CISM Information Security Risk Management Practice Question
During a risk assessment, the risk team identifies that a key vendor has access to sensitive data. The vendor's security posture is unclear. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose D, thinking a certification is a definitive proof of security, but CISM emphasizes that certifications are only one piece of evidence and must be supplemented with a current, context-specific risk assessment.
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
✓
Conduct a third-party risk assessment
When a vendor's security posture is unclear and they have access to sensitive data, the best course of action is to conduct a third-party risk assessment. This assessment evaluates the vendor's security controls, compliance with standards (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2), and contractual obligations before making any decisions. It provides the necessary evidence to determine if the risk is acceptable or requires mitigation, rather than acting on assumptions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ignore the risk because the vendor is known
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring is not a risk management practice.
- ✗
Terminate the vendor relationship immediately
Why it's wrong here
Termination may cause business disruption without understanding risk.
- ✓
Conduct a third-party risk assessment
Why this is correct
A formal assessment evaluates the vendor's security controls.
- ✗
Request the vendor's latest security certification
Why it's wrong here
Certification may not cover all risks and can be outdated.
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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.