CISM Information Security Governance Practice Question
Which regulatory requirement mandates that organizations implement data protection measures for personal data of EU citizens?
⚠ Common exam trap
CISM often tests regulatory frameworks, and candidates may confuse GDPR with other privacy laws like HIPAA or PCI DSS, especially when the question mentions 'personal data' without specifying EU citizens.
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
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GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the EU regulation that mandates organizations implement data protection measures for personal data of EU citizens. It applies to any organization processing personal data of individuals in the EU, regardless of the organization's location.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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SOX
Why it's wrong here
SOX governs financial reporting and internal controls for US-listed companies, not personal data of EU citizens. It is tempting because SOX does mandate data protection controls, but for financial records. GDPR is the regulation that specifically mandates protection measures for EU citizens' personal data.
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GDPR
Why this is correct
GDPR is the EU regulation that imposes data protection obligations on organisations processing personal data of EU citizens, mandating technical and organisational safeguards. It directly satisfies the stem's requirement for a regulatory mandate covering EU citizen data.
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PCI DSS
Why it's wrong here
PCI DSS governs payment card data handling for card transactions, applying to any organisation processing cards regardless of EU citizenship. It is tempting as a familiar data-security standard, but it addresses cardholder data, not the general personal data of EU citizens that GDPR protects.
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HIPAA
Why it's wrong here
HIPAA governs protected health information within US healthcare entities, not EU personal data. It is tempting because it is a well-known privacy regulation, but its scope is medical records and covered entities; GDPR is the regulation mandating protection for EU citizens' personal data.
About these practice questions
This CISM question is part of Courseiva's 924-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
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.