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Cybersecurity policies are the high-level statements that define the organization’s objectives, principles, and expectations for protecting its information assets from cyber threats. Cybersecurity policies provide the foundation for developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies, plans, procedures, standards, and guidelines. However, cybersecurity policies alone are not enough to ensure effective cybersecurity. The organization also needs to allocate sufficient budget resources to support the implementation and maintenance of cybersecurity controls, such as hardware, software, personnel, training, testing, auditing, and incident response. Sufficient cyber budget allocation demonstrates the organization’s commitment to cybersecurity and enables it to achieve its cybersecurity goals. References: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism https://www.wiley.com/en-us/CISM+Certified+Information+Security+Manager+Study+Guide-p-9781119801948

= In an organization with a rapidly changing environment, the information security risk landscape may also change frequently due to new threats, vulnerabilities, impacts, or controls. Therefore, the information security manager should ensure that the risk acceptance decisions made by the business management are periodically reviewed to verify that they are still valid and aligned with the current risk appetite and tolerance of the organization. The rationale for acceptance should be documented and updated as necessary to reflect the changes in the risk environment and the business objectives. The information security manager should also monitor the accepted risks and report any deviations or issues to the business management and the senior management.

References =

CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 1131

CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual 9th Edition, page 482

CISM Domain 2: Information Risk Management (IRM) [2022 update]3

 The best way to ensure appropriate security controls are built into software is to integrate security throughout the development process. This means that security should be considered from the initial stages of planning, design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance of the software. Integrating security throughout the development process helps to identify and mitigate security risks early, reduce the cost and complexity of fixing vulnerabilities later, improve the quality and reliability of the software, and enhance the trust and confidence of the users and customers. Integrating security throughout the development process also aligns with the best practices and standards of information security governance, such as the CISM framework123.

References =

CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 1631

CISM domain 3: Information security program development and management [2022 update]2

CISSP domain 8 overview: Software development security4

Measuring the percentage of controls integrated into business processes is the most accurate way to determine the alignment of an information security strategy with organizational goals, as this reflects the extent to which the information security program supports and enables the business objectives and activities, and reduces the friction and resistance from the business stakeholders. The percentage of controls integrated into business processes also indicates the maturity and effectiveness of the information security program, and the level of awareness and acceptance of the information security policies and standards among the business users. Number of blocked intrusion attempts, number of business cases reviewed by senior management, and trends in the number of identified threats to the business are not the most accurate ways to determine the alignment of an information security strategy with organizational goals, as they do not measure the impact and value of the information security program on the business performance and outcomes, and may not reflect the business priorities and expectations. References = CISM Review Manual 2023, page 291; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual 2023, page 372; ISACA CISM - iSecPrep, page 223; CISM Exam Overview - Vinsys4

The primary advantage of an organization using Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) to help manage its disaster recovery program is B. It allows the organization to prioritize its core operations. This is because DRaaS is a cloud computing service model that allows an organization to back up its data and IT infrastructure in a third-party cloud computing environment and provide all the disaster recovery orchestration, all through a SaaS solution, to regain access and functionality to IT infrastructure after a disaster1. DRaaS can help the organization to prioritize its core operations by:

Reducing the need for provisioning and maintaining its own off-site disaster recovery environment, which can be costly, complex, and resource-intensive12

Enabling the organization to continue running its applications from the service provider’s cloud or hybrid cloud environment instead of from the disaster-affected physical servers, which can minimize the downtime, data loss, and business disruption12

Providing the organization with flexible and scalable deployment options, such as on-demand, pay-per-use, or subscription-based models, that can meet its changing business needs and budget12

Leveraging the expertise, experience, and best practices of the service provider, who can handle the disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution, and ensure compliance with the relevant standards and regulations12

DRaaS is a cloud computing service model that allows an organization to back up its data and IT infrastructure in a third-party cloud computing environment and provide all the disaster recovery orchestration, all through a SaaS solution, to regain access and functionality to IT infrastructure after a disaster. DRaaS can help the organization to prioritize its core operations by reducing the need for provisioning and maintaining its own off-site disaster recovery environment, enabling the organization to continue running its applications from the service provider’s cloud or hybrid cloud environment, providing the organization with flexible and scalable deployment options, and leveraging the expertise, experience, and best practices of the service provider. (From CISM Manual or related resources)

 Information security governance is the process of establishing and maintaining a framework to provide assurance that information security strategies are aligned with and support business objectives, are consistent with applicable laws and regulations, and are effectively managed. By aligning information security governance with corporate governance, the organization can ensure that information security is integrated into the business processes and decision making, and that the information security risks and opportunities are properly identified, assessed, and addressed. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.1

Prevention of authorized access is the greatest threat posed by a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on a public-facing web server because it prevents legitimate users or customers from accessing the web services or resources, causing disruption, dissatisfaction, and potential loss of revenue or reputation. Execution of unauthorized commands is not a threat posed by a DDoS attack, but rather by a remote code execution (RCE) attack. Defacement of website content is not a threat posed by a DDoS attack, but rather by a web application attack. Unauthorized access to resources is not a threat posed by a DDoS attack, but rather by a brute force attack or an authentication bypass attack. References: https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2017/volume-6/the-value-of-penetration-testing https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2016/volume-5/security-scanning-versus-penetration-testing

The primary objective of information asset classification is C. Risk management. This is because information asset classification is a process of assigning labels or categories to information assets based on their value, sensitivity, and criticality to the organization. Information asset classification helps the organization to identify, assess, and treat the risks associated with the information assets, and to apply the appropriate level of protection and controls to them. Information asset classification also helps the organization to comply with the legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations regarding the information assets, and to optimize the use of resources and costs for information security.

Information asset classification is a process of assigning labels or categories to information assets based on their value, sensitivity, and criticality to the organization. Information asset classification helps the organization to identify, assess, and treat the risks associated with the information assets, and to apply the appropriate level of protection and controls to them. (From CISM Manual or related resources)

References = CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 2, Section 2.2.1, page 751; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual 9th Edition, Question 7, page 3; Certified Information Security Manager Exam Prep Guide - Packt Subscription2

 = Risk appetite is the amount and type of risk that an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives. It is a key factor that influences the information security strategy and objectives, as well as the selection and implementation of security controls. Risk appetite must be defined in order for an information security manager to evaluate the appropriateness of controls currently in place, as it provides the basis for determining whether the controls are sufficient, excessive, or inadequate to address the risks faced by the organization. The information security manager should align the controls with the risk appetite of the organization, ensuring that the controls are effective, efficient, and economical. References = CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 29, page 31.

 The effectiveness of an incident response team will be greatest when the incident response process is updated based on lessons learned. This ensures that the team can continuously improve its performance and capabilities, and address any gaps or weaknesses identified during previous incidents. Updating the incident response process based on lessons learned also helps to align the process with the changing business and security environment, and to incorporate best practices and standards. Meeting on a regular basis to review log files, having trained security personnel as team members, and using a security information and event monitoring (SIEM) system are all important factors for an incident response team, but they are not sufficient to ensure the effectiveness of the team. Reviewing log files may help to detect and analyze incidents, but it does not guarantee that the team can respond appropriately and efficiently. Having trained security personnel may enhance the skills and knowledge of the team, but it does not ensure that the team can work collaboratively and communicate effectively. Using a SIEM system may facilitate the identification and prioritization of incidents, but it does not ensure that the team can follow the established procedures and protocols. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, page 1361; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, page 1492

The results of a risk assessment would best enable an informed decision by senior management when developing a business case to justify an information security investment. A risk assessment will help to identify and prioritize the threats and vulnerabilities that affect the organization’s assets and processes, as well as the potential impact and likelihood of occurrence. A risk assessment will also provide a basis for selecting and evaluating the effectiveness of controls to mitigate the risks. According to CISA, developing a business case for security will be based on an in-depth understanding of organizational vulnerabilities, operational priorities, and return on investment1. The information security strategy, losses due to security incidents, and security investment trends in the industry are possible inputs or outputs of a risk assessment, but they are not sufficient to enable an informed decision by senior management. References: 1: The Business Case for Security - CISA 2: The Business Case for Security | CISA 3: #HowTo: Build a Business Case for Cybersecurity Investment 4: Making the Business Case for Information Security

Eradication is the phase of incident response where the incident team removes the threat from the affected systems and restores them to a secure state. If this phase is not successful, the malware may persist or reappear on the systems, causing further damage or compromise. Therefore, eradication is the correct answer.