CISM Information Security Governance Practice Question
In which reporting model does the CISO have a direct reporting line to the CEO while also reporting to the CIO on operational matters?
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
✓
Solid line to CEO, dotted line to CIO
A dotted line reporting to the CIO and solid line to the CEO gives the CISO strategic authority while maintaining operational alignment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Solid line to CEO, dotted line to CIO
Why this is correct
This structure balances strategic and operational reporting.
- ✗
Solid line to CIO, dotted line to CEO
Why it's wrong here
This subordinates the CISO to the CIO.
- ✗
Dotted line to both CEO and CIO
Why it's wrong here
Unclear primary accountability.
- ✗
Solid line to both CEO and CIO
Why it's wrong here
Dual solid lines can cause conflicts.
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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.