CISM Information Security Governance Practice Question
A CISO is building a business case for a new security tool. Which of the following approaches is MOST effective for justifying the investment?
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
✓
Demonstrating how the tool reduces the likelihood and impact of a potential breach, translating to expected loss avoidance
Quantifying risk reduction in monetary terms directly links security investment to business value and risk management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Highlighting that competitors are using the same tool
Why it's wrong here
Competitive pressure is not a strong justification for investment.
- ✗
Comparing the tool's cost to industry averages for similar tools
Why it's wrong here
Cost comparison does not demonstrate value or ROI.
- ✓
Demonstrating how the tool reduces the likelihood and impact of a potential breach, translating to expected loss avoidance
Why this is correct
This approach quantifies risk reduction and shows financial benefit.
- ✗
Emphasizing the tool's advanced features and technical capabilities
Why it's wrong here
Technical features alone do not address business value.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISM 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 CISM exam.