Can organizations obtain certification against ISO 31000?
- A . Yes, organizations of any type or size can obtain certification against ISO 31000
- B . Yes, but only organizations that manufacture products can obtain an ISO 31000 certification
- C . [No, organizations cannot obtain certification against ISO 31000, as the standard provides only guidelines
C
Explanation:
ISO 31000 is an international standard that provides guidelines for risk management. It is a framework that helps organizations develop a risk management strategy to effectively manage risk, taking into consideration their specific contexts. However, ISO 31000 is not designed to be used as a certifiable standard; instead, it offers principles, a framework, and a process for managing risk. Unlike other ISO standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management systems, which are certifiable, ISO 31000 does not have a certification process because it does not specify any requirements that an organization must comply with. Therefore, option C is the correct answer because ISO 31000 is intended to provide guidelines and is not certifiable.
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 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. Based on the scenario above, answer the following question:
Bontton established a risk management process based on ISO/IEC 27005, to systematically manage information security threats.
Is this a good practice?
- A . Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides guidelines for information security risk management that enable organizations to systematically manage information security threats
- B . Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides guidelines to systematically manage all types of threats that organizations may face
- C . No, ISO/IEC 27005 cannot be used to manage information security threats in the food sector
A
Explanation:
ISO/IEC 27005 is the standard that provides guidelines for information security risk management, which supports the requirements of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) as specified in ISO/IEC 2700 1. In the scenario provided, Bontton established a risk management process to identify, analyze, evaluate, and treat information security risks, which is in alignment with the guidelines set out in ISO/IEC 27005. The standard emphasizes a systematic approach to identifying assets, identifying threats and vulnerabilities, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate risk treatment measures, such as training and awareness sessions. Thus, option A is correct, as it accurately reflects the purpose and application of ISO/IEC 27005 in managing information security threats. Option B is incorrect because ISO/IEC 27005 specifically addresses information security threats, not all types of threats, and option C is incorrect because ISO/IEC 27005 is applicable to any sector, including the food industry, as long as it concerns information security 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.
Based on scenario 1, Bontton used ISO/IEC 27005 to ensure effective implementation of all ISO/IEC 27001 requirements. Is this appropriate?
- A . Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides direct guidance on the implementation of the requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001
- B . Yes, ISO/IEC 27005 provides a number of methodologies that can be used under the risk management framework for implementing all requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001
- C . No, ISO/IEC 27005 does not contain direct guidance on the implementation of all requirements given in ISO/IEC 27001
C
Explanation:
ISO/IEC 27005 is an international standard specifically focused on providing guidelines for information security risk management within the context of an organization’s overall Information Security Management System (ISMS). It does not provide direct guidance on implementing the specific requirements of ISO/IEC 27001, which is a standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS. Instead, ISO/IEC 27005 provides a framework for managing risks that could affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. Therefore, while ISO/IEC 27005 supports the risk management process that is crucial for compliance with ISO/IEC 27001, it does not contain specific guidelines or methodologies for implementing all the requirements of ISO/IEC 2700 1. This makes option C the correct answer.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, "Information Security Risk Management," which emphasizes risk management guidance rather than direct implementation of ISO/IEC 27001 requirements.
ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Clause 6. 1. 2, "Information Security Risk Assessment," where risk assessment and treatment options are outlined but not in a prescriptive manner found in ISO/IEC 27005.
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, what type of controls did Henry suggest?
- A . Technical
- B . Managerial
- C . Administrative
C
Explanation:
In the context of Scenario 1, the controls suggested by Henry, such as training personnel on the use of the application and conducting awareness sessions on protecting customers’ personal data, fall under the category of "Administrative" controls. Administrative controls are policies, procedures, guidelines, and training programs designed to manage the human factors of information security.
These controls are aimed at reducing the risks associated with human behavior, such as lack of awareness or improper handling of sensitive data, and are distinct from "Technical" controls (like firewalls or encryption) and "Managerial" controls (which include risk management strategies and governance frameworks).
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Annex A, "Controls and Safeguards," which mentions the importance of administrative controls, such as awareness training and the development of policies, to mitigate identified risks.
ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Annex A, Control A.7.2.2, "Information security awareness, education, and training," which directly relates to administrative controls for personnel security.
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.
Henry concluded that one of the main concerns regarding the use of the application for online ordering was cyberattacks .
What did Henry identify in this case? Refer to scenario 1.
- A . A threat
- B . The vulnerabilities of an asset
- C . The consequences of a potential security incident
A
Explanation:
In this scenario, Henry identifies "cyberattacks" as one of the main concerns related to the use of the application for online ordering. According to ISO/IEC 27005, a "threat" is any potential cause of an unwanted incident that may result in harm to a system or organization. In this context, cyberattacks are considered a threat because they represent a potential cause that could compromise the security of the application. Henry’s identification of cyberattacks as a primary concern aligns with recognizing a specific threat that could exploit vulnerabilities within the system.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Clause 8.3, "Threat identification," which provides guidance on identifying threats that could affect the organization’s information assets.
ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Clause 6. 1. 2, "Information Security Risk Assessment," where identifying threats is part of the risk assessment process.
These answers are verified based on the standards’ definitions and guidelines, providing a comprehensive understanding of how ISO/IEC 27005 is used within the context of ISO/IEC 2700 1.
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.
According to ISO/IEC 27000, what is the definition of information security?
- A . Preservation of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information
- B . Protection of privacy during the processing of personally identifiable information
- C . Preservation of authenticity, accountability, and reliability in the cyberspace
A
Explanation:
According to ISO/IEC 27000, information security is defined as the "preservation of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information."
This definition highlights the three core principles of information security:
Confidentiality ensures that information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals or systems. Integrity ensures the accuracy and completeness of information and its processing methods. Availability ensures that authorized users have access to information and associated assets when required.
This definition encompasses the protection of information in all forms and aligns with ISO/IEC 27005’s guidelines on managing information security risks. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Options B and C are incorrect as they refer to more specific aspects or other areas of information management.
Which statement regarding risks and opportunities is correct?
- A . Risks always have a positive outcome whereas opportunities have an unpredicted outcome
- B . Opportunities might have a positive impact, whereas risks might have a negative impact
- C . There is no difference between opportunities and risks; these terms can be used interchangeably
B
Explanation:
ISO standards, including ISO/IEC 27005, make a distinction between risks and opportunities. Risks are defined as the effect of uncertainty on objectives, which can result in negative consequences (such as financial loss, reputational damage, or operational disruption). Opportunities, on the other hand, are situations or conditions that have the potential to provide a positive impact on achieving objectives. Therefore, option B is correct, as it accurately reflects that risks are generally associated with negative impacts, while opportunities can lead to positive outcomes. Option A is incorrect because risks can have negative outcomes, not positive ones. Option C is incorrect because risks and opportunities have different meanings and implications and are not interchangeable.
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 organization has installed security cameras and alarm systems .
What type of information security control has been implemented in this case?
- A . Technical
- B . Managerial
- C . Legal
A
Explanation:
Security cameras and alarm systems are considered technical controls in the context of information security. Technical controls, also known as logical controls, involve the use of technology to protect information and information systems. These controls are designed to prevent or detect security breaches and mitigate risks related to physical access and surveillance. While security cameras and alarms are physical in nature, they fall under the broader category of technical controls because they involve electronic monitoring and alert systems. Option B (Managerial) refers to administrative policies and procedures, and option C (Legal) refers to controls related to compliance with laws and regulations, neither of which applies in this case.
What are opportunities?
- A . Occurrence or change of a particular set of circumstances
- B . Combination of circumstances expected to be favorable to objectives
- C . Outcome of an event affecting objectives
B
Explanation:
Opportunities, according to ISO standards such as ISO 31000, are situations or conditions that have the potential to provide a favorable impact on achieving objectives. They represent circumstances that, when leveraged, can lead to beneficial outcomes for the organization, such as competitive advantage, growth, or improved performance. Option B is correct as it accurately describes opportunities as circumstances expected to be favorable to achieving objectives.
Option A (Occurrence or change of a particular set of circumstances) is a more general definition that could apply to both risks and opportunities, while Option C (Outcome of an event affecting objectives) is more aligned with the concept of risk.
According to ISO 31000, which of the following is a principle of risk management?
- A . Dynamic
- B . Qualitative
- C . Reliability
A
Explanation:
According to ISO 31000, a principle of risk management is that it should be dynamic. This means that risk management practices should be flexible and able to adapt to changes in the internal and external environment of the organization. Risks are constantly evolving due to changes in technology, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and other factors, and risk management must be capable of responding to these changes. Option A is correct because it aligns with this principle. Option B (Qualitative) refers to a method for assessing risk rather than a principle of risk management, and Option C (Reliability) is not listed as a principle in ISO 31000.
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 2700 1. 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.
Based on the scenario above, answer the following question:
Travivve decided to initially apply the risk management process only in the Sales Management Department.
Is this acceptable?
- A . No, the risk management process must be applied in all organizational levels
- B . Yes, the risk management process may be applied to only a subset of departments in an organization
- C . Yes, the risk management process must be applied to only those departments that handle customers’ personal information in an organization
B
Explanation:
ISO/IEC 27005 provides guidance on risk management for information security, and it allows flexibility in applying the risk management process to different parts of an organization. The decision to initially apply the risk management process only to the Sales Management Department is acceptable under ISO/IEC 27005, as the standard supports the selective application of risk management activities based on the specific needs and priorities of the organization. This is in line with risk management best practices, where organizations may focus on critical areas first (such as high-risk departments or those that handle sensitive information) and later expand the process as needed. Therefore, applying the risk management process to a subset of departments is appropriate, making option B the correct answer.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Clause 7, "Context Establishment," which allows defining the scope and boundaries of risk management as relevant to the organization’s needs.
ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Clause 4.3, "Determining the scope of the information security management system," which also permits defining a scope based on priorities and relevance.
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 2700 1. 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.
Based on scenario 2, has Travivve defined the responsibilities of the risk manager appropriately?
- A . Yes, the risk manager should be responsible for all actions defined bv Traviwe
- B . No, the risk manager should not be responsible for planning all risk management activities
- C . No, the risk manager should not be responsible for reporting the monitoring results of the risk management program to the top management
A
Explanation:
ISO/IEC 27005 recommends that the risk manager or a designated authority should oversee the entire risk management process, including planning, monitoring, and reporting. In the scenario, the risk manager is responsible for supervising the team, planning all risk management activities, monitoring the program, and reporting the results to top management. This allocation of responsibilities is aligned with the guidelines of ISO/IEC 27005, which emphasizes that a risk manager should coordinate and manage all aspects of the risk management process to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the organization’s objectives. Therefore, assigning these responsibilities to the risk manager is appropriate, making option A the correct answer.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Clause 5.3, "Roles and responsibilities," which specifies that those managing risk should have defined roles and should coordinate all activities in the risk management process.
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 2700 1. 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 Travivve’s risk management team identify the basic requirements of interested parties in accordance with the guidelines of ISO/IEC 27005? Refer to scenario 2.
- A . No, the team should define the basic requirements of interested parties, but it should determine status of compliance with the requirements after implementing the risk treatment options
- B . No, the team should use only the organization’s internal security rules to determine the status of compliance with the basic requirements of interested parties
- C . Yes, the team identified the basic requirements of interested parties and determined the status of compliance with those requirements as recommended by ISO/IEC 27005
C
Explanation:
According to ISO/IEC 27005, understanding the organization and its context, including the identification of interested parties and their requirements, is a critical part of the risk management process. The team at Travivve identified the interested parties and their basic requirements and determined the status of compliance with these requirements, which aligns with the guidelines provided by ISO/IEC 27005. This standard recommends that organizations should understand their context and stakeholders’ requirements to effectively manage risks. Additionally, it is appropriate to evaluate compliance with requirements as part of the context analysis, rather than after implementing risk treatment options. Therefore, the team’s approach was in accordance with ISO/IEC 27005, making option C the correct answer.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Clause 7, "Context Establishment," which outlines the importance of identifying the context, including the interested parties and their requirements, as a basis for risk management.
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 2700 1. 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.
- A . No, the risk management team should also establish the criteria for determining the level of risk
- B . No, the risk management team should also establish the criteria for treating the identified risks
- C . Yes. the risk management team established all the criteria that are necessary to perform an information security risk assessment
A
Explanation:
While Travivve’s risk management team established criteria for consequence and likelihood, ISO/IEC 27005 requires that additional criteria should be defined to complete a risk assessment. Specifically, the team should also establish criteria for determining the level of risk, which involves combining the likelihood and consequence to evaluate risk magnitude. This step is crucial for prioritizing risks and determining which risks require treatment. The absence of criteria for determining the level of risk means that the team did not fully meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 27005 for performing an information security risk assessment. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Reference: ISO/IEC 27005:2018, Clause 8.4, "Risk Assessment," which outlines the need to establish criteria for risk acceptance, which includes determining the level of risk.
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 2700 1. 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.
Based on scenario 2, the team decided to involve interested parties in risk management activities. Is this a good practice?
- A . No. only internal interested parties should be involved in risk management activities
- B . Yes, relevant interested parties should be involved in risk management activities to ensure the successful completion of the risk assessment
- C . No, only the risk management team should be involved in risk management activities
B
Explanation:
According to ISO/IEC 27005, involving relevant interested parties in the risk management process is considered a best practice. This approach ensures that all perspectives are considered, and relevant knowledge is leveraged, which helps in comprehensively identifying, analyzing, and managing risks. Interested parties, such as stakeholders, can provide valuable insights and information regarding the organization’s assets, processes, threats, and vulnerabilities, contributing to a more accurate and effective risk assessment. Therefore, option B is correct because it supports the principle that involving relevant parties leads to a more successful risk assessment process. Options A and C are incorrect because excluding either external interested parties or restricting involvement only to the risk management team would limit the effectiveness of the risk management process.
What type of process is risk management?
- A . Ongoing, which allows organizations to monitor risk and keep it at an acceptable level
- B . Iterative, which is conducted simultaneously with internal audits to ensure the effectiveness of an organization’s operations
- C . Ongoing, which must be conducted annually and be consistent with the selection of security controls
A
Explanation:
Risk management is an ongoing process that involves continuous monitoring, assessment, and mitigation of risks to ensure that they remain within acceptable levels. According to ISO/IEC 27005, risk management is not a one-time activity but a continuous cycle that includes risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation, and risk treatment. The process must be regularly reviewed and updated to respond to changes in the organization’s environment, technological landscape, or operational conditions. Option A correctly identifies risk management as an ongoing process. Options B and C are incorrect; risk management is not limited to being conducted simultaneously with internal audits (B), nor is it required to be conducted annually (C).