ISO-IEC-27001-LEAD-IMPLEMENTER practice question 29 of 35

Scenario 5: Bytes iS a dynamic and innovative Company specializing in the design, manufacturing. and distribution Of hardware and software, with a…

Full set: 290 questions

Domain Implementing an ISMS based on ISO/IEC 27001

Scenario 5: Bytes iS a dynamic and innovative Company specializing in the design, manufacturing. and distribution Of hardware and software, with a focus On providing comprehensive network and supporting services. It is headquartered in the vibrant tech hub of Lagos, Nigeri a. It has a diverse and dedicated team, boasting a workforce of over 800 employees who are passionate about delivering cutting-edge solutions to their Clients. Given the nati-jte Of its business. Bytes frequently handles sensitive data both internally and When collaborating With Clients and partners. Recognizing the Challenges inherent in securely sharing data with clients. partners, and within its own internal operations. Bytes has implemented robust information security measures, They utilize a defined risk assessment process, which enables them to assess and address potential threats and information security risks. This process ensures compliance with ISOflEC 27001 requirements, a critical aspect of Bytes' operations. Initially. Bytes identified both external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and that impact its ability to achieve the intended information security management System Outcomes, External issues beyond the company'S control include factors Such as social and Cultural dynamics, political. legal. normative, and regulatory environments, financial and macroeconomic conditions. technological developments, natural factors, and competitive pressures. Internal issues, which are within the organization's control, encompass aspects like the company's culture. its policies, objectives, and strategies; govetnance structures. roles, and responsibilities: adopted standards and guidelines; contractual relationships that influence processes within the ISMS scope: processes and procedures resources and knowledge capabilities; physical infrastructure information systems. information flows. and decisiorwnaking processes; as well as the results of previous audits and risk assessments. Bytes also focused on identifying the interested parties relevant to the ISMS understanding their requirements, and determining which Of those requirements will be addressed by the ISMS In pursuing a secure digital environment, Bytes leverages the latest technology, utilizing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify known vulnerable services in their ICT systems. This proactive approach ensures that potential weaknesses are swiftly addressed. bolstering their overall information security posture. In their comprehensive approach to information security, Bytes has identified and assessed various risks. During this process, despite implementing the security controls, Bytes' expert team identified unacceptable residual risks, and the team Currently faces uncertainty regarding which specific options to for addressing these identified and unacceptable residual risks. Based on scenario 5, certain residual risks were defined as unacceptable. Which risk treatment options should Bytes consider?
Answer options
A: Bytes should terminate the affected projects immediately
B: Bytes should identify alternative risk treatment options Correct answer
C: Bytes should suspend all operations until risks are fully eliminated
Correct Answer:
B. Bytes should identify alternative risk treatment options
Explanation

According to the ISO/IEC 27001 framework and its supporting guidance in ISO/IEC 27005, risk management is an iterative process. When a selected risk treatment plan results in residual risks that are still above the organization's defined risk acceptance criteria (i.e., unacceptable), the process must be revisited. The organization should not immediately resort to drastic measures but should instead re-evaluate the situation. This involves selecting different or additional risk treatment options—such as applying more controls (risk modification), transferring the risk (risk sharing), or deciding to stop the activity causing the risk (risk avoidance)—until the residual risk is reduced to an acceptable level. This systematic re-evaluation is the correct and standard-compliant next step.

Why Incorrect

A. Terminating projects is a form of risk avoidance. While a valid option, it is an extreme measure that should only be considered after evaluating other, less disruptive alternatives.
C. Suspending all operations is an impractical and disproportionate response. The goal of risk management is to reduce risk to an acceptable level, not necessarily to eliminate it entirely.

References

1. ISO/IEC 27005:2022, Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection — Guidance on managing information security risks.

Section 8.4.3, "Selecting information security risk treatment options," states: "The process of information security risk treatment is iterative and can include reassessment of risk at various stages of the treatment process... If a treatment option is not effective, other treatment options should be selected." This directly supports the need to identify alternative options when residual risk is unacceptable.

2. ISO/IEC 27001:2022, Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection — Information security management systems — Requirements.

Clause 6.1.3, "Information security risk treatment," outlines a systematic process. The implicit Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle of the standard requires that if the outcome of the risk treatment plan (the "Do") is found to be inadequate upon review (the "Check"), the organization must take action ("Act") to revise the plan, which involves reconsidering treatment options.

3. PECB. (2022). ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer Training Course Material.

Day 3: Planning the ISMS implementation based on ISO/IEC 27001. The courseware explains that if the residual risk after applying controls is higher than the risk acceptance criteria, the risk treatment process must be repeated. The implementer must select another treatment option or apply additional controls to further reduce the risk level.

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