CISSP ISC2 Code of Ethics Canons Practice Question
According to the ISC2 Code of Ethics, which of the following canons has the highest priority when resolving an ethical dilemma?
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
✓
Protect society, the common good, and the public trust
The ISC2 Code of Ethics canons are in order of priority: 1. Protect society, the common good, and the public trust; 2. Act honorably and lawfully; 3. Provide diligent and competent service; 4. Advance and protect the profession. Therefore, option D is the highest priority canon.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Act honorably and lawfully
Why it's wrong here
"Act honorably and lawfully" constitutes the second-highest priority canon in the ISC2 Code of Ethics, establishing a fundamental requirement for integrity and adherence to legal frameworks. This canon dictates that cybersecurity professionals must conduct themselves with honesty, fairness, and respect for the law, avoiding any activities that could compromise their ethical standing or legal compliance. While critical for building trust and maintaining professional credibility, this duty is ultimately superseded by the overarching responsibility to protect society itself.
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Provide diligent and competent service
Why it's wrong here
While essential for professional practice, "Provide diligent and competent service" represents the third-highest priority canon within the ISC2 Code of Ethics. This canon mandates that cybersecurity professionals maintain and enhance their technical knowledge and skills, ensuring that their work is performed with due care and proficiency. However, this obligation to professional competence is subordinate to the paramount duties of protecting society and acting honorably and lawfully, making it not the highest priority.
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Advance and protect the profession
Why it's wrong here
The canon to "Advance and protect the profession" is ranked as the fourth and lowest priority among the ISC2 ethical canons. This principle encourages professionals to uphold the reputation of the cybersecurity field, share knowledge responsibly, and mentor others, thereby contributing to the collective good of the profession. Despite its importance in fostering a robust professional community, its ethical weight is less than the direct protection of society, honorable conduct, and competent service.
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Protect society, the common good, and the public trust
Why this is correct
"Protect society, the common good, and the public trust" is unequivocally the highest priority canon in the ISC2 Code of Ethics, serving as the foundational principle for all cybersecurity professionals. This canon mandates that all actions and decisions must prioritize the safety, welfare, and confidence of the public, ensuring that information systems and data are secured to prevent harm to individuals, organizations, and critical infrastructure. This overarching responsibility guides all other ethical considerations, making it the correct answer.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.