CISMP-V9 BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles V9.0 Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

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

Generating and distributing spam messages: Botnets can send out large volumes of spam emails to promote products or services, or to distribute malware.

Conducting DDoS attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are often carried out using botnets to overwhelm a target’s servers with traffic.

Scanning for system & application vulnerabilities: Botnets can be used to scan a large number of systems for vulnerabilities that can be exploited in further attacks.

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

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

Security controls are measures taken to safeguard an information system from attacks or to mitigate the impact of a breach. They are commonly classified into three main categories: preventive, detective, and corrective. Preventive controls aim to prevent incidents before they occur, detective controls are designed to discover and detect security events, and corrective controls are intended to restore systems to normal operation after an incident. The term “nominative” is not recognized as a standard classification of security controls within the principles of information security management. Instead, the accepted classifications align with the objectives of protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the categorization, operation, and effectiveness of controls of different types and characteristics, which does not include “nominative” as a classification1.

 Ensuring the correctness of data inputted to a system is a fundamental aspect of data integrity within information security. Integrity refers to the trustworthiness and accuracy of data throughout its lifecycle. This means that the data has not been altered in an unauthorized manner and remains consistent, accurate, and trustworthy. It is crucial for the proper functioning of any system that relies on data to make decisions or perform operations. Measures to ensure data integrity include input validation, error checking, and data verification processes that prevent incorrect data entry, unauthorized data alteration, and ensure that the data reflects its intended state.

References: This concept is covered under the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which outlines integrity as one of the key facets of information security, ensuring that data remains authentic and unaltered from its original state123.

The key principle a digital forensics investigator must adhere to is ensuring competence and the ability to justify their actions. This is crucial because the integrity of the investigation and the evidence must be maintained. Competence ensures that the investigator has the necessary skills and knowledge to handle and analyze the data correctly. Being able to justify their actions is important for the legal process, as every step of the investigation may be scrutinized in court. This principle aligns with the Information Security Management Principles, which emphasize the importance of procedural/people security controls and technical security controls to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. References: BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles1.

 The global pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, which inherently increases the risk of information security breaches due to insecure premises (A) and the need for additional tools like VPNs ©. There’s also a higher likelihood of attackers exploiting vulnerabilities during such operational changes (D). However, the need for additional physical security at data centres and corporate headquarters (B) is less likely to be a direct result of a pandemic since the focus shifts to remote work and digital security rather than physical premises that are less occupied.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive understanding of IS management issues, including risk management, security standards, legislation, and business continuity1. It emphasizes the importance of adapting security measures to current business and technical environments, which would include the shift to remote work during a pandemic

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

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

 Accountability is the term that describes the acknowledgement and acceptance of ownership of actions, decisions, policies, and deliverables. It implies that an individual or organization is willing to take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of those actions, and is answerable to the relevant stakeholders. This concept is fundamental in information security management, as it ensures that individuals and teams are aware of their roles and the expectations placed upon them, particularly in relation to the protection of information assets. Accountability cannot be delegated; while tasks can be assigned to others, the ultimate ownership and obligation to report and justify the outcomes remain with the accountable party.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of accountability within the context of information security management. It is a key principle that supports the governance of information security and the management of risks associated with information assets1.

SIEM, which stands for Security Information and Event Management, is the correct acronym that covers the real-time analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware. SIEM systems aggregate and analyze activity data from various resources across the IT infrastructure, such as network devices, servers, and domain controllers. They operate on rules-based and statistical correlation algorithms to establish relationships between log entries, providing reports on security-related incidents and events, and sending alerts if the analysis indicates a potential security issue. This enables organizations to gain insights into their security posture, identify trends, and detect threats or anomalies that could indicate a security incident1.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles acknowledges the role of SIEM in monitoring and analyzing security events in real-time as part of an effective information security framework1.

Developers should undergo Awareness Training to understand the security of the code they have written and how it can improve security defense while being attacked. This type of training educates developers on the importance of security considerations throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It covers best practices for secure coding, common vulnerabilities and how to avoid them, and the impact of code security on the overall security posture of an application. By being aware of security principles and the potential threats, developers can write more secure code, which is crucial for defending against attacks.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the need for information security and the methods to implement it. Specifically, it emphasizes the importance of training and awareness for all staff, including developers, as a key procedural/people security control1. Additionally, specialized training programs likethose offered by SANS Security Awareness for developers focus on building a secure culture and mitigating vulnerabilities in critical web applications, which aligns with the principles of secure coding and awareness2.

The deployment of end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solutions significantly increases the attack surface compared to traditional IT systems. This is due to the vast number of connected devices, each potentially introducing new vulnerabilities. The heterogeneity of these devices, often with varying levels of security, can lead to more entry points for cyberattacks. Additionally, the complexity of managing and securing these numerous devices, especially when they use different communication protocols and standards, exacerbates the risk. Therefore, the expansion of the attack surface is considered the greatest risk because it amplifies the potential for unauthorized access and compromises the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information systems.

References: = This concept is supported by the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with the security of information systems, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like IoT1. Further, industry research and reports highlight the challenges and risks posed by the expanding IoT attack surface23.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the most beneficial technology for ensuring consistent security settings across an organization’s devices, especially in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or mobile computing environment. MDM allows for the central management of security policies,the enforcement of strong authentication measures, and the protection of corporate data on personal devices. It provides the necessary tools to configure devices remotely, enforce security policies, manage applications, and protect against unauthorized access. This aligns with the Information Security Management Principles, particularly under the domains of Technical Security Controls and Procedural/People Security Controls, as it encompasses both the technology and the policies that govern its use by people within the organization123. References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of understanding the concepts relating to information security management, which includes the knowledge of controls and characteristics that are essential for managing the security of information systems4. Additionally, the benefits of MDM in securing mobile and BYOD environments are well-documented, further supporting its selection as the most appropriate technology for Geoff’s requirements123.

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

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

References :=

Effective Data Visualization in Cybersecurity, IEEE Conference1.

A Survey of Visualization Systems for Network Security, IEEE Transactions2.

After data creation, the typical next step in the standard information lifecycle is data storage. This phase involves securing the data in a storage solution where it can be accessed, managed, and protected effectively. Proper data storage ensures that data remains intact and available for future processing and analysis. It is a critical step before data can be used for any operational or analytical purposes, and precedes other stages such as archiving or deletion, which occur later in the lifecycle123.

References := The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles includes the understanding of the information lifecycle as part of its syllabus, emphasizing the importance of each stage, including data storage4. This is supported by industry practices and standards that outline the data lifecycle stages, as found in resources like the Harvard Business School Online’s insights on the data lifecycle1, and other data management guides23.

Digital signatures are a form of electronic signature that uses cryptographic techniques to provide secure and verifiable means of signing electronic documents. They are widely recognized and accepted as legally binding in many jurisdictions around the world. The enforceability of digital signatures is backed by various laws and regulations that recognize electronic signatures as equivalent to handwritten signatures, provided they meet certain criteria for authenticity and integrity. For instance, in the United States, the ESIGN Act establishes the legal validity of electronic signatures, including digital signatures1. Similarly, the eIDAS regulation in the European Union provides a legal framework for electronic signatures and trust services, including digital signatures2.

References := The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles addresses the legal aspects of information security, including the enforceability of digital signatures. It aligns with international standards and practices that affirm the legal validity of digital signatures, as reflected in documents such as the ESIGN Act and the eIDAS regulation34.

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

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

 The primary security concern with BYOD is the reduced level of control an organization has over employees’ personal devices compared to corporately owned and managed devices. This lack of control can lead to inconsistent security practices, such as irregular updates, lack of standardized security software, and potential for data leakage if the device is lost or compromised. BYOD policies must address these challenges by implementing security measures that protect corporate data while respecting users’ privacy on their personal devices123.

References :=

The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles outlines the importance of managing information risk and implementing comprehensive security controls, which are particularly relevant for BYOD policies1.

Literature on BYOD security risks and mitigation strategies provides insights into the challenges and best practices for managing personal devices in a corporate environment2.

Reviews of security access control policies and techniques based on privacy requirements in a BYOD environment offer a systematic approach to addressing BYOD security concerns3.

Appointing a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the most effective action at the board level to improve the security culture within an organization using a top-downapproach. The CISO plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining the enterprise vision, strategy, and program to ensure information assets and technologies are adequately protected. The CISO is responsible for leading the development and implementation of a security program across all aspects of the organization, which includes aligning security initiatives with business objectives, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This strategic role not only helps in creating a robust security posture but also promotes a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. By having a dedicated executive responsible for security, it sends a clear message that the organization prioritizes information security and is committed to protecting its assets and stakeholders.

References: = The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of leadership and governance in the context of information security management, which includes the appointment of key roles such as the CISO1. Additionally, industry best practices and guidelines often recommend the appointment of a CISO as a critical step in fostering a strong security culture from the top down23.

According to the OWASP Top 10 list, Injection Flaws are among the most prolific web application vulnerabilities. This category includes a variety of attacks such as SQL, NoSQL, OS, and LDAP injection where untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query. The attacker’s hostile data can trick the interpreter into executing unintended commands or accessing unauthorized data. Injection flaws are particularly dangerous because they can lead to data breaches, loss of data integrity, and denial of service, among other impacts.

References: The OWASP Top 10 is a widely recognized document that outlines the most critical security risks to web applications. The 2024 edition continues to list Injection Flaws (A03:2021-Injection) as one of the top security risks, emphasizing their prevalence and severity in web applications1.

The best practice when handling and investigating digital evidence for use in a criminal cybercrime investigation is to ensure that digital devices are forensically “clean” before any investigation takes place. This means that the devices should be free from any potential contamination that could compromise the integrity of the evidence. It’s crucial to maintain the original state of digital evidence as much as possible to ensure its admissibility in court. Altering digital evidence should be avoided unless it’s absolutely necessary for the investigation, and even then, it should be done following strict protocols to document the changes made. While law enforcement often handles digital evidence, the principle of maintaining a forensically clean state applies universally to ensure the evidence remains untainted and reliable.

References: The BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and reliability of digital evidence. It outlines the procedures and controls that should be in place when dealing with digital evidence, which includes ensuring devices are forensically clean before investigation1.