The correct answer is to provide training on the importance of MFA, as this directly addresses user resistance by shifting their perspective from inconvenience to security necessity. When users understand that multi-factor authentication protects against credential theft and unauthorized access, their compliance improves without compromising security posture. On the CISM exam, this scenario tests your grasp of the human element in governance—specifically, that security awareness and training are foundational controls before escalating to enforcement or exceptions. A common trap is choosing to disable MFA temporarily or grant exemptions, which violates the principle of protecting assets at all times. Remember the memory tip: “Train before you restrain”—education always precedes punitive or technical workarounds when handling MFA user resistance.
CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security program. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization has implemented a new security policy requiring multi-factor authentication for all remote access. Several users complain about the inconvenience. What is the BEST course of action for the security manager?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Provide training on the importance of MFA
Option B is correct because training helps users understand the importance and reduces resistance. Option A is too drastic initially. Option C undermines security. Option D delays necessary protection.
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.
✗
Allow exceptions for senior executives
Why it's wrong here
Exceptions create security gaps and set a bad precedent.
✗
Delay implementation until user acceptance improves
Why it's wrong here
Delaying exposes the organization to risk; training is a proactive solution.
✗
Revoke remote access for non-compliant users
Why it's wrong here
Revoking access without education may disrupt operations and cause resentment.
✓
Provide training on the importance of MFA
Why this is correct
Training addresses the root cause of complaints—lack of understanding—and promotes compliance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" 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: Provide training on the importance of MFA — Option B is correct because training helps users understand the importance and reduces resistance. Option A is too drastic initially. Option C undermines security. Option D delays necessary protection.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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