Week 3: Cyber Security and Privacy Assignment 3 - Questions and Solutions
Description:
This document provides solutions to Week 3, Assignment 3 of the "Cyber Security and Privacy" course on SWAYAM. The assignment focuses on Governance, Risk Management, Compliance (GRC), cybersecurity management frameworks, and IT security best practices. Each question is analyzed with the correct answer provided and a detailed explanation of the reasoning behind it.
Question 1:
The process of defining and specifying the long-term direction to be taken by an organization, and the allocation and acquisition of resources needed to pursue this effort is known as:
- A) Governance
- B) Security Management
- C) Strategic Planning
- D) Objectives
Correct Answer: C) Strategic Planning
Explanation:
Strategic planning involves setting long-term goals and determining the best approaches for resource allocation and acquisition to achieve these goals. It is crucial in guiding an organization's direction.
Question 2:
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) and cybersecurity?
- A) GRC focuses solely on cybersecurity management and overlooks other risk management initiatives.
- B) Cybersecurity is the primary focus of GRC, with minimal consideration for other risks.
- C) GRC integrates cybersecurity as one component within the broader framework of enterprise risk management (ERM).
- D) GRC is a standalone framework independent of cybersecurity and risk management.
Correct Answer: C) GRC integrates cybersecurity as one component within the broader framework of enterprise risk management (ERM).
Explanation:
GRC is a holistic approach that incorporates cybersecurity into the broader framework of enterprise risk management (ERM). It ensures that cybersecurity is addressed as part of the organization's overall risk management strategy.
Question 3:
A written document provided by management that informs employees and others in the workplace about proper behavior regarding the use of information and information assets are known as:
- A) Guidelines
- B) Information Security Policy
- C) IT Code of Ethics
- D) Best Practices
Correct Answer: B) Information Security Policy
Explanation:
An Information Security Policy is a formal document that outlines the guidelines, rules, and practices for ensuring the security of information and information assets within an organization. It is crucial for maintaining security standards and educating employees about their responsibilities.
Question 4:
Which approach to cybersecurity management treats cybersecurity as a separate category distinct from other risks an organization may face, and it focuses solely on cybersecurity, depending on the size and nature of the organization?
- A) Standard Driven Approach
- B) Risk Management Planning Approach
- C) GRC Framework
- D) Risk Management Framework
Correct Answer: B) Risk Management Planning Approach
Explanation:
The Risk Management Planning Approach views cybersecurity as a distinct category of risk, addressing it separately from other organizational risks. This approach is often tailored based on the organization's size, nature, and specific risk profile.
Question 5:
Benefits of implementing a GRC in an organization include:
- A) Responsible operations
- B) Data-driven decision-making
- C) Improved cybersecurity
- D) All the above
Correct Answer: D) All the above
Explanation:
Implementing GRC in an organization provides multiple benefits, including responsible operations, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced cybersecurity. These components are integral to a well-rounded governance and risk management strategy.
Question 6:
What is the purpose of the COBIT maturity model?
- A) To assess an organization’s maturity in IT governance processes
- B) To rank organizations based on their financial performance
- C) To determine the efficiency of network infrastructure
- D) To evaluate employee satisfaction levels in the IT department
Correct Answer: A) To assess an organization’s maturity in IT governance processes
Explanation:
The COBIT maturity model is used to assess how mature an organization's IT governance processes are. It helps organizations identify areas of improvement in their IT governance and management practices.
Question 7:
COSO's ERM framework emphasizes:
- A) Operational efficiency
- B) Risk identification and assessment
- C) Regulatory compliance
- D) Human resource management
Correct Answer: B) Risk identification and assessment
Explanation:
COSO's ERM framework is primarily focused on identifying and assessing risks that can affect an organization's ability to achieve its objectives. It provides a structured approach to managing risk across the enterprise.
Question 8:
Which characteristic distinguishes the approaches of COBIT, COSO, and COSO-ERM from specific standards like ISO or NIST?
- A) They prioritize cybersecurity over other risk management aspects.
- B) They focus exclusively on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- C) They operate at the enterprise level rather than focusing on specific standards.
- D) They are primarily developed by governmental regulatory bodies.
Correct Answer: C) They operate at the enterprise level rather than focusing on specific standards.
Explanation:
COBIT, COSO, and COSO-ERM operate at the enterprise level, offering comprehensive frameworks for governance, risk management, and compliance. Unlike specific standards like ISO or NIST, which provide detailed guidelines for specific areas, these frameworks are broader and more strategic.
Question 9:
Why might some customers be hesitant to adopt the ISO 27001 model?
- A) It is a mandatory standard with strict compliance requirements.
- B) It is not recognized as a valid security framework by international organizations.
- C) There are concerns about the model's overall effectiveness compared to existing approaches.
- D) It prioritizes specific security vendors or technologies.
Correct Answer: C) There are concerns about the model's overall effectiveness compared to existing approaches.
Explanation:
Some customers may hesitate to adopt ISO 27001 due to concerns about its effectiveness in comparison to other security models or frameworks that might be better suited to their specific needs or industry requirements.
Question 10:
Which of the following is not considered a principle or practice for securing IT systems?
- A) Implement layered security to ensure there is no single point of vulnerability.
- B) Do not implement unnecessary security mechanisms.
- C) Maximize the system elements to be trusted.
- D) Assume that external systems are insecure.
Correct Answer: C) Maximize the system elements to be trusted.
Explanation:
Maximizing the number of system elements to be trusted can introduce unnecessary complexity and potential security risks. Instead, security practices typically involve minimizing the elements that need to be trusted, ensuring that only essential components are given trust, reducing the attack surface.
