The correct classification is a brute-force attack because the exhibit shows multiple failed login attempts from the same IP address targeting numerous user accounts within a short time window, which is the classic signature of an automated password-guessing campaign. This pattern directly aligns with the technical definition of a brute-force attack, where an attacker systematically tries common passwords or credential combinations against many accounts to gain unauthorized access. On the CISM exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish incident types by their indicators—denial-of-service attacks would instead flood resources to disrupt availability, while malware or insider threats typically involve unusual data transfers or privilege escalations. A common trap is confusing repeated failures with a DoS, but remember that brute-force attacks focus on authentication, not availability. Memory tip: think “many users, one IP, rapid failures” as your triage trigger for brute-force classification.
CISM Incident Management Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Alert: 'Elevated number of failed logins from IP 10.0.0.5 to multiple user accounts on Domain Controller.'
Time: 2025-03-01 14:23:45
Additional details: 50 failed attempts in 30 seconds.
Given the exhibit, what is the most likely classification of this incident?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
Alert: 'Elevated number of failed logins from IP 10.0.0.5 to multiple user accounts on Domain Controller.'
Time: 2025-03-01 14:23:45
Additional details: 50 failed attempts in 30 seconds.
A
Malware infection
Why wrong: Incorrect: No indication of malware.
B
Denial of service
Why wrong: Incorrect: DoS would target service availability, not auth attempts.
C
Brute-force attack
Correct: Typical pattern of brute-force password guessing.
D
Insider threat
Why wrong: Incorrect: No evidence of insider activity.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Brute-force attack
Option A is correct because multiple failed logins from the same IP to multiple accounts in a short period indicates a brute-force attack. DoS would target availability; malware and insider threats have different indicators.
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.
✗
Malware infection
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: No indication of malware.
✗
Denial of service
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: DoS would target service availability, not auth attempts.
✓
Brute-force attack
Why this is correct
Correct: Typical pattern of brute-force password guessing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Insider threat
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: No evidence of insider activity.
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.
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute-force attack — Option A is correct because multiple failed logins from the same IP to multiple accounts in a short period indicates a brute-force attack. DoS would target availability; malware and insider threats have different indicators.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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