- A
Implementing multi-factor authentication when strong passwords cannot be enforced.
MFA compensates for weak password policies.
- B
Encrypting all data at rest.
Why wrong: Encryption is a primary control.
- C
Deploying a web application firewall (WAF) to protect against SQL injection.
Why wrong: WAF is a primary control, not compensating.
- D
Conducting quarterly vulnerability scans.
Why wrong: Scanning is a detective control, not compensating.
- E
Using network segmentation to isolate a legacy system that cannot be patched.
Segmentation compensates for the inability to patch.
Question 582 of 905
CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security programme. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 security architect is selecting controls for an e-commerce platform. Which TWO of the following are examples of compensating controls?
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
✓
Implementing multi-factor authentication when strong passwords cannot be enforced.
Compensating controls are alternative measures that provide equivalent protection when a primary control cannot be implemented. Multi-factor authentication can compensate for weak passwords, and enhanced monitoring can compensate for missing patch on legacy systems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implementing multi-factor authentication when strong passwords cannot be enforced.
Why this is correct
MFA compensates for weak password policies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Encrypting all data at rest.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is a primary control.
- ✗
Deploying a web application firewall (WAF) to protect against SQL injection.
Why it's wrong here
WAF is a primary control, not compensating.
- ✗
Conducting quarterly vulnerability scans.
Why it's wrong here
Scanning is a detective control, not compensating.
- ✓
Using network segmentation to isolate a legacy system that cannot be patched.
Why this is correct
Segmentation compensates for the inability to patch.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Information Security Programme — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Information Security Programme — This question tests Information Security Programme — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implementing multi-factor authentication when strong passwords cannot be enforced. — Compensating controls are alternative measures that provide equivalent protection when a primary control cannot be implemented. Multi-factor authentication can compensate for weak passwords, and enhanced monitoring can compensate for missing patch on legacy systems.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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