easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CISA Practice Question: Which TWO are primary criteria for classifying…
Which TWO are primary criteria for classifying information assets within an organization? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse operational attributes (format, age, location) with the foundational drivers of classification (business impact and legal/regulatory requirements), leading them to select options that describe how data is stored rather than why it needs protection.
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
✓
Business impact if the data is lost or disclosed
Business impact if the data is lost or disclosed (Option C) is a primary criterion because classification directly depends on the potential harm to the organization—confidentiality, integrity, and availability breaches drive the classification level (e.g., public, internal, confidential, restricted). Legal and regulatory requirements (Option E) are also primary because they mandate specific classification labels and handling controls (e.g., GDPR for PII, HIPAA for PHI, PCI DSS for cardholder data) that override internal business impact assessments. These two factors form the core of any information classification policy, as they dictate the protective measures required.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The format of the data (structured vs. unstructured)
Why it's wrong here
Format is irrelevant to classification.
- ✗
The age of the data
Why it's wrong here
Age may affect retention but not classification.
- ✓
Business impact if the data is lost or disclosed
Why this is correct
Impact determines sensitivity level.
- ✗
Physical storage location of the data
Why it's wrong here
Location may affect controls but not classification.
- ✓
Legal and regulatory requirements
Why this is correct
Compliance drives classification.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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