PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27005 Risk Manager Exam Practice Test

Scenario 6: Productscape is a market research company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It helps organizations understand the needs and expectations of their customers and identify new business opportunities. Productscape's teams have extensive experience in marketing and business strategy and work with some of the best-known organizations in Europe. The industry in which Productscape operates requires effective risk management. Considering that Productscape has access to clients' confidential information, it is responsible for ensuring its security. As such, the company conducts regular risk assessments. The top management appointed Alex as the risk manager, who is responsible for monitoring the risk management process and treating information security risks.

The last risk assessment conducted was focused on information assets. The purpose of this risk assessment was to identify information security risks, understand their level, and take appropriate action to treat them in order to ensure the security of their systems. Alex established a team of three members to perform the risk assessment activities. Each team member was responsible for specific departments included in the risk assessment scope. The risk assessment provided valuable information to identify, understand, and mitigate the risks that Productscape faces.

Initially, the team identified potential risks based on the risk identification results. Prior to analyzing the identified risks, the risk acceptance criteria were established. The criteria for accepting the risks were determined based on Productscape's objectives, operations, and technology. The team created various risk scenarios and determined the likelihood of occurrence as ''low,'' ''medium,'' or ''high.'' They decided that if the likelihood of occurrence for a risk scenario is determined as ''low,'' no further action would be taken. On the other hand, if the likelihood of occurrence for a risk scenario is determined as ''high'' or ''medium,'' additional controls will be implemented. Some information security risk scenarios defined by Productscape's team were as follows:

1. A cyber attacker exploits a security misconfiguration vulnerability of Productscape's website to launch an attack, which, in turn, could make the website unavailable to users.

2. A cyber attacker gains access to confidential information of clients and may threaten to make the information publicly available unless a ransom is paid.

3. 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 scenario 6, Productscape decided to monitor the remaining risk after risk treatment. Is this necessary?

Scenario 6: Productscape is a market research company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It helps organizations understand the needs and expectations of their customers and identify new business opportunities. Productscape's teams have extensive experience in marketing and business strategy and work with some of the best-known organizations in Europe. The industry in which Productscape operates requires effective risk management. Considering that Productscape has access to clients' confidential information, it is responsible for ensuring its security. As such, the company conducts regular risk assessments. The top management appointed Alex as the risk manager, who is responsible for monitoring the risk management process and treating information security risks.

The last risk assessment conducted was focused on information assets. The purpose of this risk assessment was to identify information security risks, understand their level, and take appropriate action to treat them in order to ensure the security of their systems. Alex established a team of three members to perform the risk assessment activities. Each team member was responsible for specific departments included in the risk assessment scope. The risk assessment provided valuable information to identify, understand, and mitigate the risks that Productscape faces.

Initially, the team identified potential risks based on the risk identification results. Prior to analyzing the identified risks, the risk acceptance criteria were established. The criteria for accepting the risks were determined based on Productscape's objectives, operations, and technology. The team created various risk scenarios and determined the likelihood of occurrence as ''low,'' ''medium,'' or ''high.'' They decided that if the likelihood of occurrence for a risk scenario is determined as ''low,'' no further action would be taken. On the other hand, if the likelihood of occurrence for a risk scenario is determined as ''high'' or ''medium,'' additional controls will be implemented. Some information security risk scenarios defined by Productscape's team were as follows:

1. A cyber attacker exploits a security misconfiguration vulnerability of Productscape's website to launch an attack, which, in turn, could make the website unavailable to users.

2. A cyber attacker gains access to confidential information of clients and may threaten to make the information publicly available unless a ransom is paid.

3. 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?

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.

Based on scenario 5, the IT team was responsible for allocating the necessary resources to ensure that the new controls are implemented effectively. Is this acceptable?

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.

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.

Based on scenario 5, the decision to accept the risk of a potential ransomware attack was approved by the risk owner. Is this acceptable?

Scenario 3: Printary is an American company that offers digital printing services. Creating cost-effective and creative products, the company has been part of the printing industry for more than 30 years. Three years ago, the company started to operate online, providing greater flexibility for its clients. Through the website, clients could find information about all services offered by Printary and order personalized products. However, operating online increased the risk of cyber threats, consequently, impacting the business functions of the company. Thus, along with the decision of creating an online business, the company focused on managing information security risks. Their risk management program was established based on ISO/IEC 27005 guidelines and industry best practices.

Last year, the company considered the integration of an online payment system on its website in order to provide more flexibility and transparency to customers. Printary analyzed various available solutions and selected Pay0, a payment processing solution that allows any company to easily collect payments on their website. Before making the decision, Printary conducted a risk assessment to identify and analyze information security risks associated with the software. The risk assessment process involved three phases: identification, analysis, and evaluation. During risk identification, the company inspected assets, threats, and vulnerabilities. In addition, to identify the information security risks, Printary used a list of the identified events that could negatively affect the achievement of information security objectives. The risk identification phase highlighted two main threats associated with the online payment system: error in use and data corruption After conducting a gap analysis, the company concluded that the existing security controls were sufficient to mitigate the threat of data corruption. However, the user interface of the payment solution was complicated, which could increase the risk associated with user errors, and, as a result, impact data integrity and confidentiality.

Subsequently, the risk identification results were analyzed. The company conducted risk analysis in order to understand the nature of the identified risks. They decided to use a quantitative risk analysis methodology because it would provide more detailed information. The selected risk analysis methodology was consistent with the risk evaluation criteri

a. Firstly, they used a list of potential incident scenarios to assess their potential impact. In addition, the likelihood of incident scenarios was defined and assessed. Finally, the level of risk was defined as low.

In the end, the level of risk was compared to the risk evaluation and acceptance criteria and was prioritized accordingly.

Based on the scenario above, answer the following question:

What type of risk identification approach did Printary use?

Scenario 2: Travivve is a travel agency that operates in more than 100 countries. Headquartered in San Francisco, the US, the agency is known for its personalized vacation packages and travel services. Travivve aims to deliver reliable services that meet its clients' needs. Considering the impact of information security in its reputation, Travivve decided to implement an information security management system (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001. In addition, they decided to establish and implement an information security risk management program. Based on the priority of specific departments in Travivve, the top management decided to initially apply the risk management process only in the Sales Management Department. The process would be applicable for other departments only when introducing new technology.

Travivve's top management wanted to make sure that the risk management program is established based on the industry best practices. Therefore, they created a team of three members that would be responsible for establishing and implementing it. One of the team members was Travivve's risk manager who was responsible for supervising the team and planning all risk management activities. In addition, the risk manager was responsible for monitoring the program and reporting the monitoring results to the top management.

Initially, the team decided to analyze the internal and external context of Travivve. As part of the process of understanding the organization and its context, the team identified key processes and activities. Then, the team identified the interested parties and their basic requirements and determined the status of compliance with these requirements. In addition, the team identified all the reference documents that applied to the defined scope of the risk management process, which mainly included the Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001 and the internal security rules established by Travivve. Lastly, the team analyzed both reference documents and justified a few noncompliances with those requirements.

The risk manager selected the information security risk management method which was aligned with other approaches used by the company to manage other risks. The team also communicated the risk management process to all interested parties through previously established communication mechanisms. In addition, they made sure to inform all interested parties about their roles and responsibilities regarding risk management. Travivve also decided to involve interested parties in its risk management activities since, according to the top management, this process required their active participation.

Lastly, Travivve's risk management team decided to conduct the initial information security risk assessment process. As such, the team established the criteria for performing the information security risk assessment which included the consequence criteria and likelihood criteria.

Did the risk management team establish all the criteria required to perform the information security risk assessment? Refer to scenario 2.