CISM Information Security Governance Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security governance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A security administrator reports that the VPN tunnel to the remote peer (10.1.1.1) intermittently fails. Based on the configuration, which of the following is the most likely cause?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Improper NAT traversal configuration
The configuration is missing the 'set pfs' command and does not include NAT traversal settings. Intermittent failure often occurs when NAT is involved and no NAT traversal is configured. Option A (mismatched IKE parameters) would cause constant failure. Option B (incorrect ACL) would prevent specific traffic, not intermittent. Option C (expired certificate) is irrelevant as pre-shared key is used.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Improper NAT traversal configuration
Why this is correct
Without NAT traversal, the tunnel may fail when the VPN traffic traverses a NAT device, causing intermittent drops.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Mismatched IKE phase 1 parameters
Why it's wrong here
The parameters shown are standard; mismatch would cause persistent failure, not intermittent.
✗
Expired digital certificate
Why it's wrong here
Pre-shared key authentication is used, so certificates are not involved.
✗
Incorrect access-list 101
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect ACL would consistently block or allow traffic, not cause intermittent issues.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The parameters shown are standard; mismatch would cause persistent failure, not intermittent.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISM NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Information Security Governance — This question tests Information Security Governance — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Improper NAT traversal configuration — The configuration is missing the 'set pfs' command and does not include NAT traversal settings. Intermittent failure often occurs when NAT is involved and no NAT traversal is configured. Option A (mismatched IKE parameters) would cause constant failure. Option B (incorrect ACL) would prevent specific traffic, not intermittent. Option C (expired certificate) is irrelevant as pre-shared key is used.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISM NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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