Isaca Updated CISM Exam Questions and Answers by noa

Standards are the most important thing to review, as they define the specific and mandatory requirements for setting up new user accounts, such as the naming conventions, access rights, password policies, and expiration dates. Standards help to ensure consistency, security, and compliance across the organization’s information systems and users. If the standards are not followed, the organization may face increased risks of unauthorized access, data breaches, or audit failures.

References = CISM Review Manual 2022, page 341; CISM Exam Content Outline, Domain 1, Knowledge Statement 1.32; CISM 2020: IT Security Policies; Information Security Policy, Standards, and Guidelines

The most important thing to include in the vendor selection criteria when procuring security services from a third-party vendor is B. Alignment of the vendor’s business objectives with enterprise security goals. This is because the vendor should be able to understand and support the enterprise’s security vision, mission, strategy, and policies, and provide services that are consistent and compatible with them. The vendor should also be able to demonstrate how their services add value, reduce risk, and enhance the performance and maturity of the enterprise’s information security program. The alignment of the vendor’s business objectives with enterprise security goals can help to ensure a successful and long-term partnership, and avoid any conflicts, gaps, or issues that may arise from misalignment or divergence.

The vendor should be able to understand and support the enterprise’s security vision, mission, strategy, and policies, and provide services that are consistent and compatible with them. (From CISM Manual or related resources)

References = CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.2.1, page 1341; Third-Party Vendor Selection: If Done Right, It’s a Win-Win2; Vendor Selection Criteria: Key Factors in Procurement Success3

The most effective way to avoid paying the ransom in a ransomware attack is to have a properly tested offline backup system. A ransomware attack is a type of cyberattack that encrypts the victim’s data or systems and demands a payment for the decryption key. A properly tested offline backup system is a method of storing copies of the data or systems in a separate location that is not connected to the network or the internet. By having a properly tested offline backup system, the hospital can restore its critical server from the backup without paying the ransom or losing any data. The other options are not the most effective way to avoid paying the ransom in a ransomware attack, although they may be some preventive or detective measures. Employee training on ransomware is a preventive measure that can help raise awareness and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to phishing or other social engineering techniques that may deliver ransomware. However, it does not guarantee that employees will always follow best practices or that ransomware will not enter the network through other means. A continual server replication process is a method of creating copies of the server data or systems in real time or near real time. However, it may not be effective against ransomware, as the replication process may also copy the encrypted data or systems, making them unusable. A properly configured firewall is a preventive measure that can help block malicious network traffic and prevent unauthorized access to the server. However, it does not guarantee that ransomware will not bypass the firewall through other channels, such as email attachments or removable media.

 According to the CISM Review Manual, the first step to establishing an effective information security program is to create a business case that aligns the program objectives with the organization’s goals and strategies. A business case provides the rationale and justification for the information security program and helps to secure the necessary resources and support from senior management and other stakeholders. A business case should include the following elements:

The scope and objectives of the information security program

The current state of information security in the organization and the gap analysis

The benefits and value proposition of the information security program

The risks and challenges of the information security program

The estimated costs and resources of the information security program

The expected outcomes and performance indicators of the information security program

The implementation plan and timeline of the information security program

References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 2, pages 97-99.