The answer is to perform a gap analysis against the requirements and prioritize remediation. This is the best approach because merging security programs after a merger gap analysis directly identifies where controls are missing or insufficient relative to compliance mandates like PCI DSS and GDPR, allowing the CISO to focus resources on the highest-risk gaps rather than adopting an arbitrary standard. On the CISM exam, this question tests your understanding of governance integration and risk-based decision-making during post-merger harmonization; a common trap is choosing to adopt the higher maturity program wholesale, which wastes budget on unnecessary controls, or building a new framework from scratch, which ignores existing investments. Remember the memory tip: “Gap first, then fix—don’t guess or mix.”
CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security program. 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.
During a merger, two companies with different information security programs are being integrated. The combined entity must maintain compliance with PCI DSS and GDPR. The CISO is concerned about gaps in coverage due to differing maturity levels. Which of the following is the BEST approach to harmonize the programs?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Perform a gap analysis against the requirements and prioritize remediation.
Option D is correct because a gap analysis identifies where controls are missing or insufficient, allowing for a prioritized remediation plan. Option A is wrong because adopting the higher standard may be unnecessary and costly. Option B is wrong because merging without analysis could introduce risks. Option C is wrong because a new framework from scratch may not leverage existing investments.
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.
✗
Adopt the more stringent security program from the acquirer across the entire entity.
Why it's wrong here
This may not be cost-effective and could disrupt business operations.
✗
Merge the two programs by combining all controls from each.
Why it's wrong here
This could lead to redundant or conflicting controls without addressing gaps.
✗
Implement a completely new framework that meets both regulations.
Why it's wrong here
This may ignore existing controls and cause unnecessary disruption.
✓
Perform a gap analysis against the requirements and prioritize remediation.
Why this is correct
A gap analysis provides a clear picture of what is missing and allows for efficient resource allocation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Information Security Program — This question tests Information Security Program — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a gap analysis against the requirements and prioritize remediation. — Option D is correct because a gap analysis identifies where controls are missing or insufficient, allowing for a prioritized remediation plan. Option A is wrong because adopting the higher standard may be unnecessary and costly. Option B is wrong because merging without analysis could introduce risks. Option C is wrong because a new framework from scratch may not leverage existing investments.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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