CISM Key components of ISRM Practice Question
Which of the following are key components of an Information Security Risk Management program? (Select TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse operational security activities (like vulnerability scanning or internal audits) with the strategic components of a risk management program, which are the framework and the risk assessment/treatment cycle.
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
✓
Establishing a risk management framework
A is correct because establishing a risk management framework is the foundational component of an Information Security Risk Management program. It defines the policies, procedures, and governance structure for identifying, assessing, and treating risks, aligning with standards like ISO 31000 or NIST SP 800-39. Without a framework, risk management activities lack consistency and accountability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Conducting vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is a technical control, not a program component.
- ✗
Performing internal audits
Why it's wrong here
Audit is independent assurance, not part of the risk management program itself.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The CISM exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Establishing a risk management frameworkCorrect answer▾
✗Conducting vulnerability scanningWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is a technical control, not a program component.
✗Performing internal auditsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Audit is independent assurance, not part of the risk management program itself.
Analysis generated from the official CISMblueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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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.