CISM Information Security Governance Practice Question
An organization has a decentralized governance model where each business unit manages its own security team. The CISO reports to the CIO. Which of the following is the GREATEST risk associated with this structure?
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
✓
Inconsistent enforcement of security policies across business units
In a decentralized model, inconsistent security practices across business units can lead to gaps in protection and difficulty in enforcing enterprise-wide standards.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Difficulty in achieving economies of scale for security operations
Why it's wrong here
This is a financial efficiency issue, not the primary risk to security posture.
- ✗
Lack of skilled security personnel in some business units
Why it's wrong here
While this can occur, it is a symptom of the decentralized model rather than the greatest risk; inconsistency in policy enforcement is broader.
- ✗
Increased cost due to duplication of security tools
Why it's wrong here
While cost duplication is a concern, the greatest risk is inconsistent enforcement of security policies, which can leave the organization vulnerable.
- ✓
Inconsistent enforcement of security policies across business units
Why this is correct
Decentralized structures often lead to varying levels of security maturity and policy adherence, creating gaps that attackers can exploit.
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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.