- A
Encrypting data at rest using AES-256
Why wrong: This is a preventive/deterrent control, not compensating.
- B
Installing a firewall at the network perimeter
Why wrong: This is a preventive control, not compensating.
- C
Requiring multi-factor authentication for remote access where strong passwords are not feasible
Multi-factor authentication compensates for the inability to enforce strong passwords.
- D
Conducting quarterly vulnerability scans
Why wrong: This is a detective control, not compensating.
Question 803 of 905
CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security programme. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 defense-in-depth strategy. Which of the following is the BEST example of a compensating 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
Option C is 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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Conducting quarterly vulnerability scans
Why it's wrong here
This is a detective control, not compensating.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Compensating controls are formally defined in standards like NIST SP 800-53 and PCI DSS, where they must be approved by the assessor and meet the same security objective as the original control. For example, if an organization cannot enforce complex passwords on legacy systems, deploying MFA with time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) per RFC 6238 can compensate by adding a second factor that is resistant to phishing and brute-force attacks. In practice, compensating controls often require documented justification, risk acceptance, and periodic review to ensure they remain effective.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Information Security Programme — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Information Security Programme practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CISM questions
905 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Information Security Manager CISM study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CISM practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CISM practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Information Security Program practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Program.
Incident Management practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Incident Management.
Information Security Programme practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Programme.
Information Security Governance practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Governance.
Information Security Risk Management practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to Information Security Risk Management.
CISM fundamentals practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to CISM fundamentals.
CISM scenario practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to CISM scenario.
CISM troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CISM questions linked to CISM troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CISM practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Information Security Programme — This question tests Information Security Programme — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Requiring multi-factor authentication for remote access where strong passwords are not feasible — Option C is 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.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.