CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A company uses a SaaS provider that processes sensitive customer data. The provider undergoes annual SOC 2 audits. Which additional step is essential to manage nth-party risk?
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
✓
Require the provider to disclose and assess the security of its subcontractors
Nth-party risk requires understanding the provider's subcontractors; requiring disclosure and assessment of their vendors is key.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Require the provider to disclose and assess the security of its subcontractors
Why this is correct
This ensures visibility into the extended supply chain.
- ✗
Include a right-to-audit clause for the provider
Why it's wrong here
This helps but doesn't address subcontractors directly.
- ✗
Conduct penetration testing on the provider's application
Why it's wrong here
Testing the provider doesn't cover subcontractor risks.
- ✗
Review the SOC 2 report annually
Why it's wrong here
SOC 2 covers the provider, not their subcontractors.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 871 original CISM practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.