CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A large organization is implementing a security controls framework and wants to prioritize controls that provide the greatest risk reduction with the least operational friction. Which approach should the security manager adopt?
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
✓
Prioritize critical controls that address high-risk areas and enable business operations
Prioritizing critical controls first, especially those that address the most significant risks and are business-enabling, aligns with defense-in-depth and risk-based decision making.
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 all controls from the chosen framework simultaneously
Why it's wrong here
This approach is resource-intensive and may not be feasible or risk-prioritized.
- ✗
Implement compensating controls only for legacy systems
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls are a secondary option and should not be the primary strategy.
- ✓
Prioritize critical controls that address high-risk areas and enable business operations
Why this is correct
This risk-based approach ensures resources are focused on the most impactful controls.
- ✗
Select controls based on regulatory compliance requirements only
Why it's wrong here
Compliance is important but may not address the organization's unique risk profile.
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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.