BCS CISMP-V9 BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles V9.0 Exam Practice Test

In the context of a cloud service provision, particularly Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the focus is typically on providing the physical or virtual infrastructure to the customer. The responsibility for user security education generally falls within the domain of the customer, as it pertains to their internal operations and how their employees or users interact with the IaaS. The IaaS provider’s responsibilities are more aligned with ensuring the security of the infrastructure itself, rather than the education of users on security practices.

Intellectual Property Rights (B), End-of-service ©, and Liability (D) are all common considerations in cloud service contracts. Intellectual Property Rights would cover the ownership of data and software used within the service. End-of-service terms would outline the process and responsibilities when the service term ends, including dataretrieval or transfer. Liability clauses would define the extent to which the provider is responsible for damages or losses incurred due to service issues.

References: The answer is based on the knowledge of Information Security Management Principles as outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which includes understanding the roles and responsibilities in information security management and the categorization and operation of different types of controls1.

The ISO/IEC 27000 series, particularly ISO/IEC 27001, provides a framework for information security management systems (ISMS) that helps organizations secure their information assets. This series covers various aspects of information security, including the protection of organizational records and data protection & privacy, which are legal compliance requirements in many jurisdictions. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are also considered within the scope of information security as they pertain to the protection of proprietary information and assets. Forensic recovery of data and data deduplication are technical and operational considerations but are not directly addressed as compliance legal requirements within the ISO/IEC 27000 series.

References: The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard outlines the requirements for an ISMS, including the need to address legal, physical, and technical controls to protect information assets12. The Advisera guide on ISO 27001 further explains the standard’s requirements for documented information, which would include organizational records and policies related to data protection and privacy3.

The main issue with qualitative risk assessments is their inherent subjectivity. Unlike quantitative assessments that use numerical data, qualitative assessments rely on the judgment and experience of the assessors to estimate risks. This can lead to inconsistencies if the criteria for ranking and categorizing risks are not clearly defined and agreed upon by all stakeholders involved in the assessment process. The subjective nature of this method can also influence the prioritization of risks, potentially affecting the decision-making process regarding which security controls to implement.

References: This explanation is consistent with the principles of Information Security Management, which highlight the importance of objectivity and clear criteria in risk assessments to ensure effective risk management. The ISACA Journal also discusses the subjective nature of qualitative risk assessments and the need for agreement on rankings1. Additionally, the qualitative versus quantitative dilemma in information security risk assessment is well-documented in academic literature2.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the most beneficial technology for ensuring consistent security settings across an organization’s devices, especially in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or mobile computing environment. MDM allows for the central management of security policies,the enforcement of strong authentication measures, and the protection of corporate data on personal devices. It provides the necessary tools to configure devices remotely, enforce security policies, manage applications, and protect against unauthorized access. This aligns with the Information Security Management Principles, particularly under the domains of Technical Security Controls and Procedural/People Security Controls, as it encompasses both the technology and the policies that govern its use by people within the organization123. References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding the concepts relating to information security management, which includes the knowledge of controls and characteristics that are essential for managing the security of information systems4. Additionally, the benefits of MDM in securing mobile and BYOD environments are well-documented, further supporting its selection as the most appropriate technology for Geoff’s requirements123.

Maintaining the currency of risk countermeasures is a continuous process due to the ever-changing nature of risks. Organizations should regularly review and update their risk assessments and countermeasures to ensure they are effective against current threats. This is because new vulnerabilities can emerge, and threat actors can develop new techniques, making previously effective countermeasures obsolete. Therefore, risks should remain under constant review to adapt to the dynamic security landscape, ensuring that the organization’s security posture is resilient and responsive to new information or changes in the environment.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of ongoing risk management and the need for regular reviews of security controls and countermeasures1. It aligns with best practices in information security management, which advocate for a proactive and adaptive approach to risk management1.

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.

The field of Information Security is dynamic and evolves rapidly, with new threats and technologies emerging regularly. Continual Professional Development (CPD) is crucial in this sphere to ensure that professionals stay up-to-date with the latest security trends, practices, and technologies. CPD enables information security professionals to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills, which is vital for effectively protecting organizations against the ever-changing threat landscape. This ongoing learning process is not just about retaining credibility or meeting the requirements of professional bodies; it’s about ensuring that professionals can respond to new challenges and remain effective in their roles.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of CPD, stating that information security management is a critical discipline in modern business that requires practitioners to continually develop their understanding and stay current with industry standards, frameworks, and best practices12.

Contracting third parties to meet specific security standards is prudent because vulnerabilities within their networks can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to a client’s environment. Third-party vendors often have access to an organization’s sensitive data and systems, which can become a potential entry point for cyber attackers. By ensuring that third parties adhere to stringent security standards, an organization can better protect itself against the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks that may originate from less secure third-party networks. This proactive approach to third-party security helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the organization’s data and systems.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles highlights the importance of managing information risk and implementing an effective information security framework, which includes managing third-party risks1. Additionally, industry best practices and guidelines, such as those from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), emphasize the need for organizations to assess and manage the security risks associated with third-party service providers2.

The AAA Triad in Information Security stands for Authentication, Authorization (also known as Authorisation), and Accounting. These three components are fundamental to ensuring that access to systems is controlled and monitored:

• Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or entity. It ensures that individuals are who they claim to be. This can involve methods such as passwords, biometrics, or tokens.
• Authorization determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do. It involves granting or denying rights to access resources and perform actions within a system based on the user’s identity.
• Accounting keeps track of user activities. This includes logging when users log in and out, what actions they perform, and what resources they access. It’s essential for auditing purposes and can also be used for billing or analyzing resource usage.

These principles are designed to protect information by managing potential risks and controlling access to data. They are part of a broader framework that includes physical, technical, and procedural controls to safeguard information assets.

References := The explanation provided is based on standard definitions and practices within the field of Information Security Management, as outlined in resources like the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles and corroborated by industry sources1234.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the current specification for the encryption of electronic data established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). AES is a symmetric block cipher that can encrypt (encipher) and decrypt (decipher) information, converting data to an unintelligible form called ciphertext and back to its original form, plaintext. The AES algorithm is capable of using cryptographic keys of 128, 192, and 256 bits to encrypt and decrypt data in blocks of 128 bits. It was selected by NIST as a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) to protect electronic data and is widely recognized and used for secure data encryption1.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding various encryption algorithms, including AES, for protecting electronic data. The NIST publication on AES provides detailed information about the standard and its application1.

In a virtualized cloud environment, the hypervisor, also known as the virtual machine monitor (VMM), is the software, firmware, or hardware that creates and runs virtual machines. It is responsible for managing the system’s hardware resources so they are distributed efficiently among multiple virtual environments. The hypervisor provides the secure separation between guest machines by ensuring that each guest machine operates independently and is unaware of the other guests’ existence. This isolation prevents one guest from accessing or interfering with another guest’s resources, which is crucial for maintaining security in a multi-tenant environment where multiple virtual machines are hosted on a single physical server.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive understanding of information security management, including the role of the hypervisor in ensuring secure separation between guest machines in a virtualized environment12.

 When outsourcing data processing, the original data owner has a legal duty of care to ensure that the third party is competent to process the data securely (1) and observes the same high standards as the data owner (2). This means that the third party must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and security measures in place to protect the data,and they must adhere to the same level of data protection and privacy standards as the original owner. Processing the data wherever it can be transferred (3) and archiving the data for the third party’s own long-term usage (4) are not primary legal considerations and may, in fact, contravene data protection laws if done without proper safeguards and compliance with regulations.

References: The duty of care in the context of data protection is a critical aspect of GDPR and other privacy regulations, which emphasize the responsibility of data controllers to ensure that any third-party processors they use comply with the same data protection standards1. Additionally, the principles of due care and due diligence in cybersecurity highlight the importance of selecting competent third-party service providers and ensuring they maintain high standards of data protection2.

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.

A qualitative risk assessment approach is characterized by the subjective analysis of the likelihood of a risk occurring and its potential impact. This method relies on the judgment and experience of the assessor to estimate the severity of a risk. It does not use numerical data or statistical methods, which are typical of quantitative assessments. Instead, it may use descriptors like ‘low’, ‘medium’, or ‘high’ to rate both the likelihoodof occurrence and the potential impact. This approach is useful when precise data is unavailable or when assessing complex, multifaceted risks where human insight is valuable.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding the different approaches to risk assessment, including qualitative methods. It emphasizes the need for subjective analysis in certain scenarios and the role of experienced judgment in evaluating risks1.

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.

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.

Static testing is a method where the code is analyzed without being executed. It involves reviewing the code, documentation, and other related artifacts to identify errors at an early stage. Static testing can detect potential issues like syntax errors, variable misuse, and security vulnerabilities. This type of testing is crucial because it helps to find errors before the code is run, which can save time and resources in the development process. It’s typically done through various techniques such as code reviews, walkthroughs, and the use of static analysis tools12.

References :=

• Understanding of static testing and its importance in the software development lifecycle is well-documented in the literature, including the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles1.
• Further details on static testing methodologies and their application can be found in industry-specific guidelines and best practices2.

 Ensuring the correctness of data inputted to a system is a fundamental aspect of data integrity within information security. Integrity refers to the trustworthiness and accuracy of data throughout its lifecycle. This means that the data has not been altered in an unauthorized manner and remains consistent, accurate, and trustworthy. It is crucial for the proper functioning of any system that relies on data to make decisions or perform operations. Measures to ensure data integrity include input validation, error checking, and data verification processes that prevent incorrect data entry, unauthorized data alteration, and ensure that the data reflects its intended state.

References: This concept is covered under the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which outlines integrity as one of the key facets of information security, ensuring that data remains authentic and unaltered from its original state123.

SIEM, which stands for Security Information and Event Management, is the correct acronym that covers the real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware. SIEM systems aggregate and analyze activity data from various resources across the IT infrastructure, such as network devices, servers, and domain controllers. They operate on rules-based and statistical correlation algorithms to establish relationships between log entries, providing reports on security-related incidents and events, and sending alerts if the analysis indicates a potential security issue. This enables organizations to gain insights into their security posture, identify trends, and detect threats or anomalies that could indicate a security incident1.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles acknowledges the role of SIEM in monitoring and analyzing security events in real-time as part of an effective information security framework1.

 The primary security concern with BYOD is the reduced level of control an organization has over employees’ personal devices compared to corporately owned and managed devices. This lack of control can lead to inconsistent security practices, such as irregular updates, lack of standardized security software, and potential for data leakage if the device is lost or compromised. BYOD policies must address these challenges by implementing security measures that protect corporate data while respecting users’ privacy on their personal devices123.

References :=

• The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of managing information risk and implementing comprehensive security controls, which are particularly relevant for BYOD policies1.
• Literature on BYOD security risks and mitigation strategies provides insights into the challenges and best practices for managing personal devices in a corporate environment2.
• Reviews of security access control policies and techniques based on privacy requirements in a BYOD environment offer a systematic approach to addressing BYOD security concerns3.

The access control method described is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). In RBAC, access permissions are based on the roles within an organization, and users are assigned to these roles based on their responsibilities and qualifications. Each role has a defined set of access permissions to perform certain operations. This method simplifies management and ensures that only authorized users can perform actions relevant to their role. For instance, ‘Developers’ can create and update files, ‘Reviewers’ can upload and update files, and ‘Administrators’ have the rights to upload, delete, and update files. This aligns with the RBAC model where permissions are grouped by role rather than by individual user, making it easier to manage and audit.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a framework for understanding the principles of information security management, including access control mechanisms like RBAC12.

 Accountability is the term that describes the acknowledgement and acceptance of ownership of actions, decisions, policies, and deliverables. It implies that an individual or organization is willing to take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of those actions, and is answerable to the relevant stakeholders. This concept is fundamental in information security management, as it ensures that individuals and teams are aware of their roles and the expectations placed upon them, particularly in relation to the protection of information assets. Accountability cannot be delegated; while tasks can be assigned to others, the ultimate ownership and obligation to report and justify the outcomes remain with the accountable party.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of accountability within the context of information security management. It is a key principle that supports the governance of information security and the management of risks associated with information assets1.

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 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.

which appears to be a typographical error for ISO 15489. ISO 15489 is the international standard that deals with the management of records, including their retention. It provides a framework for creating, capturing, and managing records of any format or structure, in all types of business and technological environments, over time. This standard emphasizes the importance of records management for organizational efficiency and accountability, and it outlines the principles and practices to ensure that records are properly maintained and retained according to legal, regulatory, and operational requirements12.

References :=

• ISO 15489-1:2016 Information and documentation — Records management — Part 1: Concepts and principles1.
• ISO committee website for ISO 15489 Records management2.

SMS technology was originally designed for casual, low-security communication. It lacks the robust security features required for transmitting sensitive information, such as one-time payment codes. The protocol does not encrypt messages, leaving them vulnerable to interception during transmission. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of SMS for various services has made it an attractive target for attackers, leading to exploitation through methods like SIM swapping, phishing, and other forms of abuse12.

References: The explanation is based on the general knowledge of SMS technology’s limitations and security vulnerabilities, as well as information from sources discussing SMS attacks and mitigation strategies12.

Dumpster diving refers to the practice of sifting through commercial or residential waste to find items that have been discarded but can still be of value, particularly information. In the context of information security, dumpster diving is a significant threat because it can lead to the recovery of sensitive documents, storage devices, or other materials that contain confidential data. When disposing of such items, it’s crucial to ensure they are destroyed or sanitized in a manner that prevents data reconstruction or retrieval. This aligns with the BCS Information Security Management Principles, which emphasize the importance of secure disposal methods to protect against unauthorized access to or recovery of sensitive information1234.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the need for proper disposal procedures to mitigate the risks associated with data recovery from discarded materials1. Additionally, industry best practices and guidelines, such as those from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provide detailed methods for the secure sanitization and disposal of electronic media4.

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.

The reporting of security incidents involving personal data is distinct from other types of incidents primarily due to the legal obligations imposed by data protection legislation. Such laws typically mandate that organizations report certain types of breaches involving personal data to a Supervisory Authority within a specified timeframe. This requirement is in place to ensure prompt and appropriate response to potential privacy risks affecting individuals’ rights and freedoms. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties for the organization. The reporting process also often includes notifying affected individuals, especially if there is a high risk of adverse effects on their rights and freedoms12.

References :=

• The UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 outline the duty of organizations to report certain personal data breaches to the relevant supervisory authority, such as the ICO, within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach1.
• The ICO’s guide on personal data breaches provides detailed instructions on how to recognize a breach, the reporting process, and the importance of having robust breach detection, investigation, and internal reporting procedures12.

A zero-day vulnerability refers to a security flaw that is unknown to the parties responsible for patching or fixing the flaw. The term “zero-day” relates to the number of days the software vendor has known about the problem, which in this case is zero, indicating that they have had no time to address and patch the vulnerability. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because there are no existing defenses against it, making systems susceptible to zero-day attacks where attackers exploit the vulnerability before it can be mitigated.

In the context of Information Security Management, understanding and addressing zero-day vulnerabilities is crucial as they pose significant risks. Organizations must have proactive security measures and incident response plans to detect and respond to such vulnerabilities swiftly. This includes having a robust security framework, regular security assessments, and a culture of security awareness to minimize the risk of such vulnerabilities being exploited.

References := The explanation aligns with the principles of Information Security Management, particularly in the domains of Information Risk and Technical Security Controls, as outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles and supported by industry literature on zero-day vulnerabilities123.