Practice Free ISO-IEC-27005 Risk Manager Exam Online Questions
Which of the following statements best defines information security risk?
- A . The potential that threats will exploit vulnerabilities of an information asset and cause harm to an organization
- B . Weakness of an asset or control that can be exploited by one or a group of threats
- C . Potential cause of an unwanted incident related to information security that can cause harm to an organization
A
Explanation:
Information security risk, as defined by ISO/IEC 27005, is "the potential that a threat will exploit a vulnerability of an asset or group of assets and thereby cause harm to the organization." This definition emphasizes the interplay between threats (e.g., cyber attackers, natural disasters), vulnerabilities (e.g., weaknesses in software, inadequate security controls), and the potential impact or harm that could result from this exploitation. Therefore, option A is the most comprehensive and accurate description of information security risk. In contrast, option B describes a vulnerability, and option C focuses on the cause of an incident rather than defining risk itself. Option A aligns directly with the risk definition in ISO/IEC 27005.
Scenario 5: Detika is a private cardiology clinic in Pennsylvania, the US. Detika has one of the most advanced healthcare systems for treating heart diseases. The clinic uses sophisticated apparatus that detects heart diseases in early stages. Since 2010, medical information of Detika’s patients is stored on the organization’s digital systems. Electronic health records (EHR), among others, include patients’ diagnosis, treatment plan, and laboratory results.
Storing and accessing patient and other medical data digitally was a huge and a risky step for Detik a. Considering the sensitivity of information stored in their systems, Detika conducts regular risk assessments to ensure that all information security risks are identified and managed. Last month, Detika conducted a risk assessment which was focused on the EHR system. During risk identification, the IT team found out that some employees were not updating the operating systems regularly. This could cause major problems such as a data breach or loss of software compatibility. In addition, the IT team tested the software and detected a flaw in one of the software modules used. Both issues were reported to the top management and they decided to implement appropriate controls for treating the identified risks. They decided to organize training sessions for all employees in order to make them aware of the importance of the system updates. In addition, the manager of the IT Department was appointed as the person responsible for ensuring that the software is regularly tested.
Another risk identified during the risk assessment was the risk of a potential ransomware attack. This risk was defined as low because all their data was backed up daily. The IT team decided to accept the actual risk of ransomware attacks and concluded that additional measures were not required. This decision was documented in the risk treatment plan and communicated to the risk owner. The risk owner approved the risk treatment plan and documented the risk assessment results.
Following that, Detika initiated the implementation of new controls. In addition, one of the employees of the IT Department was assigned the responsibility for monitoring the implementation process and ensure the effectiveness of the security controls. The IT team, on the other hand, was responsible for allocating the resources needed to effectively implement the new controls.
How should Detika define which of the identified risks should be treated first? Refer to scenario 5.
- A . Based on their priority in the risk treatment plan
- B . Based on the resources required for ensuring effective implementation
- C . Based on who is accountable and responsible for approving the risk treatment plan
A
Explanation:
Detika should prioritize the treatment of identified risks based on their priority in the risk treatment plan. According to ISO/IEC 27005, the risk treatment plan specifies the order in which risks should be treated based on their severity, likelihood, and impact on the organization. Risks that pose the greatest threat to the organization or have the highest priority should be treated first. Options B and C are incorrect because allocating resources or determining accountability do not inherently establish the priority of risk treatment; the risk treatment plan does.
Which of the following risk assessment methods provides an information security risk assessment methodology and involves three phases build asset-based threat profiles, identify infrastructure vulnerabilities, and develop security strategy and plans?
- A . OCTAVE-S
- B . MEHARI
- C . TRA
A
Explanation:
OCTAVE-S (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation for Small Organizations) is a risk assessment methodology tailored for small organizations. It provides a structured approach for identifying and managing information security risks.
The OCTAVE-S method involves three main phases:
Building asset-based threat profiles, where critical assets and their associated threats are identified. Identifying infrastructure vulnerabilities by assessing the organization’s technological infrastructure for weaknesses that could be exploited by threats.
Developing security strategy and plans to address the identified risks and improve the overall security posture.
The OCTAVE-S method aligns with the description provided in the question, making it the correct answer. MEHARI and TRA are other risk assessment methods, but they do not specifically follow the three phases outlined above.
1 1. Does information security reduce the impact of risks?
An internal employee clicks on a link embedded in an email that redirects them to an unsecured website, installing a malware on the device.
The likelihood of occurrence for the first risk scenario was determined as “medium.” One of the main reasons that such a risk could occur was the usage of default accounts and password. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability and launch a brute-force attack. Therefore, Productscape decided to start using an automated “build and deploy” process which would test the software on deploy and minimize the likelihood of such an incident from happening. However, the team made it clear that the implementation of this process would not eliminate the risk completely and that there was still a low possibility for this risk to occur. Productscape documented the remaining risk and decided to monitor it for changes.
The likelihood of occurrence for the second risk scenario was determined as “medium.” Productscape decided to contract an IT company that would provide technical assistance and monitor the company’s systems and networks in order to prevent such incidents from happening. The likelihood of occurrence for the third risk scenario was determined as “high.” Thus, Productscape decided to include phishing as a topic on their information security training sessions. In addition, Alex reviewed the controls of Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001 in order to determine the necessary controls for treating this risk. Alex decided to implement control A.8.23 Web filtering which would help the company to reduce the risk of accessing unsecure websites. Although security controls were implemented to treat the risk, the level of the residual risk still did not meet the risk acceptance criteria defined in the beginning of the risk assessment process. Since the cost of implementing additional controls was too high for the company, Productscape decided to accept the residual risk. Therefore, risk owners were assigned the responsibility of managing the residual risk.
Based on the scenario above, answer the following question: Which risk treatment option was used for the first risk scenario?
- A . Risk modification
- B . Risk avoidance
- C . Risk sharing
A
Explanation:
Risk modification involves implementing measures to reduce the likelihood or impact of a risk. In the first risk scenario, Productscape decided to use an automated "build and deploy" process to reduce the likelihood of an attacker exploiting a security misconfiguration vulnerability. This action aims to lower the risk to an acceptable level, which is characteristic of risk modification.
Option B (Risk avoidance) would involve eliminating the risk by avoiding the activity altogether, which is not what was done.
Option C (Risk sharing) involves transferring some or all of the risk to a third party, which is not applicable in this scenario.
An internal employee clicks on a link embedded in an email that redirects them to an unsecured website, installing a malware on the device.
The likelihood of occurrence for the first risk scenario was determined as “medium.” One of the main reasons that such a risk could occur was the usage of default accounts and password. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability and launch a brute-force attack. Therefore, Productscape decided to start using an automated “build and deploy” process which would test the software on deploy and minimize the likelihood of such an incident from happening. However, the team made it clear that the implementation of this process would not eliminate the risk completely and that there was still a low possibility for this risk to occur. Productscape documented the remaining risk and decided to monitor it for changes.
The likelihood of occurrence for the second risk scenario was determined as “medium.” Productscape decided to contract an IT company that would provide technical assistance and monitor the company’s systems and networks in order to prevent such incidents from happening. The likelihood of occurrence for the third risk scenario was determined as “high.” Thus, Productscape decided to include phishing as a topic on their information security training sessions. In addition, Alex reviewed the controls of Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001 in order to determine the necessary controls for treating this risk. Alex decided to implement control A.8.23 Web filtering which would help the company to reduce the risk of accessing unsecure websites. Although security controls were implemented to treat the risk, the level of the residual risk still did not meet the risk acceptance criteria defined in the beginning of the risk assessment process. Since the cost of implementing additional controls was too high for the company, Productscape decided to accept the residual risk. Therefore, risk owners were assigned the responsibility of managing the residual risk.
Based on the scenario above, answer the following question: Which risk treatment option was used for the first risk scenario?
- A . Risk modification
- B . Risk avoidance
- C . Risk sharing
A
Explanation:
Risk modification involves implementing measures to reduce the likelihood or impact of a risk. In the first risk scenario, Productscape decided to use an automated "build and deploy" process to reduce the likelihood of an attacker exploiting a security misconfiguration vulnerability. This action aims to lower the risk to an acceptable level, which is characteristic of risk modification.
Option B (Risk avoidance) would involve eliminating the risk by avoiding the activity altogether, which is not what was done.
Option C (Risk sharing) involves transferring some or all of the risk to a third party, which is not applicable in this scenario.
An internal employee clicks on a link embedded in an email that redirects them to an unsecured website, installing a malware on the device.
The likelihood of occurrence for the first risk scenario was determined as “medium.” One of the main reasons that such a risk could occur was the usage of default accounts and password. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability and launch a brute-force attack. Therefore, Productscape decided to start using an automated “build and deploy” process which would test the software on deploy and minimize the likelihood of such an incident from happening. However, the team made it clear that the implementation of this process would not eliminate the risk completely and that there was still a low possibility for this risk to occur. Productscape documented the remaining risk and decided to monitor it for changes.
The likelihood of occurrence for the second risk scenario was determined as “medium.” Productscape decided to contract an IT company that would provide technical assistance and monitor the company’s systems and networks in order to prevent such incidents from happening. The likelihood of occurrence for the third risk scenario was determined as “high.” Thus, Productscape decided to include phishing as a topic on their information security training sessions. In addition, Alex reviewed the controls of Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001 in order to determine the necessary controls for treating this risk. Alex decided to implement control A.8.23 Web filtering which would help the company to reduce the risk of accessing unsecure websites. Although security controls were implemented to treat the risk, the level of the residual risk still did not meet the risk acceptance criteria defined in the beginning of the risk assessment process. Since the cost of implementing additional controls was too high for the company, Productscape decided to accept the residual risk. Therefore, risk owners were assigned the responsibility of managing the residual risk.
Based on the scenario above, answer the following question: Which risk treatment option was used for the first risk scenario?
- A . Risk modification
- B . Risk avoidance
- C . Risk sharing
A
Explanation:
Risk modification involves implementing measures to reduce the likelihood or impact of a risk. In the first risk scenario, Productscape decided to use an automated "build and deploy" process to reduce the likelihood of an attacker exploiting a security misconfiguration vulnerability. This action aims to lower the risk to an acceptable level, which is characteristic of risk modification.
Option B (Risk avoidance) would involve eliminating the risk by avoiding the activity altogether, which is not what was done.
Option C (Risk sharing) involves transferring some or all of the risk to a third party, which is not applicable in this scenario.
Scenario 4: In 2017, seeing that millions of people turned to online shopping, Ed and James Cordon founded the online marketplace for footwear called Poshoe. In the past, purchasing pre-owned designer shoes online was not a pleasant experience because of unattractive pictures and an inability to ascertain the products’ authenticity. However, after Poshoe’s establishment, each product was well advertised and certified as authentic before being offered to clients. This increased the customers’ confidence and trust in Poshoe’s products and services. Poshoe has approximately four million users and its mission is to dominate the second-hand sneaker market and become a multi-billion dollar company.
Due to the significant increase of daily online buyers, Poshoe’s top management decided to adopt a big data analytics tool that could help the company effectively handle, store, and analyze data. Before initiating the implementation process, they decided to conduct a risk assessment. Initially, the company identified its assets, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with its information systems. In terms of assets, the company identified the information that was vital to the achievement of the organization’s mission and objectives. During this phase, the company also detected a rootkit in their software, through which an attacker could remotely access Poshoe’s systems and acquire sensitive data.
The company discovered that the rootkit had been installed by an attacker who had gained administrator access. As a result, the attacker was able to obtain the customers’ personal data after they purchased a product from Poshoe. Luckily, the company was able to execute some scans from the target device and gain greater visibility into their software’s settings in order to identify the vulnerability of the system.
The company initially used the qualitative risk analysis technique to assess the consequences and the likelihood and to determine the level of risk. The company defined the likelihood of risk as “a few times in two years with the probability of 1 to 3 times per year.” Later, it was decided that they would use a quantitative risk analysis methodology since it would provide additional information on this major risk. Lastly, the top management decided to treat the risk immediately as it could expose the company to other issues. In addition, it was communicated to their employees that they should update, secure, and back up Poshoe’s software in order to protect customers’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access from attackers.
Based on scenario 4, which scanning tool did Poshoe use to detect the vulnerability in their software?
- A . Network-based scanning tool
- B . Host-based scanning tool
- C . Penetration testing tool
B
Explanation:
Poshoe used scans from the target device to gain greater visibility into their software’s settings and identify vulnerabilities, which indicates the use of a host-based scanning tool. Host-based scanning tools are used to examine the internal state of a system, such as installed software, configurations, and files, to detect vulnerabilities or malicious software like rootkits. Option A (Network-based scanning tool) would be used to scan network traffic and identify vulnerabilities in network devices, which does not match the context. Option C (Penetration testing tool) involves simulating an attack to test system defenses, which is more intrusive than the scanning described in the scenario.
3 1. Scenario 4: In 2017, seeing that millions of people turned to online shopping, Ed and James Cordon founded the online marketplace for footwear called Poshoe. In the past, purchasing pre-owned designer shoes online was not a pleasant experience because of unattractive pictures and an inability to ascertain the products’ authenticity. However, after Poshoe’s establishment, each product was well advertised and certified as authentic before being offered to clients. This increased the customers’ confidence and trust in Poshoe’s products and services. Poshoe has approximately four million users and its mission is to dominate the second-hand sneaker market and become a multi-billion dollar company.
Due to the significant increase of daily online buyers, Poshoe’s top management decided to adopt a big data analytics tool that could help the company effectively handle, store, and analyze data. Before initiating the implementation process, they decided to conduct a risk assessment. Initially, the company identified its assets, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with its information systems. In terms of assets, the company identified the information that was vital to the achievement of the organization’s mission and objectives. During this phase, the company also detected a rootkit in their software, through which an attacker could remotely access Poshoe’s systems and acquire sensitive data.
The company discovered that the rootkit had been installed by an attacker who had gained administrator access. As a result, the attacker was able to obtain the customers’ personal data after they purchased a product from Poshoe. Luckily, the company was able to execute some scans from the target device and gain greater visibility into their software’s settings in order to identify the vulnerability of the system.
The company initially used the qualitative risk analysis technique to assess the consequences and the likelihood and to determine the level of risk. The company defined the likelihood of risk as “a few times in two years with the probability of 1 to 3 times per year.” Later, it was decided that they would use a quantitative risk analysis methodology since it would provide additional information on this major risk. Lastly, the top management decided to treat the risk immediately as it could expose the company to other issues. In addition, it was communicated to their employees that they should update, secure, and back up Poshoe’s software in order to protect customers’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access from attackers.
According to scenario 4, the top management of Poshoe decided to treat the risk immediately after conducting the risk analysis.
Is this in compliance with risk management best practices?
Scenario 4: In 2017, seeing that millions of people turned to online shopping, Ed and James Cordon founded the online marketplace for footwear called Poshoe. In the past, purchasing pre-owned designer shoes online was not a pleasant experience because of unattractive pictures and an inability to ascertain the products’ authenticity. However, after Poshoe’s establishment, each product was well advertised and certified as authentic before being offered to clients. This increased the customers’ confidence and trust in Poshoe’s products and services. Poshoe has approximately four million users and its mission is to dominate the second-hand sneaker market and become a multi-billion dollar company.
Due to the significant increase of daily online buyers, Poshoe’s top management decided to adopt a big data analytics tool that could help the company effectively handle, store, and analyze data. Before initiating the implementation process, they decided to conduct a risk assessment. Initially, the company identified its assets, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with its information systems. In terms of assets, the company identified the information that was vital to the achievement of the organization’s mission and objectives. During this phase, the company also detected a rootkit in their software, through which an attacker could remotely access Poshoe’s systems and acquire sensitive data.
The company discovered that the rootkit had been installed by an attacker who had gained administrator access. As a result, the attacker was able to obtain the customers’ personal data after they purchased a product from Poshoe. Luckily, the company was able to execute some scans from the target device and gain greater visibility into their software’s settings in order to identify the vulnerability of the system.
The company initially used the qualitative risk analysis technique to assess the consequences and the likelihood and to determine the level of risk. The company defined the likelihood of risk as “a few times in two years with the probability of 1 to 3 times per year.” Later, it was decided that they would use a quantitative risk analysis methodology since it would provide additional information on this major risk. Lastly, the top management decided to treat the risk immediately as it could expose the company to other issues. In addition, it was communicated to their employees that they should update, secure, and back up Poshoe’s software in order to protect customers’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access from attackers.
Based on scenario 4, which scanning tool did Poshoe use to detect the vulnerability in their software?
- A . Network-based scanning tool
- B . Host-based scanning tool
- C . Penetration testing tool
B
Explanation:
Poshoe used scans from the target device to gain greater visibility into their software’s settings and identify vulnerabilities, which indicates the use of a host-based scanning tool. Host-based scanning tools are used to examine the internal state of a system, such as installed software, configurations, and files, to detect vulnerabilities or malicious software like rootkits. Option A (Network-based scanning tool) would be used to scan network traffic and identify vulnerabilities in network devices, which does not match the context. Option C (Penetration testing tool) involves simulating an attack to test system defenses, which is more intrusive than the scanning described in the scenario.
3 1. Scenario 4: In 2017, seeing that millions of people turned to online shopping, Ed and James Cordon founded the online marketplace for footwear called Poshoe. In the past, purchasing pre-owned designer shoes online was not a pleasant experience because of unattractive pictures and an inability to ascertain the products’ authenticity. However, after Poshoe’s establishment, each product was well advertised and certified as authentic before being offered to clients. This increased the customers’ confidence and trust in Poshoe’s products and services. Poshoe has approximately four million users and its mission is to dominate the second-hand sneaker market and become a multi-billion dollar company.
Due to the significant increase of daily online buyers, Poshoe’s top management decided to adopt a big data analytics tool that could help the company effectively handle, store, and analyze data. Before initiating the implementation process, they decided to conduct a risk assessment. Initially, the company identified its assets, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with its information systems. In terms of assets, the company identified the information that was vital to the achievement of the organization’s mission and objectives. During this phase, the company also detected a rootkit in their software, through which an attacker could remotely access Poshoe’s systems and acquire sensitive data.
The company discovered that the rootkit had been installed by an attacker who had gained administrator access. As a result, the attacker was able to obtain the customers’ personal data after they purchased a product from Poshoe. Luckily, the company was able to execute some scans from the target device and gain greater visibility into their software’s settings in order to identify the vulnerability of the system.
The company initially used the qualitative risk analysis technique to assess the consequences and the likelihood and to determine the level of risk. The company defined the likelihood of risk as “a few times in two years with the probability of 1 to 3 times per year.” Later, it was decided that they would use a quantitative risk analysis methodology since it would provide additional information on this major risk. Lastly, the top management decided to treat the risk immediately as it could expose the company to other issues. In addition, it was communicated to their employees that they should update, secure, and back up Poshoe’s software in order to protect customers’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access from attackers.
According to scenario 4, the top management of Poshoe decided to treat the risk immediately after conducting the risk analysis.
Is this in compliance with risk management best practices?
Which statement regarding information gathering techniques is correct?
- A . Sending questionnaires to a group of people who represent the interested parties is NOT preferred
- B . Organizations can utilize technical tools to identify technical vulnerabilities and compile a list of assets that influence risk assessment
- C . Interviews should be conducted only with individuals responsible for information security management
B
Explanation:
ISO/IEC 27005 supports the use of various information-gathering techniques, including technical tools, to identify and assess risks. Technical tools such as vulnerability scanners and asset management software can help organizations identify technical vulnerabilities and compile a list of assets that are critical for risk assessment. This aligns with the standard’s recommendation to use automated tools for an effective risk assessment process.
Option B is correct because it accurately describes an effective information-gathering technique.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Clause 8.2, "Risk Identification," which discusses using tools and techniques to identify risks.
Scenario 1
The risk assessment process was led by Henry, Bontton’s risk manager. The first step that Henry took was identifying the company’s assets. Afterward, Henry created various potential incident scenarios. One of the main concerns regarding the use of the application was the possibility of being targeted by cyber attackers, as a great number of organizations were experiencing cyberattacks during that time. After analyzing the identified risks, Henry evaluated them and concluded that new controls must be implemented if the company wants to use the application. Among others, he stated that training should be provided to personnel regarding the use of the application and that awareness sessions should be conducted regarding the importance of protecting customers’ personal data. Lastly, Henry communicated the risk assessment results to the top management. They decided that the application will be used only after treating the identified risks.
According to scenario 1, Bontton wanted to use an application that ensures only authorized users have access to customers’ personal data .
Which information security principle does Bontton want to ensure in this case?
- A . Integrity
- B . Availability
- C . Confidentiality
C
Explanation:
In the context of information security, confidentiality refers to ensuring that information is accessible only to those who are authorized to have access. According to scenario 1, Bontton wanted to use an application that ensures only authorized users have access to customers’ personal data. This directly aligns with the principle of confidentiality, as Bontton aims to protect personal data from unauthorized access or disclosure. This focus on restricting access to sensitive data to authorized personnel clearly indicates that the confidentiality of information is the primary concern in this case. Thus, the correct answer is C.