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CISA Practice Question: Which THREE of the following are essential…
Which THREE of the following are essential components of a data classification program?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse operational security controls (like vulnerability scanning or encryption) with the administrative and procedural components of a data classification program, which are specifically about defining ownership, labeling, and lifecycle management.
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
✓
Data retention and disposal schedules
Data retention and disposal schedules are essential to a data classification program because they define how long each classification level of data must be retained and the secure methods for its disposal (e.g., degaussing, cryptographic erasure, or physical shredding). This ensures that data is not kept beyond its useful life, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or legal non-compliance. Without these schedules, the classification program lacks the lifecycle management component necessary for operational security.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Data retention and disposal schedules
Why this is correct
Retention schedules specify how long classified data must be kept and how to dispose of it.
- ✗
Regular vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is a security monitoring control, not a classification program component.
- ✓
Assignment of data owners
Why this is correct
Data owners are responsible for classifying and protecting data.
- ✓
Standardized labeling guidelines
Why this is correct
Labeling ensures consistent classification across the organization.
- ✗
Implementation of database encryption
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is a protection measure, not a component of the classification program itself.
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JA
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.