CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
Which of the following is the primary purpose of an information security program?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse operational security tools (like firewalls and antivirus) with the strategic, governance-level purpose of an information security program, which is to protect the CIA triad rather than to deploy specific technologies or achieve checkbox compliance.
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
✓
Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets.
The primary purpose of an information security program is to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information assets. This aligns with the core definition of information security as defined in standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800-53, which frame security controls around protecting these three attributes. A program must be risk-based and business-aligned, not just a collection of tools or compliance checklists.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement firewalls and antivirus software.
Why it's wrong here
Technical controls are part, not the purpose.
- ✗
Achieve compliance with regulations only.
Why it's wrong here
Compliance is a subset; program covers broader risk management.
- ✗
Eliminate all security risks.
Why it's wrong here
Risk elimination is impossible; focus is on management.
- ✓
Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets.
Why this is correct
Core CIA triad aligned with business objectives.
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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.