CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
An organization is developing an information security program for a new subsidiary. Which approach BEST ensures that the subsidiary's program complements the parent's?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose 'Perform a separate risk assessment' (Option C) because it seems like a logical first step, but the question asks for the approach that BEST ensures complementarity, and a risk assessment alone does not provide a unifying framework—ISO 27001 does.
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
✓
Adopt a recognized international standard such as ISO 27001
Adopting a recognized international standard such as ISO 27001 ensures that the subsidiary's information security program is built on a globally accepted framework, which inherently aligns with the parent's program through common controls, terminology, and audit criteria. This approach provides a structured, risk-based methodology that complements the parent's program without requiring exact replication, which may not fit the subsidiary's unique operational context. ISO 27001's Annex A controls and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle facilitate interoperability and consistent governance across entities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replicate the parent's policies exactly
Why it's wrong here
Exact replication may not address subsidiary-specific risks or culture.
- ✓
Adopt a recognized international standard such as ISO 27001
Why this is correct
A common standard facilitates interoperability and consistency across entities.
- ✗
Perform a separate risk assessment for the subsidiary
Why it's wrong here
A separate assessment does not inherently ensure alignment with the parent.
- ✗
Outsource security management to a third party
Why it's wrong here
Outsourcing may lead to inconsistent practices.
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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.