- A
Weekly vulnerability scans
Why wrong: Scans are detective, not preventive.
- B
Role-based access control (RBAC) with least privilege
Restricts access to authorized users only.
- C
Single sign-on (SSO) implementation
Why wrong: SSO improves user experience but is not a core defense-in-depth control.
- D
Encryption of data at rest
Why wrong: Important but more about data protection than defense-in-depth for the application layer.
- E
Input validation and sanitization
Essential to prevent injection attacks like SQLi.
Question 456 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 selecting controls for a new application. Which TWO controls are most important to include in a defense-in-depth strategy? (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
✓
Role-based access control (RBAC) with least privilege
Defense-in-depth requires multiple layers; input validation prevents injection attacks, and access control ensures least privilege.
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.
- ✗
Weekly vulnerability scans
Why it's wrong here
Scans are detective, not preventive.
- ✓
Role-based access control (RBAC) with least privilege
Why this is correct
Restricts access to authorized users only.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Single sign-on (SSO) implementation
Why it's wrong here
SSO improves user experience but is not a core defense-in-depth control.
- ✗
Encryption of data at rest
Why it's wrong here
Important but more about data protection than defense-in-depth for the application layer.
- ✓
Input validation and sanitization
Why this is correct
Essential to prevent injection attacks like SQLi.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Role-based access control (RBAC) with least privilege — Defense-in-depth requires multiple layers; input validation prevents injection attacks, and access control ensures least privilege.
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.
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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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