- A
Implementing strict access control lists (ACLs)
Why wrong: Access control limits who can access data but does not protect it if accessed.
- B
Implementing data loss prevention (DLP) solutions
Why wrong: DLP monitors data in motion, not primarily at rest.
- C
Encrypting sensitive data stored in databases and file shares
Encryption directly protects data at rest.
- D
Conducting regular vulnerability scans on servers
Why wrong: Vulnerability scans identify weaknesses but do not protect data directly.
Question 800 of 905
CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security programme. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 is implementing a data security program. Which of the following is the most effective approach to protect sensitive data at rest?
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
✓
Encrypting sensitive data stored in databases and file shares
Encryption is a fundamental control for protecting data at rest. While DLP and access controls are important, encryption provides direct confidentiality protection.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implementing strict access control lists (ACLs)
Why it's wrong here
Access control limits who can access data but does not protect it if accessed.
- ✗
Implementing data loss prevention (DLP) solutions
Why it's wrong here
DLP monitors data in motion, not primarily at rest.
- ✓
Encrypting sensitive data stored in databases and file shares
Why this is correct
Encryption directly protects data at rest.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Conducting regular vulnerability scans on servers
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scans identify weaknesses but do not protect data directly.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CISM ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Information Security Programme — This question tests Information Security Programme — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Encrypting sensitive data stored in databases and file shares — Encryption is a fundamental control for protecting data at rest. While DLP and access controls are important, encryption provides direct confidentiality protection.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CISM ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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