The answer is implementing technical controls to enforce password strength, as this is the most effective corrective action for password policy non-compliance. Automated enforcement, such as configuring systems to reject weak passwords and mandate 90-day changes, directly addresses the root cause by removing reliance on user behavior, ensuring compliance through system-level rules rather than voluntary adherence. On the CISM exam, this question tests your understanding that preventive technical controls are superior to detective or corrective measures like audits or training alone; a common trap is choosing user awareness programs, which are necessary but insufficient for enforcement. Remember the memory tip: “Policy without enforcement is just a suggestion”—technical controls turn policy into a technical reality.
CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security program. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A company's security program includes a policy that all employees must use strong passwords and change them every 90 days. However, the recent internal audit shows that 60% of employees have passwords that do not meet the strength requirements. What is the most effective corrective action?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement technical controls to enforce password strength
Option D is correct because automated enforcement ensures policy compliance without relying on user behavior change. Option A is wrong as training alone is insufficient. Option B is wrong because it reduces security and does not address the root cause. Option C is wrong as audits detect but do not prevent non-compliance.
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.
✗
Conduct quarterly password audits with manual checks
Why it's wrong here
Audits are detective, not preventive.
✗
Increase the frequency of security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Training is important but does not enforce compliance.
✓
Implement technical controls to enforce password strength
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Extend the password change interval to 180 days
Why it's wrong here
This weakens security and does not enforce strength.
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: Implement technical controls to enforce password strength — Option D is correct because automated enforcement ensures policy compliance without relying on user behavior change. Option A is wrong as training alone is insufficient. Option B is wrong because it reduces security and does not address the root cause. Option C is wrong as audits detect but do not prevent non-compliance.
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.
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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