CISM Information Security Program Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are essential components of a security program governance structure?
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
✓
Security charter
Options A and C are correct. A security charter establishes the authority and scope of the security program, forming a foundational governance document. A security steering committee provides oversight and strategic direction, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Option B (vulnerability scanning schedule) is an operational activity, not part of governance. Option D (incident response plan) is an operational plan, not a governance component. Option E (help desk ticketing system) is a tool for operational support, not governance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Security charter
Why this is correct
Defines roles, responsibilities, and authority.
- ✗
Vulnerability scanning schedule
Why it's wrong here
Technical process, not governance.
- ✓
Security steering committee
Why this is correct
Governance body for oversight.
- ✗
Incident response plan
Why it's wrong here
Operational document, not governance.
- ✗
Help desk ticketing system
Why it's wrong here
Operational tool, not governance.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on CISM
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which of the following are essential components of an information security program governance framework? (Select TWO.)
medium- ✓ A.A security steering committee with executive representation.
- B.A formal risk appetite statement.
- ✓ C.Documented information security policies and procedures.
- D.An incident response plan.
Why A: A security steering committee with executive representation is essential because it provides strategic oversight, aligns security initiatives with business objectives, and ensures resource allocation and governance accountability. This committee typically includes C-level executives who approve security policies, review risk posture, and enforce compliance across the organization.
Variation 2. When establishing an information security program, which TWO of the following are key components of governance?
easy- A.Security awareness training
- B.Vulnerability management
- ✓ C.Steering committee
- ✓ D.Security policies
- E.Incident response plan
Why C: A steering committee is a key governance component because it provides executive oversight, strategic direction, and resource allocation for the information security program. It ensures that security initiatives align with business objectives and that decisions are made at the appropriate authority level, which is essential for effective governance.
Variation 3. Which TWO of the following are key components of an information security program governance structure? (Select TWO.)
medium- ✓ A.A steering committee that includes senior management and business unit leaders.
- B.An incident response plan that defines roles and procedures.
- ✓ C.Regular reporting to the board of directors on security metrics and risks.
- D.A vulnerability scanning schedule and remediation SLAs.
- E.A firewall policy that specifies allowed and denied traffic.
Why A: A steering committee that includes senior management and business unit leaders is a key component of an information security program governance structure because it provides strategic oversight, aligns security initiatives with business objectives, and ensures accountability at the executive level. This committee typically authorizes policies, reviews risk appetite, and approves resource allocation, which are essential for effective governance.
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.