CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A CISO is designing a security scorecard for the board of directors. Which metric is most appropriate to include for a one-page executive dashboard?
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
✓
Percentage of systems patched within SLA
The board needs high-level, strategic metrics. Percentage of systems patched within SLA provides a clear, concise view of vulnerability management status, which is critical for risk reduction.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Detailed list of known vulnerabilities
Why it's wrong here
Too detailed for a one-page executive dashboard.
- ✗
Number of phishing simulations conducted
Why it's wrong here
This is an operational metric, not strategic enough for the board.
- ✗
Names of vendors with critical findings
Why it's wrong here
Operational detail not suitable for board-level reporting.
- ✓
Percentage of systems patched within SLA
Why this is correct
Correct. This metric indicates the effectiveness of vulnerability management at a high level.
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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.