CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An organization is implementing a defense-in-depth strategy. Which of the following is the BEST example of a compensating control?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse compensating controls with preventive or detective controls, mistakenly selecting a strong security measure like encryption or firewalls instead of recognizing that a compensating control specifically addresses a limitation or infeasibility of a primary control.
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
✓
Requiring multi-factor authentication for remote access where strong passwords are not feasible
The best example of a compensating control because it provides an alternative security measure (multi-factor authentication) to mitigate the risk of weak or infeasible strong passwords for remote access. Compensating controls are implemented when a primary control cannot be applied due to technical or operational constraints, and they must achieve an equivalent or greater level of security. In this scenario, MFA compensates for the lack of password strength by requiring an additional authentication factor, such as a one-time passcode (OTP) or biometric, thereby reducing the likelihood of credential compromise.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Encrypting data at rest using AES-256
Why it's wrong here
This is a preventive/deterrent control, not compensating.
- ✗
Installing a firewall at the network perimeter
Why it's wrong here
This is a preventive control, not compensating.
- ✓
Requiring multi-factor authentication for remote access where strong passwords are not feasible
Why this is correct
Multi-factor authentication compensates for the inability to enforce strong passwords.
- ✗
Conducting quarterly vulnerability scans
Why it's wrong here
This is a detective control, not compensating.
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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.