Question #1
Which of the following is a framework principle established by NIST as an initial framework consideration?
- A . Avoiding business risks
- B . Impact on global operations
- C . Ensuring regulatory compliance
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
One of the framework principles established by NIST is to ensure that the framework is consistent and aligned with existing regulatory and legal requirements that are relevant to cybersecurity12.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework | NIST 2: Framework Documents | NIST
C
Explanation:
One of the framework principles established by NIST is to ensure that the framework is consistent and aligned with existing regulatory and legal requirements that are relevant to cybersecurity12.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework | NIST 2: Framework Documents | NIST
Question #2
Which role will benefit MOST from a better understanding of the current cybersecurity posture by applying the CSF?
- A . Executives
- B . Acquisition specialists
- C . Legal experts
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Executives are the role that will benefit most from a better understanding of the current cybersecurity posture by applying the CSF. This is because executives are responsible for setting the strategic direction, objectives, and priorities for the organization, as well as overseeing the allocation of resources and the management of risks1. By applying the CSF, executives can gain a comprehensive and consistent view of the cybersecurity risks and capabilities of the organization, and align them with the business goals and requirements2. The CSF can also help executives communicate and collaborate with other stakeholders, such as regulators, customers, suppliers, and partners, on cybersecurity issues3.
Reference: 1: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 2:
Cybersecurity Framework | NIST 3: Framework Documents | NIST
A
Explanation:
Executives are the role that will benefit most from a better understanding of the current cybersecurity posture by applying the CSF. This is because executives are responsible for setting the strategic direction, objectives, and priorities for the organization, as well as overseeing the allocation of resources and the management of risks1. By applying the CSF, executives can gain a comprehensive and consistent view of the cybersecurity risks and capabilities of the organization, and align them with the business goals and requirements2. The CSF can also help executives communicate and collaborate with other stakeholders, such as regulators, customers, suppliers, and partners, on cybersecurity issues3.
Reference: 1: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 2:
Cybersecurity Framework | NIST 3: Framework Documents | NIST
Question #3
When coordinating framework implementation, the business/process level collaborates with the implementation/operations level to:
- A . develop the risk management framework.
- B . assess changes in current and future risks.
- C . create the framework profile.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
According to the TM Forum’s Business Process Framework (eTOM), the business/process level is responsible for defining the business strategy, objectives, and requirements, as well as monitoring and controlling the performance and quality of the processes1. The implementation/operations level is responsible for designing, developing, and executing the processes that deliver and support the services1. When coordinating framework implementation, these two levels collaborate to assess changes in current and future risks, such as market trends, customer expectations, regulatory compliance, security threats, and operational issues2. This helps them to align the processes with the business goals and outcomes, and to identify and mitigate any potential gaps or challenges3.
Reference: 1: Process Framework (eTOM) – TM Forum 2: Implement Dynamics 365 with a process-focused approach 3: Operations Management Implementation – Smarter Solutions, Inc.
B
Explanation:
According to the TM Forum’s Business Process Framework (eTOM), the business/process level is responsible for defining the business strategy, objectives, and requirements, as well as monitoring and controlling the performance and quality of the processes1. The implementation/operations level is responsible for designing, developing, and executing the processes that deliver and support the services1. When coordinating framework implementation, these two levels collaborate to assess changes in current and future risks, such as market trends, customer expectations, regulatory compliance, security threats, and operational issues2. This helps them to align the processes with the business goals and outcomes, and to identify and mitigate any potential gaps or challenges3.
Reference: 1: Process Framework (eTOM) – TM Forum 2: Implement Dynamics 365 with a process-focused approach 3: Operations Management Implementation – Smarter Solutions, Inc.
Question #4
Which of the following COBIT 2019 governance principles corresponds to the CSF application stating that CSF profiles support flexibility in content and structure?
- A . A governance system should be customized to the enterprise needs, using a set of design factors as parameters.
- B . A governance system should focus primarily on the enterprise’s IT function and information processing.
- C . A governance system should clearly distinguish between governance and management activities and structures.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This principle corresponds to the CSF application stating that CSF profiles support flexibility in content and structure, because both emphasize the need for tailoring the governance system to the specific context and requirements of the enterprise12. The CSF profiles are based on the enterprise’s business drivers, risk appetite, and current and target cybersecurity posture3. The COBIT 2019 design factors are a set of parameters that influence the design and operation of the governance system, such as enterprise strategy, size, culture, and regulatory environment4.
Reference: 1: COBIT | Control Objectives for Information Technologies | ISACA 2: COBIT 2019 Framework C ITSM Docs – ITSM Documents & Templates 3: Framework Documents | NIST 4: Introduction to COBIT Principles – Testprep Training Tutorials
A
Explanation:
This principle corresponds to the CSF application stating that CSF profiles support flexibility in content and structure, because both emphasize the need for tailoring the governance system to the specific context and requirements of the enterprise12. The CSF profiles are based on the enterprise’s business drivers, risk appetite, and current and target cybersecurity posture3. The COBIT 2019 design factors are a set of parameters that influence the design and operation of the governance system, such as enterprise strategy, size, culture, and regulatory environment4.
Reference: 1: COBIT | Control Objectives for Information Technologies | ISACA 2: COBIT 2019 Framework C ITSM Docs – ITSM Documents & Templates 3: Framework Documents | NIST 4: Introduction to COBIT Principles – Testprep Training Tutorials
Question #5
Which of the following functions provides foundational activities for the effective use of the Cybersecurity Framework?
- A . Protect
- B . Identify
- C . Detect
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Identify function provides foundational activities for the effective use of the Cybersecurity Framework, because it assists in developing an organizational understanding of managing cybersecurity risk to systems, people, assets, data, and capabilities12. This understanding enables an organization to focus and prioritize its efforts, consistent with its risk management strategy and business needs12. The Identify function includes outcome categories such as Asset Management, Business Environment, Governance, Risk Assessment, Risk Management Strategy, and Supply Chain Risk Management12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Getting Started with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A Quick Start Guide
B
Explanation:
The Identify function provides foundational activities for the effective use of the Cybersecurity Framework, because it assists in developing an organizational understanding of managing cybersecurity risk to systems, people, assets, data, and capabilities12. This understanding enables an organization to focus and prioritize its efforts, consistent with its risk management strategy and business needs12. The Identify function includes outcome categories such as Asset Management, Business Environment, Governance, Risk Assessment, Risk Management Strategy, and Supply Chain Risk Management12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Getting Started with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A Quick Start Guide
Question #6
What does a CSF Informative Reference within the CSF Core provide?
- A . A high-level strategic view of the life cycle of an organization’s management of cybersecurity risk
- B . A group of cybersecurity outcomes tied to programmatic needs and particular activities
- C . Specific sections of standards, guidelines, and practices that illustrate a method to achieve an associated outcome
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
A CSF Informative Reference within the CSF Core provides a citation to a related activity from another standard or guideline that can help an organization achieve the outcome described in a CSF Subcategory12. For example, the Informative Reference for ID.AM-1 (Physical devices and systems within the organization are inventoried) is COBIT 5 APO01.01, which states "Maintain an inventory of IT assets"3.
Reference: 1: Informative
Reference: What are they, and how are they used? | NIST 2: Everything to Know About NIST CSF Informative Reference | Axio 3: NIST Cybersecurity Framework v1.1 – CSF Tools – Identity Digital
C
Explanation:
A CSF Informative Reference within the CSF Core provides a citation to a related activity from another standard or guideline that can help an organization achieve the outcome described in a CSF Subcategory12. For example, the Informative Reference for ID.AM-1 (Physical devices and systems within the organization are inventoried) is COBIT 5 APO01.01, which states "Maintain an inventory of IT assets"3.
Reference: 1: Informative
Reference: What are they, and how are they used? | NIST 2: Everything to Know About NIST CSF Informative Reference | Axio 3: NIST Cybersecurity Framework v1.1 – CSF Tools – Identity Digital
Question #7
Analysis is one of the categories within which of the following Core Functions?
- A . Detect
- B . Respond
- C . Recover
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Analysis is one of the six categories within the Detect function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The Analysis category aims to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event by performing data aggregation, correlation, and analysis12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST
A
Explanation:
Analysis is one of the six categories within the Detect function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The Analysis category aims to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event by performing data aggregation, correlation, and analysis12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST
Question #8
Which of the following is associated with the "Detect" core function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?
- A . Information Protection Processes and Procedures
- B . Anomalies and Events
- C . Risk Assessment
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Anomalies and Events is one of the six categories within the Detect function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The Anomalies and Events category aims to ensure that anomalous activity is detected in a timely manner and the potential impact of events is understood12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Detect | NIST
B
Explanation:
Anomalies and Events is one of the six categories within the Detect function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The Anomalies and Events category aims to ensure that anomalous activity is detected in a timely manner and the potential impact of events is understood12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Detect | NIST
Question #9
Within the CSF Core structure, which type of capability can be implemented to help practitioners recognize potential or realized risk to enterprise assets?
- A . Protection capability
- B . Response capability
- C . Detection capability
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Detection capability is the type of capability within the CSF Core structure that can help practitioners recognize potential or realized risk to enterprise assets. The Detection capability consists of six categories that enable timely discovery of cybersecurity events, such as Anomalies and Events, Security Continuous Monitoring, and Detection Processes12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Cybersecurity Framework | NIST
C
Explanation:
The Detection capability is the type of capability within the CSF Core structure that can help practitioners recognize potential or realized risk to enterprise assets. The Detection capability consists of six categories that enable timely discovery of cybersecurity events, such as Anomalies and Events, Security Continuous Monitoring, and Detection Processes12.
Reference: 1: The Five Functions | NIST 2: Cybersecurity Framework | NIST
Question #10
The CSF Implementation Tiers distinguish three fundamental dimensions of risk management to help enterprises evaluate which of the following?
- A . Cybersecurity posture
- B . Cybersecurity threats
- C . Cybersecurity landscape
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The CSF Implementation Tiers distinguish three fundamental dimensions of risk management to help enterprises evaluate their cybersecurity posture, which is the alignment of their cybersecurity activities and outcomes with their business objectives and risk appetite12. The Tiers range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4) and describe the degree of rigor, integration, and collaboration of the organization’s cybersecurity risk management practices12.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST 2: Cybersecurity Framework FAQs Framework Components | NIST
A
Explanation:
The CSF Implementation Tiers distinguish three fundamental dimensions of risk management to help enterprises evaluate their cybersecurity posture, which is the alignment of their cybersecurity activities and outcomes with their business objectives and risk appetite12. The Tiers range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4) and describe the degree of rigor, integration, and collaboration of the organization’s cybersecurity risk management practices12.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST 2: Cybersecurity Framework FAQs Framework Components | NIST
Question #11
What is the MOST important reason to compare framework profiles?
- A . To improve security posture
- B . To conduct a risk assessment
- C . To identify gaps
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The most important reason to compare framework profiles is to identify gaps between the current and target state of cybersecurity activities and outcomes, and to prioritize the actions needed to address them12. Framework profiles are the alignment of the functions, categories, and subcategories of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework with the business requirements, risk tolerance, and resources of the organization3. By comparing the current profile (what is being achieved) and the target profile (what is needed), an organization can assess its cybersecurity posture and develop a roadmap for improvement4.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST 2: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 3: Examples of Framework Profiles | NIST 4: Connecting COBIT 2019 to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework – ISACA
C
Explanation:
The most important reason to compare framework profiles is to identify gaps between the current and target state of cybersecurity activities and outcomes, and to prioritize the actions needed to address them12. Framework profiles are the alignment of the functions, categories, and subcategories of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework with the business requirements, risk tolerance, and resources of the organization3. By comparing the current profile (what is being achieved) and the target profile (what is needed), an organization can assess its cybersecurity posture and develop a roadmap for improvement4.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST 2: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 3: Examples of Framework Profiles | NIST 4: Connecting COBIT 2019 to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework – ISACA
Question #12
The goals cascade supports prioritization of management objectives based on:
- A . the prioritization of enterprise goals.
- B . the prioritization of business objectives.
- C . the prioritization of stakeholder needs.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The goals cascade is a mechanism that translates the stakeholder needs into specific, actionable, and customized goals at different levels of the enterprise12. The stakeholder needs are the drivers of the governance system and reflect the expectations and requirements of the internal and external parties that have an interest or influence on the enterprise34. The goals cascade supports the prioritization of management objectives based on the stakeholder needs, as well as the alignment of the enterprise goals, the alignment goals, and the governance and management objectives12.
Reference: 1: COBIT 2019 Goals Cascade: A Blueprint for Success 2: COBIT 2019 Framework C ITSM Docs – ITSM Documents & Templates 3: COBIT | Control Objectives for Information Technologies | ISACA 4: Aligning IT goals using the COBIT5 Goals Cascade
C
Explanation:
The goals cascade is a mechanism that translates the stakeholder needs into specific, actionable, and customized goals at different levels of the enterprise12. The stakeholder needs are the drivers of the governance system and reflect the expectations and requirements of the internal and external parties that have an interest or influence on the enterprise34. The goals cascade supports the prioritization of management objectives based on the stakeholder needs, as well as the alignment of the enterprise goals, the alignment goals, and the governance and management objectives12.
Reference: 1: COBIT 2019 Goals Cascade: A Blueprint for Success 2: COBIT 2019 Framework C ITSM Docs – ITSM Documents & Templates 3: COBIT | Control Objectives for Information Technologies | ISACA 4: Aligning IT goals using the COBIT5 Goals Cascade
Question #13
The seven high-level CSF steps generally align to which of the following in COBIT 2019?
- A . High-level phases
- B . High-level functions
- C . High-level categories
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The seven high-level CSF steps generally align to the high-level phases of the COBIT 2019 implementation guide, which are: What are the drivers?; Where are we now?; Where do we want to be?; What needs to be done?; How do we get there?; Did we get there?; and How do we keep the momentum going?12. These phases provide a structured approach for implementing a governance system using COBIT 2019, and can be mapped to the CSF steps of Prioritize and Scope, Orient, Create a Current Profile, Conduct a Risk Assessment, Create a Target Profile, Determine, Analyze and Prioritize Gaps, and Implement Action Plan34.
Reference: 1: COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide 2: COBIT 2019 Implementation – ISACA 3: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 4: REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTING THE NIST CYBERSECURITY FRAMEWORK USING COBIT 2019.
A
Explanation:
The seven high-level CSF steps generally align to the high-level phases of the COBIT 2019 implementation guide, which are: What are the drivers?; Where are we now?; Where do we want to be?; What needs to be done?; How do we get there?; Did we get there?; and How do we keep the momentum going?12. These phases provide a structured approach for implementing a governance system using COBIT 2019, and can be mapped to the CSF steps of Prioritize and Scope, Orient, Create a Current Profile, Conduct a Risk Assessment, Create a Target Profile, Determine, Analyze and Prioritize Gaps, and Implement Action Plan34.
Reference: 1: COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide 2: COBIT 2019 Implementation – ISACA 3: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 4: REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTING THE NIST CYBERSECURITY FRAMEWORK USING COBIT 2019.
Question #14
Which of the following is the MOST important input for prioritizing resources during program initiation?
- A . Replacement cost
- B . Risk register
- C . Business impact assessment
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
A business impact assessment (BIA) is the most important input for prioritizing resources during program initiation, because it helps to identify and evaluate the potential effects of disruptions to critical business functions and processes12. A BIA can help to determine the recovery objectives, priorities, and strategies for the program, as well as the resource requirements and dependencies34.
Reference: 1: Business Impact Analysis | Ready.gov 2: Business Impact Analysis – ISACA 3: COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide 4: COBIT 2019 Implementation – ISACA
C
Explanation:
A business impact assessment (BIA) is the most important input for prioritizing resources during program initiation, because it helps to identify and evaluate the potential effects of disruptions to critical business functions and processes12. A BIA can help to determine the recovery objectives, priorities, and strategies for the program, as well as the resource requirements and dependencies34.
Reference: 1: Business Impact Analysis | Ready.gov 2: Business Impact Analysis – ISACA 3: COBIT 2019 Implementation Guide 4: COBIT 2019 Implementation – ISACA
Question #15
Which CSF step corresponds to the COBIT objective of knowledge and understanding of enterprise goals?
- A . Step 1: Prioritize and Scope
- B . Step 6: Determine, Analyze, and Prioritize Gaps
- C . Step 4: Conduct a Risk Assessment
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This CSF step corresponds to the COBIT objective of knowledge and understanding of enterprise goals, because it involves identifying the business drivers, mission, objectives, and risk appetite of the organization, as well as the scope and boundaries of the cybersecurity program12. This step helps to ensure that the cybersecurity activities and outcomes are aligned with the enterprise goals and strategy34.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST 2: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 3: COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation COBIT Implementation5 4: COBIT® 2019 Foundation | Skillsoft Global Knowledge6
A
Explanation:
This CSF step corresponds to the COBIT objective of knowledge and understanding of enterprise goals, because it involves identifying the business drivers, mission, objectives, and risk appetite of the organization, as well as the scope and boundaries of the cybersecurity program12. This step helps to ensure that the cybersecurity activities and outcomes are aligned with the enterprise goals and strategy34.
Reference: 1: Cybersecurity Framework Components | NIST 2: Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 2019 | ISACA 3: COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation COBIT Implementation5 4: COBIT® 2019 Foundation | Skillsoft Global Knowledge6