CISM Incident Management Practice Question
An organization has experienced a ransomware attack that encrypted critical servers. The incident has been classified as P1. Which of the following is the FIRST action the incident response team should take according to the IR plan?
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
✓
Contain the incident by isolating affected systems from the network.
For a P1 incident, the IR plan dictates immediate containment to prevent further spread, followed by notification to the executive sponsor and activation of the crisis management team.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Perform root cause analysis to determine how the ransomware entered.
Why it's wrong here
Root cause analysis occurs after containment and eradication.
- ✗
Begin forensic imaging of all affected servers for evidence preservation.
Why it's wrong here
Forensic imaging is important but containment takes precedence.
- ✗
Notify the CEO and activate the crisis management team.
Why it's wrong here
While notification is important, the first priority is containment to limit damage.
- ✓
Contain the incident by isolating affected systems from the network.
Why this is correct
Containment is the immediate priority to stop the spread of ransomware.
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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.