CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
A security manager needs to justify an increase in the security budget to the board. The current budget is 0.15% of revenue. Which approach would most effectively demonstrate the need for additional funding?
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
✓
Show that the budget is below the industry benchmark of 0.2-0.5% of revenue and detail the risks of underfunding.
Benchmarking against industry standards (0.2-0.5% of revenue) and showing the gap provides a compelling case.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Compare the budget to last year's spending and note the increase in threats.
Why it's wrong here
This lacks objective benchmarks and may not convince the board.
- ✗
Present a cost-benefit analysis showing how additional investment reduces breach probability and potential loss.
Why it's wrong here
While useful, this is more effective after establishing the need for a baseline budget.
- ✗
Highlight recent high-profile breaches in the industry.
Why it's wrong here
Fear-based arguments without context may not be effective for budget decisions.
- ✓
Show that the budget is below the industry benchmark of 0.2-0.5% of revenue and detail the risks of underfunding.
Why this is correct
Using industry benchmarks and risk implications provides a clear, objective justification.
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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.