- A
Configuration management
Why wrong: Configuration management is proactive, not a compensating control for unpatched vulnerabilities.
- B
Intrusion detection system (IDS)
Why wrong: IDS detects but does not prevent exploitation; it is detective, not compensating.
- C
Network segmentation
Segmenting the vulnerable application restricts access and reduces risk while patching is delayed.
- D
Vulnerability scanning
Why wrong: Scanning identifies vulnerabilities but does not mitigate them.
Question 603 of 905
CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security programme. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
In a defence-in-depth strategy, which control is considered a compensating control when a critical application cannot be patched immediately due to operational constraints?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
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
✓
Network segmentation
Compensating controls provide alternative protection when a primary control cannot be applied. Network segmentation limits the blast radius and reduces the attack surface until patching can occur.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configuration management
Why it's wrong here
Configuration management is proactive, not a compensating control for unpatched vulnerabilities.
- ✗
Intrusion detection system (IDS)
Why it's wrong here
IDS detects but does not prevent exploitation; it is detective, not compensating.
- ✓
Network segmentation
Why this is correct
Segmenting the vulnerable application restricts access and reduces risk while patching is delayed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Scanning identifies vulnerabilities but does not mitigate them.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Information Security Programme — This question tests Information Security Programme — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Network segmentation — Compensating controls provide alternative protection when a primary control cannot be applied. Network segmentation limits the blast radius and reduces the attack surface until patching can occur.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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