CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An information security manager is developing a security scorecard for the board. Which combination of metrics BEST provides a balanced view of security program effectiveness?
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 security incidents and percentage of systems with critical patches applied within SLA
Leading indicators (patch compliance) predict future performance, while lagging indicators (breach count) measure past outcomes. Both are needed for balance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Number of security incidents and percentage of systems with critical patches applied within SLA
Why this is correct
Incidents is a lagging indicator; patch compliance is a leading indicator, providing a balanced view.
- ✗
Percentage of employees who completed security awareness training and number of reported phishing emails
Why it's wrong here
Both are leading indicators; no lagging indicators.
- ✗
Number of security incidents and mean time to detect (MTTD)
Why it's wrong here
Both are lagging indicators; no leading indicators provided.
- ✗
Phishing click rate and percentage of systems with critical patches applied within SLA
Why it's wrong here
Both are leading indicators; no lagging indicators.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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