Isaca Updated CISM Exam Questions and Answers by olaf

Social engineering is a technique used by attackers to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that can compromise the security of an organization. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide at least two forms of authentication to verify their identity. By requiring MFA, even if an attacker successfully obtains a user's credentials through social engineering, they will not be able to access the network without the additional form of authentication.

= Integrating security controls in each phase of the life cycle is the best way to minimize information security risk in deploying applications to the production environment. This ensures that security requirements are defined, designed, implemented, tested, and maintained throughout the development process. Conducting penetration testing post implementation, having a well-defined change process, and verifying security during the testing process are all important activities, but they are not sufficient to address all the potential risks that may arise during the application life cycle. Penetration testing may reveal some vulnerabilities, but it cannot guarantee that all of them are identified and fixed. A change process may help to control and document the modifications made to the application, but it does not ensure that the changes are secure and do not introduce new risks. Verifying security during the testing process may help to validate the functionality and performance of the security controls, but it does not ensure that the security requirements are complete and consistent with the business objectives and the risk appetite of the organization. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, page 1121; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, page 1462

 Information security is the most critical function when initiating the removal of system access for terminated employees, as it is responsible for ensuring that the access rights of the employees are revoked in a timely and effective manner, and that the security of the organization’s data and systems is maintained. Information security should coordinate with other functions, such as HR, legal, and help desk, to implement the access removal process, but it is the primary function that has the authority and capability to disable or delete the access credentials of the terminated employees. The other options are not as critical as information security, as they may have different roles or responsibilities in the access removal process, or they may not have direct access to the systems or tools that control the access rights of the employees. References =

CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 114: “Information security is responsible for ensuring that access rights are revoked in a timely and effective manner.”

SOC 2 Controls: Access Removal for Terminated or Transferred Users, snippets: “Systems access that is no longer required for terminated or transferred users is removed within one business day. For terminated employees, access to key IT systems is revoked in a timely manner. A termination checklist and ticket are completed, and access is revoked for employees as a component of the employee termination process.”

IT Involvement in Employee Termination, A Checklist, snippets: “Disable all network access. If your company uses a master access list of active passwords, tell the system to deny any passcodes associated with the user being terminated. If your system doesn’t have a deny function, delete the user and their associated passwords. Monitor employee access.”

Human resources (HR) is the most critical function when initiating the removal of system access for terminated employees because it is responsible for notifying the relevant parties, such as information security, help desk, and legal, of the employee’s termination status and date. HR also ensures that the employee’s exit process is completed and documented, and that the employee returns any company-owned devices or assets. HR also coordinates with the employee’s manager and team to ensure a smooth transition of work and responsibilities.

Requiring regular reporting from the IT service provider is the best way to ensure compliance with the organization’s information security requirements, as it allows the organization to monitor the performance, security incidents, service levels, and compliance status of the IT service provider. Reporting also helps to identify any gaps or issues that need to be addressed or resolved. (From CISM Review Manual 15th Edition)