The answer is that MDM is not configured to enforce encryption automatically. This is the most likely reason for the BYOD encryption enforcement gap because a policy requiring encryption is useless without technical controls to apply it; MDM can push encryption settings to devices, but if the policy lacks automated enforcement, users can simply skip the step. On the CISM exam, this tests your understanding that security policies must be paired with enforceable technical mechanisms—a common trap is assuming a written policy alone ensures compliance, when in reality, without MDM enforcement, devices remain unencrypted. Remember the mnemonic “Policy without enforcement is just a suggestion” to recall that automated controls, not just documentation, close compliance gaps.
CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security program. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
[Policy: BYOD]
Version: 2.0
Last Review: 2024-01-15
- Employees may connect personal devices to corporate network.
- Devices must be registered with MDM.
- All devices must have full disk encryption enabled
- Devices must run the latest OS version within 30 days of release.
- Containers for corporate data are required.
- Non-compliant devices will be blocked after 7 days grace period.
```
An auditor reviews the BYOD policy and notes that mobile device management (MDM) logs show several devices without encryption. The policy has been in effect for 6 months. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this non-compliance?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
[Policy: BYOD]
Version: 2.0
Last Review: 2024-01-15
- Employees may connect personal devices to corporate network.
- Devices must be registered with MDM.
- All devices must have full disk encryption enabled
- Devices must run the latest OS version within 30 days of release.
- Containers for corporate data are required.
- Non-compliant devices will be blocked after 7 days grace period.
```
A
The grace period allows non-compliance for 7 days
Why wrong: Grace period is for OS updates, not encryption.
B
Employees are unaware of the encryption requirement
Why wrong: Policy is documented; likely awareness exists.
C
The policy does not explicitly require encryption
Why wrong: The policy clearly requires full disk encryption.
D
MDM is not configured to enforce encryption automatically
Without automated enforcement, compliance is voluntary.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MDM is not configured to enforce encryption automatically
Option D is correct because the policy lacks automated enforcement of encryption; MDM can enforce encryption if the policy requires it, but the exhibit does not mention automated enforcement. Option A is wrong because there is a clear requirement for encryption. Option B is wrong because the grace period applies to OS updates, not encryption. Option C is wrong because encryption is explicitly required; the gap is in technical enforcement.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The grace period allows non-compliance for 7 days
Why it's wrong here
Grace period is for OS updates, not encryption.
✗
Employees are unaware of the encryption requirement
Why it's wrong here
Policy is documented; likely awareness exists.
✗
The policy does not explicitly require encryption
Why it's wrong here
The policy clearly requires full disk encryption.
✓
MDM is not configured to enforce encryption automatically
Why this is correct
Without automated enforcement, compliance is voluntary.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Information Security Program — This question tests Information Security Program — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: MDM is not configured to enforce encryption automatically — Option D is correct because the policy lacks automated enforcement of encryption; MDM can enforce encryption if the policy requires it, but the exhibit does not mention automated enforcement. Option A is wrong because there is a clear requirement for encryption. Option B is wrong because the grace period applies to OS updates, not encryption. Option C is wrong because encryption is explicitly required; the gap is in technical enforcement.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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