- A
Implement all controls from the chosen framework simultaneously
Why wrong: This approach is resource-intensive and may not be feasible or risk-prioritized.
- B
Implement compensating controls only for legacy systems
Why wrong: Compensating controls are a secondary option and should not be the primary strategy.
- C
Prioritize critical controls that address high-risk areas and enable business operations
This risk-based approach ensures resources are focused on the most impactful controls.
- D
Select controls based on regulatory compliance requirements only
Why wrong: Compliance is important but may not address the organization's unique risk profile.
Question 702 of 905
CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security programme. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CISM OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Information Security Programme — This question tests Information Security Programme — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CISM OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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