CISM Key components of risk mgmt Practice Question
Which of the following are key components of an information security risk management program? (Select TWO)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISACA often tests the distinction between program-level components (risk assessment, risk treatment) and operational activities (vulnerability scanning, incident response) to see if candidates understand that the risk management program is a strategic, governance framework, not a list of technical tasks.
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
✓
Risk assessment
Risk assessment is a core component of an information security risk management program because it systematically identifies, analyzes, and evaluates risks to information assets. It provides the foundational understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts necessary for informed decision-making. Without a formal risk assessment, the program lacks the data needed to prioritize and justify security investments.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is a tool used within risk assessment, not a component of the program itself.
- ✗
Incident response
Why it's wrong here
Incident response is a separate process, not a component of risk management.
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.
✓Risk assessmentCorrect answer▾
✗Vulnerability scanningWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is a tool used within risk assessment, not a component of the program itself.
✗Incident responseWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Incident response is a separate process, not a component of risk management.
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.