Back to Information Security Strategy

Information Governance Frameworks and Standards

5 minutes 5 Questions

Information Governance Frameworks and Standards are essential components within the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) and Information Security Strategy domains. These frameworks provide structured guidelines and best practices that help organizations manage, protect, and leverage their information assets effectivelyOne prominent framework is COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies), which offers a comprehensive set of practices for IT governance and management. COBIT aligns IT objectives with business goals, ensuring that information security strategies support overall organizational objectives. Similarly, the ISO/IEC 27000 series, particularly ISO/IEC 27001, establishes a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS) framework. This standard emphasizes continuous improvement, risk management, and compliance, providing a systematic approach to managing sensitive informationAnother key standard is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which provides a policy framework of industry standards and best practices to help organizations manage cybersecurity risks. It is widely adopted due to its flexibility and comprehensive approach, covering areas such as identification, protection, detection, response, and recoveryImplementing these frameworks ensures that information governance is not only about compliance but also about creating a culture of security and accountability. They help in defining clear roles and responsibilities, establishing policies and procedures, and ensuring that security measures are consistently applied across the organization. Additionally, these standards facilitate risk assessment and management, enabling organizations to identify vulnerabilities and implement appropriate controls to mitigate potential threatsIn the context of CISM, proficiency in these frameworks equips information security managers with the tools to design and implement effective security strategies. It ensures that security initiatives are aligned with business objectives, enhancing the organization's ability to protect its information assets while supporting its overall mission. Furthermore, adherence to recognized standards demonstrates a commitment to best practices, which can enhance stakeholder trust and improve regulatory compliance. Ultimately, Information Governance Frameworks and Standards are pivotal in establishing a resilient and adaptive information security strategy that meets the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.

Information Governance Frameworks and Standards: A Comprehensive Guide

Why It's Important:

Information Governance Frameworks and Standards are crucial in managing and protecting an organization's information assets. They provide a structured approach to handling data, ensuring compliance, and minimizing risks.

What It Is:

Information Governance Frameworks are comprehensive systems that define policies, procedures, and controls for managing information throughout its lifecycle. Standards are specific guidelines or best practices that organizations can adopt to ensure consistency and quality in information management.

How It Works:

1. Establishing Policies: Organizations create policies aligned with regulatory requirements and business objectives.
2. Implementing Procedures: Detailed processes are developed to enforce policies.
3. Applying Controls: Technical and administrative measures are put in place to ensure compliance.
4. Monitoring and Auditing: Regular assessments are conducted to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
5. Continuous Improvement: Frameworks and standards are updated based on new regulations and evolving best practices.

Answering Exam Questions:

1. Understand key frameworks like COBIT, ITIL, and ISO 27001.
2. Be familiar with industry-specific standards and regulations (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare).
3. Know the components of an effective governance framework.
4. Recognize the benefits of implementing standards and frameworks.
5. Understand the relationship between governance, risk management, and compliance.

Exam Tips:

1. Read questions carefully, paying attention to keywords.
2. Consider the context provided in the question.
3. Eliminate obviously incorrect answers first.
4. Look for answers that emphasize a holistic approach to information governance.
5. Remember that questions may focus on specific aspects of frameworks or standards.
6. Be prepared to apply governance concepts to real-world scenarios.
7. Practice with sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

Test mode:
Start practice test
CISM - Information Security Strategy Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

Which international standard provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system?

Correct Answer: ISO/IEC 27001

The correct answer is ISO/IEC 27001. ISO/IEC 27001 is the international standard specifically designed to provide guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). It is widely recognized and adopted by organizations worldwide for managing information security risks and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. Explanation of other options: COBIT 5 (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is a framework for IT governance and management. While it includes some aspects of information security, it is not specifically focused on ISMS and does not provide the comprehensive guidelines for ISMS that ISO/IEC 27001 does. NIST SP 800-53 (National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53) is a set of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations in the United States. While it is a valuable resource for security controls, it is not an international standard for ISMS implementation and improvement. ISO 31000 is a standard for risk management in general. While risk management is an important part of information security, ISO 31000 does not specifically address the establishment, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of an ISMS.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the main function of the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) in information governance?

Correct Answer: Providing a structured process for managing information security risks

The NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) primarily focuses on providing a structured process for managing information security risks. This framework offers a comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with information systems and organizational operations. The correct answer accurately describes the main function of the NIST RMF. It emphasizes the framework's role in managing information security risks through a structured process, which aligns with the core principles of the RMF. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: Ensuring compliance with international data privacy regulations: While the RMF may indirectly support compliance efforts, its primary focus is not on international data privacy regulations. The framework is more concerned with overall information security risk management. Defining specific technical controls for network security implementation: The RMF provides a process for selecting and implementing controls, but it does not specifically define technical controls for network security. It offers a more comprehensive approach to risk management across various aspects of information security. Establishing guidelines for business continuity and disaster recovery planning: Although business continuity and disaster recovery are important aspects of information security, they are not the main focus of the NIST RMF. The framework primarily addresses risk management processes rather than specific guidelines for these areas. For a CISM professional, understanding the NIST RMF is crucial as it provides a systematic approach to managing information security risks, which aligns with the core competencies required for effective information security management.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in information governance?

Correct Answer: To protect personal data and privacy rights of EU citizens

The primary purpose of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in information governance is to protect personal data and privacy rights of EU citizens. This is the correct answer because:

1. GDPR is specifically designed to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe.
2. It aims to protect and empower all EU citizens' data privacy.
3. It reshapes the way organizations approach data privacy in the EU.

The other options are incorrect:

Establishing global cybersecurity standards is not the primary purpose of GDPR. While GDPR does include some security requirements, it is not a comprehensive cybersecurity framework and is limited to EU jurisdiction, not global.

Regulating financial transactions and preventing money laundering are not the main objectives of GDPR. These are typically handled by other regulations such as AML (Anti-Money Laundering) directives.

Standardizing IT infrastructure across EU countries is not a goal of GDPR. While organizations may need to adjust their IT systems to comply with GDPR, the regulation does not dictate specific IT infrastructure standards.

Go Premium

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) Preparation Package (2024)

  • 1010 Superior-grade CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CISM preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Information Governance Frameworks and Standards questions
29 questions (total)
Start 29 question test