CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
An organization uses ISO 27001 Annex A as its control framework. During a risk assessment, a control weakness is identified that could lead to a high-impact data breach. However, implementing the recommended control is cost-prohibitive. Which approach BEST addresses this situation?
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
✓
Implement a compensating control that provides equivalent protection
Compensating controls provide an alternative means of mitigating risk when the primary control is not feasible.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Transfer the risk through cyber insurance
Why it's wrong here
Insurance does not reduce likelihood; it only financial.
- ✓
Implement a compensating control that provides equivalent protection
Why this is correct
Compensating controls address the risk differently but effectively.
- ✗
Reduce the risk rating to justify not implementing
Why it's wrong here
Manipulating risk rating is unethical.
- ✗
Accept the risk without further action
Why it's wrong here
Maybe acceptable but should be a last resort.
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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.