CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A financial institution uses CIS Controls v8 and must prioritize implementation. The organization has limited resources and high exposure to ransomware. Which implementation group should be addressed FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
CISM often tests whether candidates understand that IG1 is the mandatory starting point regardless of organization size or sector; candidates incorrectly assume a financial institution must jump to IG3 due to regulatory pressure.
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
✓
Implementation Group 1 (IG1)
CIS Controls v8 Implementation Group 1 (IG1) represents the foundational cyber hygiene controls that every organization — especially those with limited resources and high ransomware exposure — should implement first. IG1 controls are designed to be achievable with minimal expertise and cover the most impactful safeguards like inventory, patching, and access control. Prioritizing IG1 ensures the organization closes the most exploitable gaps before moving to IG2 and IG3.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
All groups simultaneously
Why it's wrong here
Implementing all groups at once spreads limited resources across every control, so the ransomware-relevant safeguards in IG1 are not completed first. It is tempting as an aspiration to full coverage, and it would be correct only where resources and staffing are effectively unlimited.
- ✗
Implementation Group 3 (IG3)
Why it's wrong here
IG3 is for advanced threats but is not the first priority.
- ✓
Implementation Group 1 (IG1)
Why this is correct
IG1 includes basic cyber hygiene controls that prevent common attacks like ransomware.
- ✗
Implementation Group 2 (IG2)
Why it's wrong here
IG2 adds more controls but assumes IG1 is already in place.
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About these practice questions
This CISM question is part of Courseiva's 924-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
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.