CISMP-V9 Practice Exam Questions with Answers BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles V9.0 Certification

The term “Break Glass” refers to an emergency access procedure that allows users to bypass normal security controls to gain access to a system or service during a critical situation. This method is analogous to breaking the glass of a fire alarm to handle an emergency. In the context of information security management, it is a controlled process that is typically documented, monitored, and audited to ensure it is used only during genuine emergencies. It is a part of an organization’s disaster recovery and business continuity planning, ensuring that critical systems can still be accessed when standard authentication methods fail or are unavailable due to various reasons such as service outages, DDoS attacks, or loss of access by the primary administrator12.

References :=

• Microsoft Entra ID documentation on managing emergency access admin accounts3.
• StrongDM’s blog explaining the need for “Break Glass” accounts for privileged access1.
• SSH Academy’s definition of “Break Glass” access2.

When establishing objectives for physical security environments, the primary goal is to prevent unauthorized access or damage to physical assets. The functional control that should occur first is ‘Deter’. Deterrence is about discouraging potential intruders from attempting to breach the physical security perimeter or engage in unauthorized activities. It is achieved through visible security measures such as signage, barriers, lighting, and the presence of security personnel. These measures are designed to make potential intruders aware of the risks and consequences of their actions, thereby reducing the likelihood of an attempt.

‘Delay’, ‘Drop’, and ‘Deny’ are subsequent controls that come into play if deterrence fails. ‘Delay’ involves slowing down the intruder, ‘Drop’ could mean removing the intruder’s access or privileges, and ‘Deny’ involves outright prevention of access. However, without initial deterrence, the effectiveness of these subsequent controls may be compromised.

References: This explanation utilizes the knowledge of Information Security Management Principles as outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which includes the categorization, operation, and effectiveness of different types of controls12.

Regular rotation of staff monitoring critical CCTV systems is recommended primarily to address the limitations of the human attention span. Research suggests that the average human attention span during intense monitoring tasks is approximately 20 minutes. After this period, vigilance and alertness can significantly decrease, leading to a potential lapse in monitoring effectiveness. Rotating staff helps to ensure that individuals are always at their most attentive when observing the CCTV feeds, which is crucial for maintaining security and safety standards. This practice also helps to mitigate risks associated with fatigue and the potential for missing critical events or details.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of procedural/people security controls, which includes the management of human factors in security monitoring. The principles suggest that understanding human behavior and limitations is key to designing effective security systems and protocols12.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a security framework that impacts organizations involved with credit card transactions. It sets the requirements for ensuring the security of cardholder data, which is crucial for businesses that accept credit cards, process credit card transactions, store cardholder data, or transmit it. PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for these entities to help prevent credit card fraud, hacking, and various other security vulnerabilities. The standard requires organizations to maintain a secure network, protect cardholder data, manage vulnerabilities, implement strong access control measures, regularly monitor and test networks, and maintain an information security policy.

References: The importance of PCI DSS in the context of Information Security Management Principles is highlighted by its role in protecting payment-related data and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of financial transactions. It aligns with the domains of Technical Security Controls and Physical and Environmental Security Controls, as it encompasses both digital and physical aspects of data protection123.

In the context of information security vulnerabilities, we are typically referring to weaknesses that can be exploited by threats to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an information system. Options A, B, and D all represent potential vulnerabilities:

• A: Use of HTTP for an Apache web server could allow for interception of data due to lack of encryption.
• B: An unpatched Windows operating system could have known security flaws that can be exploited.
• D: An unlocked filing cabinet could lead to unauthorized physical access to sensitive documents.

Option C, however, refers to the storage of confidential data in a fire safe, which is a protective measure rather than a vulnerability. A fire safe is designed to protect physical assets from damage or destruction, particularly in the event of a fire, and does not inherently contain a weakness that could be exploited by a cyber threat. Therefore, it is not considered an information security specific vulnerability.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a framework for understanding the various aspects of information security, including the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities. The principles outlined in the certification materials emphasize the importance of protecting information assets from a wide range of threats, which includes securing both digital systems and physical data storage12345.

The key principle a digital forensics investigator must adhere to is ensuring competence and the ability to justify their actions. This is crucial because the integrity of the investigation and the evidence must be maintained. Competence ensures that the investigator has the necessary skills and knowledge to handle and analyze the data correctly. Being able to justify their actions is important for the legal process, as every step of the investigation may be scrutinized in court. This principle aligns with the Information Security Management Principles, which emphasize the importance of procedural/people security controls and technical security controls to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. References: BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles1.

Quantitative risk assessment is the process of objectively measuring risk by assigning numerical values to the probability of an event occurring and its potential impact. This method is most likely to provide objective support for a security Return on Investment (ROI) case because it allows for the calculation of potential losses in monetary terms, which can be directly compared to the cost of implementing security measures. By quantifying risks and their financial implications, organizations can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources and how to prioritize security investments to maximize ROI. This approach is particularly useful when making a business case to stakeholders who require clear, financial justification for security expenditures.

References: The use of quantitative risk assessment for supporting security ROI is consistent with the principles of Information Security Management, as it provides a structured and measurable method to evaluate and manage risks. It aligns with the Information Risk and Security Lifecycle domains, which emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing risks in a quantifiable manner12345.

Defence in depth is a security concept that involves implementing multiple layers of security controls throughout an information system. The idea is that if one control fails or a vulnerability is exploited, other controls will provide redundancy and continue to protect the system. This approach is analogous to a physical fortress with multiple walls; if an attacker breaches one wall, additional barriers exist to stop them from progressing further. In the context of information security, this could include a combination of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and strict access controls, among others. Defence in depth is designed to address security vulnerabilities not only in technology but also in processes and people, acknowledging that human error or negligence can often lead to security breaches.

References: The concept of defence in depth aligns with the Information Security Management Principles as outlined by BCS, particularly under the domains of Technical Security Controls and Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Management. It is alsosupported by various industry sources that describe defence in depth as a strategy that leverages multiple security measures to protect an organization’s assets12345.

 Online retailers are the most at risk for the theft of electronic-based credit card data due to the nature of their business, which involves processing a large volume of transactions over the internet. This exposes them to various cyber threats, including hacking, phishing, and other forms of cyber-attacks that can compromise credit card information. Traditional market traders, mail delivery businesses, and agricultural producers typically do not handle credit card transactions to the same extent or in the same electronic manner as online retailers, making them less likely targets for this specific type of data theft.

The principles of Information Security Management emphasize the importance of protecting sensitive data, such as credit card information, through technical security controls and risk management practices. Online retailers must implement robust security measures, including encryption, secure payment gateways, and regular security audits, to mitigate the risks associated with electronic transactions12.

References :=

• BCS Information Security Management Principles, particularly the sections on Technical Security Controls and Information Risk, provide guidance on protecting electronic data and managing the associated risks1.
• Additional insights can be found in the Information Security Management Principles, 3rd Edition by Andy Taylor, David Alexander, Amanda Finch, David Sutton2.

Digital signatures are a form of electronic signature that uses cryptographic techniques to provide secure and verifiable means of signing electronic documents. They are widely recognized and accepted as legally binding in many jurisdictions around the world. The enforceability of digital signatures is backed by various laws and regulations that recognize electronic signatures as equivalent to handwritten signatures, provided they meet certain criteria for authenticity and integrity. For instance, in the United States, the ESIGN Act establishes the legal validity of electronic signatures, including digital signatures1. Similarly, the eIDAS regulation in the European Union provides a legal framework for electronic signatures and trust services, including digital signatures2.

References := The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles addresses the legal aspects of information security, including the enforceability of digital signatures. It aligns with international standards and practices that affirm the legal validity of digital signatures, as reflected in documents such as the ESIGN Act and the eIDAS regulation34.

Consequential loss in the context of information security refers to secondary or indirect damage that occurs as a result of a primary event or incident. It is not the immediate direct loss, such as theft of money or service disruption, but rather the subsequent impact that may not be immediately apparent. Reputation damage is a prime example of consequential loss because it is a secondary effect that can occur after a security breach or incident. The loss of trust by customers, partners, and stakeholders can have long-term negative effects on a business’s financial health and market position. This type of loss is often more significant and lasting than the immediate direct costs associated with an incident.

References: The understanding of consequential loss aligns with the principles outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which emphasizes the importance of considering both direct and indirect impacts of security incidents12.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is known for producing standards that cover good practices in various domains, including information assurance. BSI is the UK’s national standards body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It contributes to the development of international standards through ISO, which provides frameworks and best practices for information security management systems (ISMS), such as the ISO/IEC 27000 series. These standards are designed to help organizations manage the security of assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee details, and information entrusted by third parties.

References: The BSI’s role in developing international standards for information assurance is supported by its status as the UK’s national standards body and its contributions to ISO, which can be verified through ISO’s official website and related documentation12.

The use of white noise generation is a countermeasure to protect against the threat of eavesdropping on electromagnetic emanations from computing equipment. This method involves broadcasting random electromagnetic signals, which are referred to as‘white noise’, to mask the genuine signals emitted by electronic devices. This makes it significantly more difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept and decipher the information being processed by the genuine equipment.

A Faraday cage (A) is designed to block external electromagnetic fields but does not specifically broadcast false signals to mask emanations. Unshielded cabling (B) would actually increase the risk of emanation interception rather than protect against it. Copper infused windows © can shield against electromagnetic signals but, like the Faraday cage, do not broadcast false emanations.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of protecting against the leakage of information through electromagnetic emanations and suggests countermeasures like white noise generation as part of physical security controls1.

The deployment of end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solutions significantly increases the attack surface compared to traditional IT systems. This is due to the vast number of connected devices, each potentially introducing new vulnerabilities. The heterogeneity of these devices, often with varying levels of security, can lead to more entry points for cyberattacks. Additionally, the complexity of managing and securing these numerous devices, especially when they use different communication protocols and standards, exacerbates the risk. Therefore, the expansion of the attack surface is considered the greatest risk because it amplifies the potential for unauthorized access and compromises the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information systems.

References: = This concept is supported by the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with the security of information systems, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like IoT1. Further, industry research and reports highlight the challenges and risks posed by the expanding IoT attack surface23.

The statement defines Information Lifecycle Management (ILM), which is a set of policies, processes, practices, and tools that manage the flow of an organization’s information throughout its life cycle. ILM is concerned with aligning the business value of information with the most appropriate and cost-effective infrastructure from the moment the information is created until its final disposition. This includes how information is created, stored, used, archived, and eventually disposed of. An effective ILM strategy helps organizations manage their data in compliance with business requirements, regulatory obligations, and cost constraints.

References: The definition and explanation of ILM align with the information provided by TechTarget1, which describes ILM as a comprehensive approach to managing an organization’s data and associated metadata. It also matches the insights from Digital Guardian2, which explains that ILM oversees data throughout its lifecycle, optimizing storage systems and lowering associated costs while dealing with security, compliance, and regulatory issues.

After data creation, the typical next step in the standard information lifecycle is data storage. This phase involves securing the data in a storage solution where it can be accessed, managed, and protected effectively. Proper data storage ensures that data remains intact and available for future processing and analysis. It is a critical step before data can be used for any operational or analytical purposes, and precedes other stages such as archiving or deletion, which occur later in the lifecycle123.

References := The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles includes the understanding of the information lifecycle as part of its syllabus, emphasizing the importance of each stage, including data storage4. This is supported by industry practices and standards that outline the data lifecycle stages, as found in resources like the Harvard Business School Online’s insights on the data lifecycle1, and other data management guides23.

Syslog is a standard for message logging and allows devices to send event notification messages across IP networks to event message collectors - also known as Syslog servers or SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems. Native support for syslog is commonly found in various network devices and Unix/Linux-based systems.

• Enterprise Wireless Access Points, Linux Web Server Appliances, and Enterprise Stateful Firewalls typically have built-in capabilities to generate and send syslog messages to a SIEM system for monitoring and analysis.
• Windows Desktop Systems, on the other hand, do not natively support syslog because Windows uses its own event logging system known as Windows Event Log. While it is possible to configure Windows systems to send logs to a SIEM appliance, this usually requires additional software or agents to translate Windows Event Log messages into syslog format before they can be sent1.

References: The information provided here is based on common knowledge of system logging protocols and SIEM system capabilities, which are part of the foundational knowledge of Information Security Management Principles as outlined by BCS and supported by industry insights12.

The best practice when handling and investigating digital evidence for use in a criminal cybercrime investigation is to ensure that digital devices are forensically “clean” before any investigation takes place. This means that the devices should be free from any potential contamination that could compromise the integrity of the evidence. It’s crucial to maintain the original state of digital evidence as much as possible to ensure its admissibility in court. Altering digital evidence should be avoided unless it’s absolutely necessary for the investigation, and even then, it should be done following strict protocols to document the changes made. While law enforcement often handles digital evidence, the principle of maintaining a forensically clean state applies universally to ensure the evidence remains untainted and reliable.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and reliability of digital evidence. It outlines the procedures and controls that should be in place when dealing with digital evidence, which includes ensuring devices are forensically clean before investigation1.

An Information Owner is typically responsible for determining the classification of the information and for ensuring that it is handled and protected in accordance with its classification. This includes the right to assign access privileges to others, which allows theInformation Owner to control who can access the information and what level of access they have. This right is essential for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information, which are core principles of information security management. The Information Owner’s role is to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the information and that they have the appropriate level of access based on their role and need to know. References: BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles1.

The Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) is the document most likely to contain directives on the security and utilization of an organization’s information and IT equipment, including email, internet, and telephony. An AUP outlines the acceptable and unacceptable behaviors for users of the organization’s IT systems and services. It typically includes rules and guidelines on the proper use of IT resources, security practices, and the consequences of non-compliance. The AUP is designed to protect both the organization and its users by mitigating risks associated with the misuse of IT resources and ensuring that the use of these resources aligns with the organization’s security policies and objectives123.

References := The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles discusses the importance of having clear policies and procedures in place to manage information security risks, including the development and enforcement of an Acceptable Usage Policy1. This is further supported by industry best practices andguidelines on information security management, such as those provided by IT governance experts and ISO standards23.

When selecting a third-party digital forensics service provider, it is crucial to ensure that the company has the appropriate accreditations and the staff hold relevant certifications. This ensures that the service provider adheres to recognized standards and best practices in digital forensics, which is essential for the integrity and admissibility of evidence. Company accreditation provides assurance that the organization follows industry-recognized quality standards, while staff certification demonstrates that the individuals handling the forensic process are qualified and competent. This combination is vital for maintaining the credibility of the forensic investigation and the security of the data handled.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of management issues, including risk management, security standards, and legislation, which are relevant when considering third-party services1.

Appointing a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the most effective action at the board level to improve the security culture within an organization using a top-downapproach. The CISO plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining the enterprise vision, strategy, and program to ensure information assets and technologies are adequately protected. The CISO is responsible for leading the development and implementation of a security program across all aspects of the organization, which includes aligning security initiatives with business objectives, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This strategic role not only helps in creating a robust security posture but also promotes a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. By having a dedicated executive responsible for security, it sends a clear message that the organization prioritizes information security and is committed to protecting its assets and stakeholders.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of leadership and governance in the context of information security management, which includes the appointment of key roles such as the CISO1. Additionally, industry best practices and guidelines often recommend the appointment of a CISO as a critical step in fostering a strong security culture from the top down23.

 The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) protects the right to privacy, which includes the security of personal data and protection against surveillance1. This right is not absolute and can be limited under certain conditions, such as for the protection of national security or public safety. Most European countries have developed specific legislation that allows police and security services to monitor communications traffic, but this must be done within the boundaries set by the ECHR and subsequent legislation like the GDPR. The GDPR itself does not override the ECHR but complements it by providing detailed regulations on the processing of personal data, including provisions for law enforcement authorities to process data for criminal investigations in a way that respects fundamental rights23.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of understanding legal frameworks like the ECHR and GDPR that impact information security management. These frameworks guide the development of policies and procedures to ensure that the monitoring of communications by law enforcement is conducted lawfully and respects individuals’ right to privacy45. Additionally, the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 in the UK, for example, sets out the legal authority for police to intercept communications, ensuring compliance with the ECHR6.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation that applies to all organizations operating within the EU and also to organizations outside of the EU that offer goods or services to, or monitor the behavior of, EU data subjects. It is designed to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe and to protect and empower all EU citizens’ data privacy. The GDPR’s relevance extends beyond geographical and sector-specific boundaries because it applies to any organization that processes the personal data of individuals within the EU, making it a global standard for data protection.

While other options like Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have significant impacts on specific sectors or regions, GDPR’s broad scope makes it relevant to a wide range of organizations worldwide. It sets a precedent for data protection laws globally, influencing other regulations and becoming a de facto standard for many companies, even in countries without similar laws.

References := This explanation is based on the principles of Information Security Management, particularly in the domain of legal and regulatory compliance, as outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles. The GDPR’s wide-reaching impact is also supported by various legal analyses and discussions in the field of international data protection123.

The standard that deals specifically with the implementation of business continuity is ISO 22301, which is internationally recognized. It outlines the requirements for a business continuity management system (BCMS), which provides a framework for organizations to update, control, and deploy an effective BCMS that helps them to be prepared and respond effectively to disruptions. ISO/IEC 27001 is related to information security management systems (ISMS) and while it includes aspects of business continuity, it is not solely focused on it. COBIT is a framework for developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving IT governance and management practices, and BS5750 is a standard for quality management systems, now superseded by ISO 9000 series.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles aligns with international standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and covers a broad range of topics including business continuity, which is closely associated with ISO 223011.

When preserving a crime scene for digital evidence, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the evidence while also ensuring that volatile data is not lost. The initial actions should include photographing all evidence, which helps document the scene and the location of digital devices. This is important for later analysis and may be required for legal proceedings. Triage is the process of determining the importance of digital evidence and whether live data capture is necessary. Live data capture can be essential because some data can be lost if a device is powered down, such as encryption keys or active network connections1.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a framework for understanding information security management, including the importance of preserving digital evidence. It emphasizes the need for proper documentation, handling, and analysis of digital evidence to support the principles of information security management2. Additionally, guidelines from authoritative sources like the Electronic Crime Scene Investigation Guide by the National Institute of Justice provide detailed steps for handling digital evidence, which supports the answer provided1.