- A
Complete 100% of privileged access reviews quarterly
Access review completion is a leading indicator for IAM governance.
- B
Achieve zero critical vulnerabilities in external scans
Why wrong: This is a lagging outcome of vulnerability management.
- C
Reduce number of data breaches by 20%
Why wrong: This is a lagging indicator based on past incidents.
- D
Achieve 95% patch compliance within 30 days of release
Patch compliance is a leading indicator of vulnerability management effectiveness.
- E
Decrease mean time to detect (MTTD) to under 1 hour
Why wrong: MTTD is a lagging indicator of detection capability.
Question 716 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 security manager is developing OKRs for the security team. Which TWO key results are appropriate leading indicators? (Select TWO)
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
✓
Complete 100% of privileged access reviews quarterly
Leading indicators are proactive; patch compliance reflects current security posture, and access review completion indicates governance effectiveness.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Complete 100% of privileged access reviews quarterly
Why this is correct
Access review completion is a leading indicator for IAM governance.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Achieve zero critical vulnerabilities in external scans
Why it's wrong here
This is a lagging outcome of vulnerability management.
- ✗
Reduce number of data breaches by 20%
Why it's wrong here
This is a lagging indicator based on past incidents.
- ✓
Achieve 95% patch compliance within 30 days of release
Why this is correct
Patch compliance is a leading indicator of vulnerability management effectiveness.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Decrease mean time to detect (MTTD) to under 1 hour
Why it's wrong here
MTTD is a lagging indicator of detection capability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Information Security Programme — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Information Security Programme practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CISM questions
905 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Information Security Manager CISM study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CISM practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CISM practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Information Security Program practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Program.
Incident Management practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Incident Management.
Information Security Programme practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Programme.
Information Security Governance practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Governance.
Information Security Risk Management practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Risk Management.
CISM fundamentals practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to CISM fundamentals.
CISM scenario practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to CISM scenario.
CISM troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to CISM troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CISM practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Information Security Programme — This question tests Information Security Programme — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Complete 100% of privileged access reviews quarterly — Leading indicators are proactive; patch compliance reflects current security posture, and access review completion indicates governance effectiveness.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.