easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are primary…
Which TWO of the following are primary responsibilities of the board of directors with regard to information security governance? (Select exactly two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse governance (board-level strategic oversight) with management (operational execution), leading them to select tactical activities like vulnerability scanning or control implementation as board responsibilities.
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
✓
Ensuring security strategy aligns with business goals
The board of directors is responsible for ensuring that the information security strategy aligns with business goals, objectives, and regulatory requirements. This is a governance-level duty that sets the strategic direction and ensures security investments support the organization's mission, rather than being a tactical or operational task.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Performing vulnerability scans
Why it's wrong here
Technical activity.
- ✗
Implementing security controls
Why it's wrong here
Management responsibility.
- ✓
Ensuring security strategy aligns with business goals
Why this is correct
Governance responsibility.
- ✓
Approving the information security risk appetite
Why this is correct
Board oversight responsibility.
- ✗
Conducting daily security monitoring
Why it's wrong here
Operational task.
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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.