CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A CISO is evaluating the reporting structure for the information security team. Which reporting line is generally considered MOST effective for ensuring independence and organizational influence?
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
✓
Report to the board of directors or audit committee
Reporting to the board of directors or a board committee ensures security has a direct voice at the highest level, avoiding conflicts with IT or business operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Why it's wrong here
The CFO focuses on financial matters, not security governance.
- ✗
Report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Why it's wrong here
Reporting to the CIO can create a conflict of interest as IT may prioritize availability over security.
- ✓
Report to the board of directors or audit committee
Why this is correct
This structure provides independence, authority, and visibility at the highest level.
- ✗
Report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Why it's wrong here
The COO focuses on operations, not necessarily security independence.
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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.