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CISA Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are considered…
Which TWO of the following are considered essential components of an information security policy framework? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISACA often tests the distinction between policies (high-level rules) and operational plans or technical artifacts, so candidates mistakenly select BCP or incident response plans as policy components because they are security-related, but they are not part of the policy framework itself.
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 classification policy
A data classification policy is essential because it defines how information assets are categorized based on sensitivity and criticality (e.g., public, internal, confidential, restricted). This classification directly drives the selection and enforcement of appropriate security controls, such as encryption standards (e.g., AES-256 for confidential data) and access control mechanisms (e.g., role-based access control). Without it, security measures cannot be consistently applied across the organization, leading to gaps in protection.
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 classification policy
Why this is correct
Establishes data sensitivity categories.
- ✗
Business continuity plan
Why it's wrong here
BCP is a plan, not a policy.
- ✗
Incident response plan
Why it's wrong here
IR plan is an operational plan.
- ✗
Network architecture diagram
Why it's wrong here
Diagram is technical, not policy.
- ✓
Acceptable use policy
Why this is correct
Defines permissible use of assets.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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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.