CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An organization is implementing a defense-in-depth strategy. Which of the following control combinations BEST exemplifies this principle?
⚠ Common exam trap
CISM often tests the definition of defense in depth; candidates may pick a single strong control (e.g., firewall) or multiple controls of the same type (e.g., locks and CCTV) instead of recognizing the need for diverse, layered controls across different domains.
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
✓
Network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and full-disk encryption
Defense in depth requires multiple, layered controls across different domains so that if one fails, others still protect the asset. Network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and full-disk encryption represent layers across network, monitoring, and data-at-rest controls, covering different attack vectors. This combination exemplifies the principle by providing preventive, detective, and protective controls that complement each other.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A single firewall with access control lists
Why it's wrong here
A single firewall with ACLs is one control at one layer, so a bypass or misconfiguration exposes everything behind it. Layered, independent controls across administrative, technical and physical domains are required. A lone perimeter device would suit a low-risk, single-segment network where no compensating controls exist.
- ✗
Antivirus software on all endpoints
Why it's wrong here
Endpoint antivirus alone covers one host layer, leaving network, physical and administrative gaps that defence in depth requires. The principle demands overlapping controls at multiple layers so no single failure exposes the asset. Antivirus is the right answer when the question asks specifically about malware detection on workstations.
- ✗
Physical locks on server room doors and CCTV
Why it's wrong here
Locks and CCTV are both physical controls, so they sit at the same layer and fail together against a logical or insider threat. Defence in depth needs independent controls spanning administrative, technical and physical domains. This pairing is correct when the requirement is specifically physical perimeter protection for a data centre.
- ✓
Network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and full-disk encryption
Why this is correct
These controls operate at distinct layers: segmentation limits lateral movement, intrusion detection monitors network activity, and full-disk encryption protects data at rest. Layered, independent controls across network and endpoint satisfy defence in depth, so one failure does not expose the asset.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 924 original CISM practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.