CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
A security manager is developing a new information security program for a mid-sized company. Which of the following should be the FIRST step?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the logical sequence by thinking 'policies come first' (Option D) because policies seem foundational, but CISM emphasizes that risk assessment must precede policy development to ensure policies are risk-driven and not just compliance checklists.
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 risk assessment
Conducting a risk assessment is the foundational first step in developing an information security program because it identifies and prioritizes the specific threats, vulnerabilities, and business impacts that the program must address. Without a risk assessment, any subsequent policies, controls, or tools would be based on assumptions rather than the organization's actual risk profile, leading to misallocated resources and ineffective security. This aligns with the CISM framework, which emphasizes that risk management drives the entire security program lifecycle.
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 technical controls
Why it's wrong here
Implementing controls without risk assessment may lead to misaligned or inadequate controls.
- ✓
Conduct a risk assessment
Why this is correct
A risk assessment identifies threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts, guiding the security program's priorities.
- ✗
Purchase security tools
Why it's wrong here
Purchasing tools without risk assessment may result in inefficient spending and gaps.
- ✗
Develop security policies
Why it's wrong here
Policies should be informed by risk assessment outcomes.
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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.