CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An organization is implementing a security controls framework and must decide on prioritization. According to defense-in-depth principles, which approach should be taken first?
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
✓
Prioritize critical controls that address the most significant risks
Defense-in-depth starts with critical controls that protect against the most likely threats, often following frameworks like CIS Critical Controls, which prioritize foundational controls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Select all controls from NIST SP 800-53 without prioritization
Why it's wrong here
Implementation must be prioritized to manage resources effectively.
- ✗
Deploy business-enabling controls that support operations
Why it's wrong here
Business-enabling controls are important but not the first priority.
- ✗
Implement compensating controls to address gaps in existing controls
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls are secondary, not primary.
- ✓
Prioritize critical controls that address the most significant risks
Why this is correct
Critical controls form the foundation of defense-in-depth.
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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.