CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
An organization wants to ensure its information security program is aligned with business objectives. Which of the following is the BEST approach?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose a technical or operational control (like vulnerability scans or incident response) because they seem directly related to security, but CISM emphasizes that strategic alignment with business objectives requires governance-level involvement, not just technical activities.
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
✓
Involve business stakeholders in the security steering committee
Involving business stakeholders in the security steering committee ensures that security initiatives are directly aligned with business objectives, as stakeholders provide input on risk tolerance, regulatory requirements, and strategic goals. This collaborative governance model allows the security program to prioritize resources and controls based on business impact, rather than operating in isolation. It is the most effective approach because it integrates security decision-making with business planning, which is a core principle of the CISM framework.
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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Implement a security incident response plan
Why it's wrong here
An incident response plan governs containment and recovery once a breach occurs; it does not connect security priorities to business objectives. It would be correct where the requirement is defined escalation, communication and forensic procedures, but alignment demands governance structures that translate business strategy into security direction.
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Perform regular vulnerability scans
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scans identify technical weaknesses on assets; they produce no linkage between security spending and business goals. Scanning is the right choice when the objective is detecting unpatched software or misconfigurations across an estate, not demonstrating strategic alignment, which requires governance and risk reporting to leadership.
- ✓
Involve business stakeholders in the security steering committee
Why this is correct
A security steering committee containing business stakeholders aligns the information security programme with business objectives by giving business owners direct governance input into risk decisions, priorities and funding. This satisfies the stem's alignment goal, unlike purely technical measures that lack business representation and accountability.
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Conduct annual security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Annual awareness training changes employee behaviour and reduces human error; it does not align the programme with business objectives. Training is correct when phishing susceptibility or policy compliance is the gap, whereas alignment requires steering from senior management that ties security investment to organisational strategy and risk appetite.
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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.