The answer is that the primary gap is a policy that exists but is not enforced technically. This is correct because a risk register entry showing a policy as the sole control, without technical enforcement mechanisms like automated blocking or monitoring, leaves the risk unmitigated—the policy is merely a paper tiger. On the Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify control gaps from risk register entries by distinguishing between administrative directives and enforceable technical safeguards. A common trap is assuming any documented control is sufficient, when in reality the gap lies in the lack of technical enforcement. For memory, think “policy without teeth is a gap”—if the control doesn’t prevent or detect the risk automatically, it’s incomplete.
CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security program. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Risk Register Entry:
ID: RR-102
Risk: Data loss from unencrypted laptops
Current Controls: Full disk encryption policy (not enforced)
Likelihood: 3 (Medium)
Impact: 5 (Very High)
Risk Score: 15
Proposed Control: Enforce encryption via MDM
Residual Risk after control: 3 (Low)
```
Based on the risk register entry, what is the primary gap in the current controls?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Risk Register Entry:
ID: RR-102
Risk: Data loss from unencrypted laptops
Current Controls: Full disk encryption policy (not enforced)
Likelihood: 3 (Medium)
Impact: 5 (Very High)
Risk Score: 15
Proposed Control: Enforce encryption via MDM
Residual Risk after control: 3 (Low)
```
A
The policy exists but is not enforced technically
Policy without enforcement is ineffective.
B
MDM is not a suitable control
Why wrong: MDM can enforce encryption effectively.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy exists but is not enforced technically
Option D is correct because the current control is a policy without enforcement, leaving the risk unmitigated. Option A is wrong because the risk score is 15, not low. Option B is wrong as likelihood is medium, not low. Option C is wrong because MDM is proposed but not implemented.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The policy exists but is not enforced technically
Why this is correct
Policy without enforcement is ineffective.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
MDM is not a suitable control
Why it's wrong here
MDM can enforce encryption effectively.
✗
The risk score is too low to require action
Why it's wrong here
Score of 15 is high.
✗
The likelihood of occurrence is low
Why it's wrong here
Likelihood is medium.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Information Security Program — This question tests Information Security Program — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy exists but is not enforced technically — Option D is correct because the current control is a policy without enforcement, leaving the risk unmitigated. Option A is wrong because the risk score is 15, not low. Option B is wrong as likelihood is medium, not low. Option C is wrong because MDM is proposed but not implemented.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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