mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are key indicators of…
Which TWO of the following are key indicators of a potential insider threat incident? (Select exactly 2)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse external attack indicators (like failed logins or malicious domain traffic) with insider threat indicators, failing to recognize that insider threats are characterized by anomalous internal behavior, not external network events.
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
✓
A user accessing large volumes of data not related to their job function
A user accessing large volumes of data unrelated to their job function is a classic behavioral anomaly indicating potential data exfiltration. This pattern often precedes an insider threat incident, as the user may be collecting sensitive information for unauthorized purposes, such as selling it or using it for personal gain. Security information and event management (SIEM) systems typically flag such access based on deviations from baseline user behavior, triggering further investigation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Multiple failed login attempts from an external IP address
Why it's wrong here
This indicates external brute-force, not insider.
- ✗
An increase in network traffic to a known malicious domain
Why it's wrong here
This points to external malware or command and control.
- ✓
A user accessing large volumes of data not related to their job function
Why this is correct
This suggests data theft or espionage.
- ✓
An employee logging in during non-business hours and downloading files
Why this is correct
Unusual working hours can indicate malicious activity.
- ✗
A user updating their password as required by policy
Why it's wrong here
This is normal and expected behavior.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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. Refer to the exhibit. Given the exhibit, which type of incident is MOST likely occurring?
medium- A.Phishing campaign
- B.Ransomware attack
- ✓ C.Insider threat
- D.DDoS attack
Why C: The exhibit shows a user logging in from an unusual location, attempting unauthorized access, and then exfiltrating sensitive data. This pattern is indicative of an insider threat, as it involves a legitimate user performing malicious actions. Option C (Insider threat) is correct.
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.