CISMP-V9 BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles V9.0 Questions and Answers

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and improving IT governance and management practices, and BS5750 is a standard for quality management systems, now superseded by ISO 9000 series.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.

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 final stage in the information management lifecycle is often disposal. This stage involves the secure deletion or destruction of information that is no longer needed or has reached the end of its retention period. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent unauthorized access or recovery of sensitive data. It ensures compliance with data protection regulations and organizational policies regarding the retention and destruction of data.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles highlights the importance of managing information throughout its lifecycle, including the final stage of disposal. This aligns with industry best practices and standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, which includes requirements for the secure disposal of information1. Additionally, the Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) framework also identifies disposal as a key phase, emphasizing the need for policies and procedures to manage the end-of-life of information assets1.

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.

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.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are a threat to any organization that maintains an online presence. This is because DDoS attacks are designed to overwhelm an organization’s network with traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. While cloud service providers, financial sector organizations, and online retail companies can be attractive targets due to their high-profile nature and the critical nature of their services, the reality is that any organization with an online presence can be targeted.This includes small businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and non-profits. The motivation behind such attacks can vary from financial gain, to disruption of service, to political statements. Therefore, it’s crucial for all organizations to implement robust security measures to mitigate the risk of DDoS attacks.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive understanding of information security management, including the categorization, operation, and effectiveness of controls of different types and characteristics, which would encompass those necessary to defend against DDoS attacks1.

 ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a widely recognized framework that offers a comprehensive set of best practices for IT Service Management (ITSM). It assists organizations in aligning IT services with business goals, including security objectives. ITIL provides guidance on the entire service lifecycle, from service strategy and design to service transition, operation, and continual service improvement. By following ITIL’s structured approach, organizations can enhance the quality of IT services, manage risk effectively, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure that IT and business strategies are in sync.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles acknowledges ITIL as a key framework for ITSM best practices. It is aligned with other standards like ISO/IEC 20000, which reflects ITIL’s best practices within its requirements1234.

RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is a widely accepted asymmetric encryption algorithm. Unlike symmetric algorithms, which use the same key for both encryption and decryption, asymmetric algorithms use a pair of keys – a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This method allows for secure key exchange over an insecure channel without the need to share the private key. RSA operates on the principle that it is easy to multiply large prime numbers together to create a product, but it is hard to reverse the process, i.e., to factorize the product back into the original primes. This one-way function underpins the security of RSA.

References: The information provided is based on standard cryptographic principles as outlined in resources like BCS Information Security Management Principles and other cryptography texts12345.

 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, includinghacking, 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.

 Botnets are typically used by attackers for a variety of malicious activities, most commonly for:

• Generating and distributing spam messages: Botnets can send out large volumes of spam emails to promote products or services, or to distribute malware.
• Conducting DDoS attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are often carried out using botnets to overwhelm a target’s servers with traffic.
• Scanning for system & application vulnerabilities: Botnets can be used to scan a large number of systems for vulnerabilities that can be exploited in further attacks.

However, vishing attacks, which involve voice phishing through phone calls, are not commonly associated with the use of botnets. Vishing typically involves direct voice communication to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information and does not leverage the distributed computing power of botnets, which is central to their usual applications such as spam distribution, DDoS attacks, and vulnerability scanning123.

References: The answer is informed by the common uses of botnets as outlined in various cybersecurity resources, including the BCS Information Security Management Principles, which emphasize the importance of understanding botnet capabilities in the context of information security management12

 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.

A battle box, in the context of business continuity, is a portable container that holds items and information essential for an organization to continue critical operations during and after a disaster. This may include contact lists, key documents, backup media, and other resources necessary for decision-making and recovery efforts. The concept of a battle box aligns with the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Management domain of Information Security Management Principles, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness and the ability to respond effectively to incidents that disrupt business operations.

References: The definition and purpose of a battle box can be found within the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which provides a clear understanding of IS management issues, including business continuity and the importance of having such mechanisms in place1.

http://www.battlebox.biz/why.asp

The AAA service, which stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting, is essential for managing user access to network resources. When it comes to providing AAA services for both wireless and remote access network services in a non-proprietarymanner, RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is the most suitable technology.

RADIUS is an open standard protocol widely used for network access authentication and accounting. It is supported by a variety of network vendors and devices, making it a non-proprietary solution that can be easily integrated into different network environments. RADIUS provides a centralized way to authenticate users, authorize their access levels, and keep track of their activity on the network1.

• TACACS+ is a Cisco proprietary protocol and therefore does not meet the requirement of avoiding proprietary solutions.
• OAuth is a framework for authorization and is not typically used for network access control in the same way that RADIUS is.
• MS Access Database is not a network authentication protocol and would not provide the necessary AAA services for network security.

References: The information provided here is based on the principles of AAA services as outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles and supported by industry-standard practices for non-proprietary network security solutions.

Misuse case diagrams are a type of diagram used in application threat modeling that includes malicious users (also known as threat actors) and describes how their potential actions could threaten the system, as well as how the system mitigates those threats. These diagrams are an adaptation of use case diagrams, which are commonly used in software engineering to specify the required usages of a system. Misuse case diagrams, on the other hand, focus on the negative scenarios, illustrating how a system can be used improperly and what measures are in place to prevent or mitigate these actions12.

References: The explanation utilizes the knowledge of misuse case diagrams as a tool in threat modeling to understand and communicate about potential security threats12.

Static verification refers to the set of processes that analyze code without executing it to ensure that defined coding practices are being followed. This method involves reviewing the code to detect errors, enforce coding standards, and identify security vulnerabilities. It is a crucial part of the software development lifecycle and helps maintain code quality and reliability. Static verification can be performed manually through code reviews or automatically using static analysis tools.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles includes the understanding of technical security controls, which encompasses static verification as a means to ensure the integrity and security of software code1.

 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.

 Social engineering attacks are designed to exploit human psychology and manipulate individuals into breaking normal security procedures and best practices. These attacks have the most impact on an employee’s compliance with an organization’s code of conduct because they directly target the employee’s behavior and decision-making process. By using deception, persuasion, or influence, attackers can coerce employees into divulging confidential information, providing access to restricted areas, or performing actions that go against the company’s policies and ethical standards. This form of attack can lead to violations of the code of conduct, as employees may unknowingly or unwillingly engage in activities that compromise the organization’s values and principles.

References: The explanation is supported by the information provided in resources discussing the impact of social engineering on organizational security and employee behavior12. These sources highlight the significance of understanding and mitigating social engineering threats to maintain code of conduct compliance within a company.

 When an organization opts for public cloud services, it relinquishes direct control over many aspects of security and privacy. While the cloud service provider maintains the physical servers, the organization loses the ability to physically access these servers. This is a significant shift from traditional on-premises data centers where the organization would have complete control over and access to the physical infrastructure. In the context of the public cloud, the organization must rely on the cloud provider’s security measures and protocols to protect its data. However, it’s important to note that while physical access is lost, cloud providers typically offer robust security features and compliance certifications that can compensate for this loss12.

References: The information provided aligns with the principles outlined in the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the security controls and risks associated with different types of information security management environments3. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides guidelines on security and privacy in public cloud computing, which discuss the shared responsibility model and the implications of losing physical control over servers2.

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.

A desk-top exercise is a form of testing for a continuity plan that involves a structured discussion around a written scenario. This scenario is used as the basis for simulation, without the activation of actual resources. It typically involves key personnel discussing the steps they would take in response to a particular set of circumstances, as outlined in the scenario. This type of exercise is designed to validate the theoretical aspects of a plan and ensure that those involved understand their roles and responsibilities. It can also highlight any gaps or issues within the plan that need to be addressed.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a framework for understanding the various aspects of information security management, including business continuity management and the different types of testing and exercises that can be used to ensure plans are effective and up-to-date1.

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.

The concept of a security culture within an organization emphasizes that security is not solely a technical issue but also a behavioral one. Appropriate behaviors are essential because they embody the organization’s values and beliefs about security. These behaviors ensure that all members of the organization understand and adhere to security policies and procedures, thereby reducing risk and reinforcing the security regime. This includes following the ‘need to know’ principle, verifying IDs, and implementing access denial measures, but it is the appropriate behaviors that integrate these actions into a coherent and effective security culture.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive understanding of information security management, including the importance of fostering a security culture through appropriate behaviors12.

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.

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.

In a shared server environment, such as cloud services, it’s crucial to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of client data. The most effective way to prevent one client from accessing another’s data is through data isolation and logical storage segregation. This approach aligns with the Information Security Management Principles, specifically under the domain of Technical Security Controls. Data isolation ensures that each client’s data is processed and stored separately, while logical storage segregation uses software controls to keep data separate even when stored on the same physical server. This method is part of a broader set of security controls that include encryption, access controls, and regular audits to ensure compliance with security policies.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding security controls and their operation within the technical environment1. The recommended reading list and syllabus for the certification provide further details on these principles2.

 Network visualization is a powerful tool in managing information security as it can transform complex data sets into visual formats that are easier to understand and analyze. This is particularly useful in cybersecurity, where large volumes of data need to be monitored for potential security threats. Effective data visualization can provide meaningful insights into network security data, helping analysts to quickly identify patterns, anomalies, and trends that may indicate security incidents12.

While options B and C are methods of data analysis, they do not leverage the unique capabilities of visualization for rapid interpretation of security data. Option D is incorrect because the operation of visualization software does not inherently reduce malware infection risks; it’s the insights gained from visualization that can assist in proactive threat detection and management12.

References :=

• Effective Data Visualization in Cybersecurity, IEEE Conference1.
• A Survey of Visualization Systems for Network Security, IEEE Transactions2.

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.