CISM Information Security Risk Management Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are valid methods to identify information security risks? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse penetration testing (a control validation activity) with risk identification, but CISM distinguishes that risk identification must occur before any testing, and penetration testing is a detective control, not a discovery method.
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
✓
Business impact analysis (BIA)
A Business Impact Analysis (BIA) is a systematic process to identify and evaluate the potential effects of disruptions to critical business functions, thereby identifying information security risks by quantifying the impact of loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability. It directly links business processes to the underlying IT assets and their security requirements, making it a valid risk identification method as per CISM domain guidance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Financial audit
Why it's wrong here
Financial audits focus on financial reporting, not security risks.
- ✓
Business impact analysis (BIA)
Why this is correct
BIA identifies critical processes and potential impact, helping to prioritize risks.
- ✓
Threat modeling workshops
Why this is correct
Threat modeling identifies potential threats and attack vectors.
- ✓
Vulnerability scanning
Why this is correct
Vulnerability scans identify weaknesses that can lead to risks.
- ✗
Penetration testing
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing validates existing controls but is not a primary risk identification method.
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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.