CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
A company is implementing a new security program. The CISO wants to ensure alignment with business objectives. Which approach is best?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates choose 'Perform a risk assessment' (Option C) because risk assessment is a foundational security activity, but the question asks for the 'best approach' to ensure alignment with business objectives, which requires a governance framework like COBIT that systematically links risk management to strategy, not just a one-time assessment.
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
✓
Use the COBIT framework
The COBIT framework (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is specifically designed to bridge the gap between IT governance and business goals, providing a comprehensive set of controls and processes that align security program objectives with enterprise strategy. Unlike other options, COBIT directly addresses governance, risk management, and performance measurement in a way that ensures the security program supports business objectives rather than operating in isolation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement technical controls
Why it's wrong here
Technical controls enforce protection but do not by themselves establish alignment with business objectives, which requires governance direction and risk-based prioritisation. They are tempting because controls are tangible and measurable, and would be the answer if the question asked how to enforce a defined policy.
- ✗
Develop policies based on industry standards
Why it's wrong here
Industry-standard policies provide a baseline but are not derived from this organisation's objectives, so alignment is assumed rather than demonstrated. They are tempting because standards give ready-made, auditable structure, and would be correct when the goal is regulatory or framework compliance rather than business alignment.
- ✗
Perform a risk assessment
Why it's wrong here
A risk assessment identifies and prioritises threats against business objectives, but it is an input to alignment, not the approach that establishes it; governance and strategy-setting do that. It is tempting because risk assessment underpins most security programme decisions, and would be correct if the question asked how to prioritise security investments.
- ✓
Use the COBIT framework
Why this is correct
COBIT provides a governance framework explicitly linking IT objectives to enterprise goals through its governance and management domains, letting the CISO demonstrate that security investment and controls trace back to business outcomes rather than standing alone.
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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.