easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: An organization's security monitoring system…
An organization's security monitoring system detects multiple failed login attempts from an internal IP address to a critical database server. The attempts are occurring every few seconds. What is the FIRST step the incident response team should take?
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
✓
Verify whether the activity is legitimate.
The first step is to verify if the activity is legitimate or malicious to avoid false positives and understand the context.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Block the IP address at the firewall immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking without verification could disrupt legitimate access and does not address root cause.
- ✗
Disable the database server to prevent data breach.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the server is too drastic and may impact business operations.
- ✓
Verify whether the activity is legitimate.
Why this is correct
Verification prevents unnecessary actions and confirms the incident.
- ✗
Reset the password of the database service account.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting the password may stop attacks but does not identify the source or intent.
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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.