CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
A global financial services firm has a mature information security program. The CISO wants to ensure that the program's strategic objectives remain aligned with changing business goals, such as a new push into mobile banking. Which of the following is the MOST effective way to achieve this alignment?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse tactical security activities, such as penetration testing or policy updates, with strategic alignment mechanisms that require business engagement.
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
✓
Establish a security steering committee that includes business unit leaders to review and adjust security strategy regularly.
The most effective way to align the security program with changing business goals is to establish a governance structure that includes business stakeholders. A security steering committee facilitates ongoing communication and ensures that security strategy is adjusted in response to business shifts. This proactive approach is central to CISM's focus on aligning security with organizational objectives.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase the security awareness training budget for all employees.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing awareness training is a valuable control to reduce human risk, but it does not directly align the security program with business strategy. It addresses a specific risk area rather than ensuring that the overall security direction supports new business initiatives like mobile banking. Alignment requires strategic oversight, not just tactical training.
- ✗
Update the information security policy to include mobile banking security requirements.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the policy is important for setting requirements, but it is a documentation exercise. It does not ensure ongoing strategic alignment or business involvement. Policies are typically updated after strategic decisions are made; they are not the primary driver for aligning security with evolving business objectives. A more dynamic governance approach is needed.
- ✓
Establish a security steering committee that includes business unit leaders to review and adjust security strategy regularly.
Why this is correct
A security steering committee with business representation ensures that security strategy is continuously aligned with business objectives. It provides a forum for discussing business changes and their security implications, enabling proactive adjustments. This approach is a key governance mechanism in CISM for maintaining alignment between information security and organizational goals, especially in dynamic environments like mobile banking expansion.
- ✗
Conduct an annual penetration test on all mobile banking applications.
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing is a tactical control to identify vulnerabilities, not a strategic alignment mechanism. While useful for mobile banking security, it does not ensure that the overall security program adapts to changing business goals. It addresses technical weaknesses after they are introduced, rather than proactively aligning security strategy with business direction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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.