Isaca Updated CISM Exam Questions and Answers by helena

When introducing new technologies, the first step is to recalculate the risk profile to identify any new or changed risks.

“The implementation of new technologies should trigger a review of the risk profile to identify and address new exposures.”

— CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 2: Risk Management, Section: Risk Assessment and Analysis*

According to the CISM Review Manual, key risk indicators (KRIs) are the most important information to include in an information security status report to senior management, as they provide a measure of the current level of risk exposure and the effectiveness of the risk management activities. KRIs also help to identify trends, patterns and emerging risks that may require management attention or action.

References = CISM Review Manual, 27th Edition, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2, page 209

The most important attribute when assigning a risk owner is that the risk owner has the authority to take action on the risk (B). In CISM, risk ownership is fundamentally about accountability and decision-making authority. The risk owner must be empowered to decide on risk treatment options—such as mitigation, transfer, acceptance, or avoidance—and to allocate resources or approve changes necessary to address the risk.

While reassessing risk after remediation (A) and updating the risk register (C) are important responsibilities, they are administrative and follow-on activities that do not, by themselves, ensure effective risk management. Ownership of the failed control (D) is not required; in fact, CISM distinguishes between risk ownership (business accountability) and control ownership (operational responsibility). The risk owner is typically a business role accountable for the impact of the risk, not necessarily the individual responsible for implementing or operating the control.

CISM guidance consistently stresses that risk owners must have sufficient authority, accountability, and understanding of business impact to make informed decisions aligned with the organization’s risk appetite. Without authority, risk ownership becomes ineffective and purely symbolic.

The program goals are communicated and understood by the organization is the most important factor for the effective implementation of an information security governance program because it ensures that the program is aligned with the business objectives and supported by the stakeholders. Employees receive customized information security training is not the most important factor, but rather a means to achieve the program goals and raise awareness among the staff. The program budget is approved and monitored by senior management is not the most important factor, but rather a resource to enable the program activities and measure its performance. Information security roles and responsibilities are documented is not the most important factor, but rather a way to define and assign the program tasks and accountabilities. References: https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2015/volume-1/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness-of-information-security-governance https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2016/volume-2/how-to-align-security-initiatives-with-business-goals-and-objectives