CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An organization is implementing a security champions program. Which of the following is the primary benefit of such a program?
⚠ Common exam trap
CISM often tests the misconception that security champions can replace security teams or awareness training; the correct answer emphasizes embedding expertise, not reducing headcount.
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
✓
Embedding security expertise within development teams
A security champions program embeds security expertise within development teams by designating individuals who act as liaisons between the security team and developers. This fosters a security culture, enables early identification of security issues, and reduces the bottleneck of a centralized security team. The primary benefit is scaling security knowledge across the organization.
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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Providing 24/7 security monitoring
Why it's wrong here
Security champions are embedded staff who extend awareness and secure development practise within their teams; continuous monitoring is delivered by a SOC with on-call rotas. It would be the primary benefit if the objective were round-the-clock detection and response coverage.
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Eliminating the need for security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Awareness training remains mandatory regardless of champions, who supplement rather than replace it; champions extend reach into teams by embedding security advocates who surface risks early. Elimination is tempting because champions do raise baseline awareness, but they cannot deliver the formal, auditable training compliance regimes demand.
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Reducing the need for a dedicated security team
Why it's wrong here
Champions distribute security responsibility into delivery teams but do not remove the need for central security specialists who set policy, run investigations and own risk decisions. Reducing headcount is tempting because champions absorb some triage and review work, yet governance and incident response still require dedicated expertise.
- ✓
Embedding security expertise within development teams
Why this is correct
Security champions are developers who receive security training and act as the first point of contact within their own teams, embedding expertise where code is written. This satisfies the stem's primary benefit by scaling security knowledge without adding dedicated security headcount to every team.
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About these practice questions
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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.