CISM Information Security Programme Practice Question
Which THREE elements are essential components of a third-party risk management (TPRM) program? (Select THREE)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse operational security controls (like patching or shared SOC) with the governance and risk management components that define a TPRM program, leading them to select options that describe how an organization secures its own environment rather than how it manages vendor risk.
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
✓
Contractual security requirements
Contractual security requirements (Option B) are essential because they legally bind the vendor to specific security controls, data protection obligations, and compliance standards. Without these enforceable clauses in the contract, the organization has no formal recourse if the vendor suffers a breach or fails to meet security expectations. This is a foundational element of any third-party risk management program, as it sets the baseline for acceptable risk transfer and due care.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Automated patching of vendor systems
Why it's wrong here
The organization cannot directly patch vendor systems.
- ✓
Contractual security requirements
Why this is correct
Legal enforceability ensures compliance.
- ✗
Shared SOC services
Why it's wrong here
Not a core component of TPRM.
- ✓
Vendor tiering based on data access and criticality
Why this is correct
Tiering helps prioritize resources for high-risk vendors.
- ✓
Onboarding risk assessment
Why this is correct
Initial assessment is critical before engagement.
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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.