrective controls; a common trap is choosing user training or manual audits, which fail to enforce compliance at scale. Remember that in IT governance, policy without enforcement is merely a suggestion. For a memory tip, think of the acronym CEM: Centralized Endpoint Management—the only option that enforces, not just encourages, full-disk encryption.
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company's security policy requires that all laptops have full-disk encryption. During an audit, 10% of laptops are found without encryption. Which of the following is the MOST effective corrective action?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy centralized endpoint management to enforce encryption
Centralized endpoint management (e.g., Microsoft Intune, SCCM, or a third-party MDM) allows administrators to enforce full-disk encryption (such as BitLocker or FileVault) via policy, automatically encrypting non-compliant laptops and preventing users from disabling encryption. This is the most effective corrective action because it addresses the root cause—lack of enforcement—rather than relying on user action or manual processes.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Require users to manually enable encryption
Why it's wrong here
Manual process is prone to non-compliance.
✗
Distribute encryption keys to users
Why it's wrong here
Keys are needed for recovery but do not enforce encryption.
✗
Conduct security awareness training on encryption
Why it's wrong here
Training may increase awareness but does not automatically encrypt devices.
✓
Deploy centralized endpoint management to enforce encryption
Why this is correct
Automated enforcement ensures all laptops comply with policy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose security awareness training (Option C) as a 'best practice' for policy compliance, but the CISA exam emphasizes that technical controls (enforcement via endpoint management) are more effective than administrative controls for ensuring consistent security configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Centralized endpoint management typically uses Group Policy Objects (GPO) or mobile device management (MDM) profiles to enforce BitLocker with a TPM protector, requiring a recovery key escrowed to Active Directory or Azure AD. In real-world scenarios, without enforcement, users may skip encryption to avoid performance overhead or boot delays, leaving sensitive data vulnerable to offline attacks (e.g., booting from a USB to bypass OS-level controls).
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy centralized endpoint management to enforce encryption — Centralized endpoint management (e.g., Microsoft Intune, SCCM, or a third-party MDM) allows administrators to enforce full-disk encryption (such as BitLocker or FileVault) via policy, automatically encrypting non-compliant laptops and preventing users from disabling encryption. This is the most effective corrective action because it addresses the root cause—lack of enforcement—rather than relying on user action or manual processes.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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