CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An organization is implementing a data security program. Which of the following is the most effective approach to protect sensitive data at rest?
⚠ Common exam trap
CISM often tests the difference between access control and encryption — candidates pick ACLs because they sound like a direct protection, but ACLs fail if the storage medium itself is compromised, whereas encryption protects the data regardless of access path.
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 of sensitive data at rest ensures that even if storage media or backups are compromised, the data remains unreadable without the decryption keys. It directly addresses the confidentiality of data at rest, which is the core objective of a data security program. ACLs, DLP, and vulnerability scans address access, movement, and exposure but not the cryptographic protection of stored data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Implementing strict access control lists (ACLs)
Why it's wrong here
ACLs govern who may access data, not the data itself, so a stolen disk or bypassed host still exposes plaintext. ACLs are tempting because they are a core access control, and they would be correct for restricting who can reach data in use or in transit.
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Implementing data loss prevention (DLP) solutions
Why it's wrong here
DLP inspects data in motion and in use, monitoring egress channels such as email and endpoints; it does not encrypt stored objects, so data at rest remains readable if storage is compromised. It is tempting because DLP genuinely protects against exfiltration, and would be correct where the requirement is preventing sensitive data leaving the organisation.
- ✓
Encrypting sensitive data stored in databases and file shares
Why this is correct
Encryption at rest renders data unreadable without the appropriate keys, protecting confidentiality even if storage media, backups or database files are exfiltrated or stolen. Applying it to databases and file shares directly addresses the at-rest constraint.
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Conducting regular vulnerability scans on servers
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scans identify weaknesses in systems hosting the data; they do not render stored data unreadable if media or backups are exfiltrated. Scanning is tempting because it is a standard security control, and it would be correct for finding unpatched software exposures rather than protecting data at rest.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
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.