CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
An organization's information security program is being developed. The CISO needs to ensure that the program's objectives are aligned with the organization's strategic goals. Which of the following is the BEST source of input for defining the security program's objectives?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is selecting compliance requirements or best practices as the primary driver, forgetting that the security program must first serve the business strategy.
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
✓
The organization's business strategy and objectives.
The organization's business strategy and objectives are the best source of input. The security program must be aligned with the business to ensure it supports and enables the achievement of strategic goals. This alignment ensures that security investments are justified and prioritized based on business risk and value.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The results of the most recent vulnerability assessment.
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability assessment results are tactical and address specific technical weaknesses. They inform risk management but do not define the overall strategic objectives of the security program. The program's objectives should be derived from the business strategy, with technical assessments used to implement and measure controls.
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Regulatory compliance requirements applicable to the industry.
Why it's wrong here
Compliance is a necessary component, but it is not the sole driver. Meeting regulations is a baseline; the security program should also address risks that may not be covered by regulations. Focusing only on compliance can lead to a check-the-box approach that misses critical business risks.
- ✓
The organization's business strategy and objectives.
Why this is correct
The security program exists to support the organization's mission and business objectives. Therefore, the business strategy is the primary input for defining security objectives. This ensures that security efforts are prioritized based on business impact and risk, and that they enable rather than hinder business goals.
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Industry best practices and standards such as ISO 27001.
Why it's wrong here
Best practices and standards provide valuable guidance, but they are not tailored to the specific strategic goals of the organization. They should be used as a reference, not as the primary driver for objectives. The security program must support the business strategy, so the business strategy should be the main input.
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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.