The correct indicators are unusual outbound network traffic from a server and multiple unexpected system reboots. Unusual outbound traffic often signals data exfiltration or command-and-control communication, as compromised services send sensitive data to external hosts, while unexpected reboots can result from malware, kernel exploits, or denial-of-service attacks that crash the operating system. Both deviate from established baselines and are key red flags in the Incident Management domain of the CISM exam, which tests your ability to distinguish genuine indicators from benign anomalies. A common trap is dismissing reboots as routine maintenance or focusing only on inbound traffic; remember that outbound anomalies are more critical for detecting breaches. For the exam, think of the mnemonic “R.O.U.T.E.” — Reboots and Outbound Unusual Traffic are Early warnings.
CISM Incident Management Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are indicators of a potential security incident?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Multiple unexpected system reboots.
Multiple unexpected system reboots (B) are a strong indicator of a potential security incident because they may result from malware, kernel-level exploits, or denial-of-service attacks that crash the operating system. Unusual outbound network traffic from a server (E) often indicates data exfiltration, command-and-control (C2) communication, or a compromised service sending sensitive data to an external host. Both behaviors deviate from baseline operations and warrant immediate investigation under the Incident Management domain.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Low disk space on a file server.
Why it's wrong here
This is a capacity issue, not a security incident.
✓
Multiple unexpected system reboots.
Why this is correct
May indicate malware or unauthorized activity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A new version of a critical software released.
Why it's wrong here
Software updates are normal and not indicative of an incident.
✗
A successful login by an authorized user.
Why it's wrong here
Authorized logins are normal.
✓
Unusual outbound network traffic from a server.
Why this is correct
Could indicate data exfiltration or command and control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISACA often tests the distinction between operational issues (like low disk space) and true security incident indicators, trapping candidates who confuse performance alerts with signs of compromise.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Unexpected reboots can be caused by kernel panic from rootkits (e.g., modifying sys_call_table) or by crash-inducing exploits like a stack buffer overflow that overwrites the return address. Unusual outbound traffic can be detected by analyzing netflow data for connections to known malicious IPs or ports (e.g., IRC on 6667 for botnets) or by observing traffic to non-standard ports (e.g., DNS exfiltration over TCP/53 with high packet counts). In real-world scenarios, a server rebooting every 15 minutes might indicate a worm like Conficker, while a web server sending large volumes of encrypted data to a foreign IP could signal a data breach.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Multiple unexpected system reboots. — Multiple unexpected system reboots (B) are a strong indicator of a potential security incident because they may result from malware, kernel-level exploits, or denial-of-service attacks that crash the operating system. Unusual outbound network traffic from a server (E) often indicates data exfiltration, command-and-control (C2) communication, or a compromised service sending sensitive data to an external host. Both behaviors deviate from baseline operations and warrant immediate investigation under the Incident Management domain.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.