CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A security manager is defining the organization's information security strategy in alignment with business objectives. The organization operates in a highly regulated industry with strict data protection requirements. Which of the following should be the FIRST step in this process?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that implementing a specific control or program, such as awareness training or a firewall, is the first step, when strategy must begin with risk assessment.
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
✓
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and prioritize risks.
The first step in developing an information security strategy is to understand the organization's risk profile through a comprehensive risk assessment. This ensures that the strategy is aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Other activities, such as training and technology deployment, should be based on identified risks and strategic priorities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Purchase and deploy a next-generation firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Deploying a specific technology before defining strategy is a solution-first approach that may not align with business needs or risk priorities. It ignores the need for a holistic understanding of the environment and regulatory obligations. Technology selection should be driven by risk assessment and strategic goals.
- ✓
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and prioritize risks.
Why this is correct
A risk assessment is foundational to aligning security strategy with business objectives; it identifies threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts, enabling prioritization of controls and resources. In a regulated industry, understanding compliance risks is critical before defining strategy. This step ensures that subsequent decisions are risk-based and support business goals, which is a core CISM principle.
- ✗
Develop a business continuity plan (BCP).
Why it's wrong here
A BCP is a critical component of an overall security program, but it is not the initial step in strategy definition. It focuses on resilience and recovery, which are downstream from risk assessment and strategic alignment. Starting with BCP could lead to misalignment with broader security objectives and regulatory drivers.
- ✗
Implement a security awareness training program for all employees.
Why it's wrong here
Awareness training is an important control but is not the first step in strategy development. Without understanding the risk landscape, training may not address the most critical threats or regulatory requirements. It is a tactical activity that should follow strategic planning and risk assessment, not precede it.
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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.