easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: Given the exhibit, what is the MOST significant…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` NETWORK ARCHITECTURE DESCRIPTION - Internet edge: Firewall cluster (active-active) with IPS - DMZ: Web servers, external-facing applications - Internal network segregated into VLANs by business unit - Management network for system administrators - Security Operations Center (SOC) monitors all traffic - Remote access via VPN with multi-factor authentication - Data centers: Tier 3 physical security and environmental controls ```
Given the exhibit, what is the MOST significant governance gap in the described architecture?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse operational security gaps (like weak authentication or missing IDS) with governance gaps, failing to recognize that the absence of a formal oversight body undermines all other security controls at a strategic level.
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
✓
No defined security governance board or oversight mechanism
The exhibit describes a cloud-based architecture with multiple business units and third-party integrations, but no centralized security governance board or oversight mechanism is mentioned. Without a governance body to define, approve, and enforce security policies, the organization lacks strategic direction, accountability, and risk management alignment, making this the most significant gap in the Information Security Governance domain.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Weak authentication for remote access
Why it's wrong here
MFA is implemented.
- ✓
No defined security governance board or oversight mechanism
Why this is correct
Architecture lacks governance structure; roles and accountabilities not defined.
- ✗
Insufficient physical security in data centers
Why it's wrong here
Tier 3 physical security is robust.
- ✗
Lack of intrusion detection for internal traffic
Why it's wrong here
IPS at edge and SOC monitoring provide detection.
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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.