easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: An information security manager is developing a…
An information security manager is developing a security scorecard for the board. Which of the following should be included to BEST demonstrate governance performance?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates mistake operational metrics (incidents, patching, training) for governance indicators, but CISM emphasizes that governance performance is measured by how well the board oversees risk decisions, not by the efficiency of security operations.
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
✓
Number of risk acceptances approved vs. rejected
The number of risk acceptances approved vs. rejected directly reflects the board's governance of risk appetite and decision-making. It shows how management formally accepts residual risk, which is a key governance function, unlike operational metrics that measure tactical execution.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Total number of security incidents this quarter
Why it's wrong here
Outcome metric, not governance.
- ✗
Percentage of systems patched within 30 days
Why it's wrong here
Operational metric.
- ✗
Employee security training completion rate
Why it's wrong here
Awareness metric.
- ✓
Number of risk acceptances approved vs. rejected
Why this is correct
Directly reflects governance and risk appetite.
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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.