CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are common challenges in implementing an information security program across a large enterprise?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse 'challenges in implementing' with 'consequences of poor implementation,' leading them to select options like D (lack of training) which is a result, not a root implementation hurdle.
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
✓
Cultural resistance to security controls from business units.
Cultural resistance to security controls from business units is a common challenge because security teams must balance risk mitigation with operational efficiency. Business units often perceive controls like mandatory encryption or access restrictions as hindrances to productivity, leading to shadow IT or workarounds that undermine the program's effectiveness.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Cultural resistance to security controls from business units.
Why this is correct
Often seen when security is perceived as hindering productivity.
- ✗
Overreliance on automated security tools.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is less prevalent than other challenges.
- ✓
Inconsistent enforcement of security policies across subsidiaries.
Why this is correct
Frequent in decentralized organizations.
- ✗
Lack of security awareness training for end users.
Why it's wrong here
Training is a remedy, not an implementation challenge.
- ✓
Legacy systems that cannot be patched or upgraded.
Why this is correct
Common barrier to achieving security baseline.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CISM question is part of Courseiva's 871-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 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.