Isaca CISM - Certified Information Security Manager

Penetration testing is the most useful method for identifying security control gaps on an application server because it simulates real-world attacks and exploits the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of the application server. Penetration testing can reveal the actual impact and risk of the security control gaps, and provide recommendations for remediation and improvement.

According to the CISM Review Manual, the incident response team should preserve the evidence as the first step to prepare for a third-party forensics investigation, as it helps to maintain the integrity and admissibility of the evidence in a court of law. Preserving the evidence may include isolating and imaging the infected systems, but these are not the only actions required. Cleaning the malware may destroy or alter the evidence and should be avoided until the investigation is completed.

References = CISM Review Manual, 27th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.6.2, page 165

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)

 According to the CISM Review Manual, one of the best ways to contain an SQL injection attack that has been detected by a web application firewall is to reconfigure the web application firewall to block the attack. This means that the web application firewall should be updated with the latest detection patterns and rules that can identify and prevent SQL injection attacks. By doing so, the web application firewall can reduce the impact and damage of the attack, and prevent further exploitation of the vulnerable database1

The other options are not as effective as reconfiguring the web application firewall to block the attack. Force password changes on the SQL database is a reactive measure that does not address the root cause of the problem, and may cause data loss or corruption if not done properly. Updating the detection patterns on the web application firewall is a preventive measure that can help to detect SQL injection attacks, but it does not stop them from happening in the first place. Blocking IPs from where the attack originates is a defensive measure that can limit or stop some SQL injection attacks, but it does not protect all possible sources of malicious traffic, and may also affect legitimate users or applications1

References = 1: CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA, 2020, pp. 32-33…

 The CEO is the best able to influence the security culture within an organization because the CEO sets the tone and direction for the organization and has the authority and responsibility to ensure that the organization’s objectives are aligned with its strategy. The CEO can also communicate the importance and value of information security to all stakeholders and foster a culture of security awareness and accountability. The CISO, CIO and COO are important roles in information security management, but they do not have the same level of influence and authority as the CEO. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, page 221; CISM Exam Content Outline, Domain 1, Task 12

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for leading and coordinating an organization's information security program, and as such, is in a prime position to influence the security culture within the organization. The CISO is responsible for setting policies and standards, educating employees about security risks and best practices, and ensuring that the organization is taking appropriate measures to mitigate security risks. By demonstrating a strong commitment to information security, the CISO can help to create a security-aware culture within the organization.