CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
A global e-commerce company is designing its information security program. The CISO wants to implement a defense-in-depth strategy for the web application layer. Which combination of controls best achieves this objective?
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
✓
WAF, input validation, and security logging
Defense-in-depth at the web application layer requires overlapping controls: prevention (input validation), detection (WAF), and monitoring/response (security logging). Option A (SSL/TLS and VPN) provides encryption but does not prevent application-layer attacks. Option B (WAF and IDS) misses a preventive control like input validation. Option D (patching and scanning) addresses vulnerabilities but lacks real-time detection and response.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SSL/TLS encryption and VPN access
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on transmission security, not application-level.
- ✗
Web application firewall (WAF) and intrusion detection system (IDS)
Why it's wrong here
Lacks preventive controls like input validation.
- ✓
WAF, input validation, and security logging
Why this is correct
Combines prevention, detection, and monitoring.
- ✗
Regular patching and vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Primarily maintenance, not defense layers.
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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.