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CCSP Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are key components of…
Which TWO of the following are key components of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) as defined by ISO 27001?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between mandatory ISMS components (like risk assessment and continuous improvement) and optional security controls (like encryption or penetration testing), leading candidates to mistakenly select specific technical controls as core ISMS elements.
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
✓
Continuous improvement process.
The ISO 27001 standard defines an ISMS as a systematic approach to managing sensitive information, and it explicitly requires a continuous improvement process (Clause 10.1) to ensure the ISMS remains effective over time. This is a core component, not an optional add-on, and is implemented through the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Business continuity plan.
Why it's wrong here
BCP is part of business continuity management, not ISMS.
- ✓
Continuous improvement process.
Why this is correct
ISMS requires ongoing improvement based on monitoring.
- ✗
Annual penetration testing.
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing may be a control but is not a required component of ISMS.
- ✗
Encryption of all data at rest.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is a security control, not a component of ISMS.
- ✓
Risk assessment and treatment.
Why this is correct
Risk assessment is the foundation of an ISMS.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.