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CISM Practice Question: Considering outsourcing its security operations…
A company is considering outsourcing its security operations center (SOC). Which governance consideration is MOST critical before finalizing the decision?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often mistake operational metrics (like SLAs or certifications) for governance considerations, but CISM emphasizes that governance is about ensuring the organization retains ultimate accountability and oversight, not just delegating tasks to a vendor.
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
✓
The ability to maintain oversight and accountability for security outcomes.
Governance requires that the organization retains ultimate responsibility for security outcomes, even when functions are outsourced. Without the ability to maintain oversight and accountability, the company cannot ensure that its security posture aligns with business risk tolerance and regulatory compliance requirements. This is a fundamental principle of information security governance, as the board and senior management cannot delegate accountability.
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 vendor's service level agreements (SLAs) for incident response times.
Why it's wrong here
SLAs are operational but governance oversight is paramount.
- ✗
The vendor's technical expertise and certifications.
Why it's wrong here
Important but not the most critical governance issue.
- ✗
The cost savings compared to in-house operations.
Why it's wrong here
Cost is important but not the most critical governance consideration.
- ✓
The ability to maintain oversight and accountability for security outcomes.
Why this is correct
Governance requires clear accountability even when services are outsourced.
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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.