CISM Exam Dumps - Certified Information Security Manager

The most important issue in a penetration test is having a defined goal as well as success and failure criteria. A penetration test is a simulated cyber attack against a computer system or an application to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. The goal of a penetration test is to identify and evaluate the security risks and weaknesses of the target system or application, and to provide recommendations for improvement. The success and failure criteria of a penetration test are the metrics and indicators that measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the test, and the extent to which the test achieves its goal. By having a defined goal as well as success and failure criteria, the penetration tester can plan and execute the test in a systematic and structured manner, and can communicate and report the results and findings in a clear and concise way. The other options are not the most important issue in a penetration test, although they may be some factors or considerations that affect the test. Having an independent group perform the test is a desirable practice, as it can provide an unbiased and objective assessment of the target system or application. However, it is not essential, as long as the penetration tester follows ethical hacking principles and standards. Obtaining permission from audit is a mandatory requirement, as it ensures that the penetration test is authorized and compliant with the organization’s policies and regulations. However, it is not an issue, as it is a prerequisite for conducting the test. Performing the test without the benefit of any insider knowledge is an optional approach, as it simulates a real-world attack by an external hacker who does not have access to the internal design or configuration of the target system or application. However, it is not always feasible or effective, as some vulnerabilities may be hidden or inaccessible from an outsider’s perspective.

Security requirements are included in the vendor contract is the primary focus of the information security manager when outsourcing IT operations because it ensures that the vendor is legally bound to comply with the client’s security policies and standards, as well as any external regulations or laws. This also helps to define the roles and responsibilities of both parties, the security metrics and controls to be used, and the penalties for non-compliance or breach. Therefore, security requirements are included in the vendor contract is the correct answer.

The best strategy for risk treatment is to prioritize controls that directly mitigate the organization’s most critical risks. This aligns with a risk-based approach, where limited resources are directed toward areas with the highest business impact.

“Effective risk treatment involves prioritizing actions that address the most critical risks to the organization, considering impact and likelihood.”

— CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 2: Risk Response and Mitigation*

Advancing maturity or applying quick wins may help, but they are not as strategic or impactful as targeting top-priority risks.

Legal and regulatory requirements are the most important constraint to be considered when developing an information security strategy, as they define the minimum level of security that the organization must comply with to avoid legal sanctions, fines, or reputational damage. Legal and regulatory requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, industry, and type of data that the organization handles, and they may impose specific security controls, standards, or frameworks that the organization must follow. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.2.1.11

A parallel test is the best method to evaluate the effectiveness of an alternate processing site when continuous uptime is required. A parallel test involves processing the same transactions or data at both the primary and the alternate site simultaneously, and comparing the results for accuracy and consistency. A parallel test can validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of the alternate site without disrupting the normal operations at the primary site. A parallel test can also identify and resolve any issues or discrepancies between the two sites before a real disaster occurs. A parallel test can provide a high level of assurance and confidence that the alternate site can support the organization’s continuity requirements.

References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 3: Information Security Program Development and Management, Section: Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Testing, page 1861; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, Question 56, page 522.

A parallel test is the best method to evaluate the effectiveness of an alternate processing site when continuous uptime is required because it involves processing data at both the primary and alternate sites simultaneously without disrupting the normal operations1. A full interruption test would cause downtime and potential loss of data or revenue2. A simulation test would not provide a realistic assessment of the alternate site’s capabilities3. A tabletop test would only involve a discussion of the procedures and scenarios without actually testing the site4.

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 Replacing key controls with weaker compensating controls may introduce new vulnerabilities or increase the likelihood or impact of existing threats, thus raising the risk levels beyond the acceptable limits defined by the risk appetite and tolerance of the organization. This may expose the organization to unacceptable losses or damages, such as financial, reputational, legal, or operational. Therefore, the information security manager should be most concerned about the potential elevation of risk levels and ensure that the risk owner is aware of the consequences and accountable for the decision.

References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 2: Information Risk Management, Section: Risk Treatment, page 941.

A business impact analysis (BIA) is a process that helps identify and evaluate the potential effects of disruptions or incidents on the organization’s mission, objectives, and operations. A BIA should be periodically executed to verify the effectiveness of the controls that are implemented to prevent, mitigate, or recover from such disruptions or incidents12.

According to the CISM Manual, a BIA should be performed at least annually for critical systems and processes, and more frequently for non-critical ones3. A BIA should also be updated whenever there are significant changes in the organization’s environment, such as new regulations, technologies, business models, or stakeholder expectations3. A BIA should not be used to validate vulnerabilities on environmental changes (A), analyze the importance of assets (B), or check compliance with regulations ©, as these are not the primary purposes of a BIA.