CISM Exam Dumps - Certified Information Security Manager

During post-incident review is the best time to update the incident response plan after observing several deficiencies in the current plan while responding to a high-profile security incident. A post-incident review is a process of analyzing and evaluating the incident response activities, identifying the lessons learned, and documenting the recommendations and action items for improvement. Updating the incident response plan during post-incident review helps to ensure that the plan reflects the current best practices, addresses the gaps and weaknesses, and incorporates the feedback and suggestions from the incident response team and other stakeholders. Therefore, during post-incident review is the correct answer.

According to the CISM Review Manual, the first step an information security manager should take when a vulnerability has been disclosed is to conduct a risk assessment to determine the likelihood and impact of the vulnerability being exploited, and the appropriate response strategy. Performing a patch update, a penetration test or an impact assessment are possible subsequent steps, but not the first one.

References = CISM Review Manual, 27th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2, page 1331.

Conducting awareness training across the organization is the best way to reduce the risk of security incidents from targeted email attacks because it helps to educate and empower the employees to recognize and avoid falling for such attacks. Targeted email attacks, such as phishing, spear phishing, or business email compromise, rely on social engineering techniques to deceive and manipulate the recipients into clicking on malicious links, opening malicious attachments, or disclosing sensitive information. Awareness training can help to raise the level of security culture and behavior among the employees, as well as to provide them with practical tips and best practices to protect themselves and the organization from targeted email attacks. Therefore, conducting awareness training across the organization is the correct answer.

 = Identification of risk is the first and most important step in the IT risk management process, especially when the organization is undergoing a digital transformation that introduces new technologies, processes, and business models. Identification of risk involves determining the sources, causes, and potential consequences of IT-related risks that may affect the organization’s objectives, assets, and stakeholders. Identification of risk also helps to establish the risk context, scope, and criteria for the subsequent risk analysis, evaluation, and treatment. Without identifying the risks, the information security manager cannot effectively assess the risk exposure, prioritize the risks, implement appropriate controls, monitor the risk performance, or communicate the risk information to the relevant parties.

References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 2: Information Risk Management, Section: Risk Identification, page 841; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, Question 34, page 352.

The best thing to include in a business case when the return on investment (ROI) for an information security initiative is difficult to calculate is an estimated reduction in risk. Risk reduction is the expected benefit of implementing an information security initiative, as it reduces the likelihood and impact of threats and vulnerabilities that may affect the organization’s information assets and systems. By estimating the reduction in risk, the information security manager can demonstrate the value and benefits of the information security initiative to the organization’s performance, reputation, and competitiveness. The information security manager can also compare the estimated reduction in risk with the estimated cost of the information security initiative to determine its cost-effectiveness and feasibility. The other options are not the best thing to include in a business case, although they may be some inputs or outputs of the risk assessment process. A projected increase in maturity level is a potential outcome of implementing an information security initiative, as it improves the organization’s capabilities and processes for managing information security risks. However, it does not necessarily reflect the actual reduction in risk or the ROI of the information security initiative. A projected cost over time is a component of calculating the ROI of an information security initiative, as it reflects the total cost of ownership and maintenance of the initiative. However, it does not indicate the expected benefit or value of the initiative. An estimated increase in efficiency is a possible benefit of implementing an information security initiative, as it may enhance the organization’s productivity and performance. However, it may not be directly related to the reduction in risk or the ROI of the information security initiative.

 A controls audit is the best indicator of an organization’s information security status, as it provides an independent and objective assessment of the design, implementation, and effectiveness of the information security controls. A controls audit can also identify the strengths and weaknesses of the information security program, as well as the compliance with the policies, standards, and regulations. A controls audit can cover various aspects of information security, such as governance, risk management, incident management, business continuity, and technical security. A controls audit can be conducted by internal or external auditors, depending on the scope, purpose, and frequency of the audit.

The other options are not as good as a controls audit, as they do not provide a comprehensive and holistic view of the information security status. Intrusion detection log analysis is a technique to monitor and analyze the network or system activities for signs of unauthorized or malicious access or attacks. It can help to detect and respond to security incidents, but it does not measure the overall performance or maturity of the information security program. Threat analysis is a process to identify and evaluate the potential sources, methods, and impacts of threats to the information assets. It can help to prioritize and mitigate the risks, but it does not verify the adequacy or functionality of the information security controls. Penetration test is a simulated attack on the network or system to evaluate the vulnerability and exploitability of the information security defenses. It can help to validate and improve the technical security, but it does not assess the non-technical aspects of information security, such as governance, policies, or awareness. References =

CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2022, pp. 211-212, 215-216, 233-234, 237-238.

CISM Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, ISACA, 2022, QID 1012.

 Unannounced testing is the most accurate way to assess the effectiveness of controls, as it simulates a real-world scenario and does not allow the staff to prepare or modify their behavior in advance. Mature change management processes, senior management support, and well-defined security policies are all important factors for establishing and maintaining a strong security posture, but they do not directly measure the performance of controls. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, page 149. CISM Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, question ID 1003.

A risk owner is a person or entity that is responsible for ensuring that risk is managed effectively. One of the primary responsibilities of a risk owner is to implement controls that will help mitigate or manage the risk. While risk assessments, determining the organization's risk appetite, and monitoring control effectiveness are all important aspects of managing risk, it is the responsibility of the risk owner to take the necessary actions to manage the risk.