IAPP Updated CIPM Exam Questions and Answers by saskia

Evaluating operations, systems, and processes is best described as ‘auditing’, as it involves conducting a systematic and independent examination of the organization’s privacy practices and controls to verify their effectiveness and compliance. The other options are more related to other forms of monitoring, such as complaint handling, reporting, and third-party oversight. References: CIPM Body of Knowledge, Domain III: Privacy Program Management Activities, Task 5: Monitor privacy program performance.

Processing on a large scale of special categories of data is a minimum requirement for carrying out a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A DPIA is a type of Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) that is specifically required by the GDPR when a processing activity is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. According to Article 35(3)(b) of the GDPR, a DPIA is mandatory when the processing involves a large scale of special categories of data or personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences. Special categories of data are personal data that reveal racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health data, sex life or sexual orientation. These types of data are considered more sensitive and require more protection, as they may pose higher risks of discrimination, identity theft, fraud, or other harms to the data subjects.

 Running vulnerability scanning tools will best assist you in quickly identifying weaknesses in your network and storage, as they can detect and report any potential security flaws or gaps that could compromise your data protection. The other options are also useful for enhancing your privacy program, but they are not directly related to identifying weaknesses in your network and storage. References: CIPM Body of Knowledge, Domain III: Privacy Program Management Activities, Task 2: Manage data security.

If an organization maintains a separate ethics office, its officer would typically report to the Board of Directors in order to retain the greatest degree of independence. This is because the Board of Directors is the highest governing body of the organization and has the authority and responsibility to oversee the ethical conduct and performance of the organization and its management1 Reporting to the Board of Directors would enable the ethics officer to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or undue influence from other senior executives or managers who may have a stake in the ethical issues or decisions that the ethics office handles2 Reporting to the Board of Directors would also enhance the credibility and legitimacy of the ethics office and its recommendations, as well as demonstrate the organization’s commitment to ethical values and culture3

The other options are not as suitable as reporting to the Board of Directors for retaining the greatest degree of independence for the ethics office. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer may create a conflict of interest or a perception of bias if the ethical issues or decisions involve financial matters or implications4 Reporting to the Human Resources Director may limit the scope or authority of the ethics office to deal with ethical issues or decisions that go beyond human resources policies or practices5 Reporting to the organization’s General Counsel may blur the distinction or create confusion between legal compliance and ethical conduct, as well as raise concerns about attorney-client privilege or confidentiality6 References: 1: Board Responsibilities | BoardSource; 2: Ethics Officer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements; 3: The Role Of The Ethics And Compliance Officer In The 21st Century | Corporate Compliance Insights; 4: Ethics Officer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements; 5: Ethics Officer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements; 6: Ethics Officer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements