ISO-IEC-27001-LEAD-IMPLEMENTER practice question 16 of 35

Scenario 9: CoreBit Systems CoreBit Systems, with its headquarters m San Francisco, specializes in information and communication technology (ICT)…

Full set: 290 questions

Domain Continual improvement of an ISMS based on ISO/IEC 27001

Scenario 9: CoreBit Systems CoreBit Systems, with its headquarters m San Francisco, specializes in information and communication technology (ICT) solutions, its clientele primarily includes data communication enterprises and network operators. The company's core objective is to enable its clients a smooth transition into multi-service providers, aligning their operations with the complex demands of the digital landscape. Recently. John, the internal auditor of CoreBit Systems, conducted an internal audit which uncovered nonconformities related to their monitoring procedures and system vulnerabilities, in response to the identified nonconformities. CoreBit Systems decided to employ a comprehensive problem- solving approach to solve these issues systematically. The method encompasses a team-oriented approach, aiming to identify, correct, and eliminate the root causes of issues. This approach involves several steps. First, establish a group of experts with deep knowledge of processes and controls. Next, break down the nonconformity into measurable components and implement interim containment measures. Then, identify potential root causes and select and verify permanent corrective actions. Finally, put those actions into practice, validate them, take steps to prevent recurrence, and recognize and acknowledge the team's efforts. Following the analysis of the root cause of the nonconformities, CoreBit Systems's ISMS project manager. Julia, developed a list of potential actions to address the identified nonconformities. Julia carefully evaluated the list to ensure that each action would effectively eliminate the root cause of the respective nonconformity. While assessing potential corrective action for addressing a nonconformity, Julia identified the issue as significant and assessed a high likelihood of its reoccurrence Consequently, she chose to implement temporary corrective actions. Afterward. Julia combined all the nonconformities Into a single action plan and sought approval from the top management. The submitted action plan was written as follows: A new version of the access control policy will be established and new restrictions will be created to ensure that network access is effectively managed and monitored by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department. However. Julia's submitted action plan was not approved by top management The reason cited was that a general action plan meant to address all nonconformities was deemed unacceptable. Consequently, Julia revised the action plan and submitted separate ones for approval Unfortunately, Julia did not adhere to the organization's specified deadline for submission, resulting in a delay in the corrective action process, and notably, the revised action plans lacked a defined schedule for execution. Julia, the ISMS project manager, developed a combined action plan for all nonconformities. However, it was rejected, revised, and resubmitted late—without defined execution schedules. Did CoreBit Systems have a plan in place to implement permanent corrective action to address the identified nonconformities?
Answer options
A: Yes – CoreBit Systems had a comprehensive plan in place to implement permanent corrective actions
B: No – CoreBit Systems did not have a clear plan to implement a permanent corrective action Correct answer
C: No – CoreBit Systems decided not to pursue this course of action
Correct Answer:
B. No – CoreBit Systems did not have a clear plan to implement a permanent corrective action
Explanation

CoreBit Systems did not have a clear plan for permanent corrective action. According to ISO/IEC 27001, Clause 10.2, a corrective action plan must be effective in eliminating the root cause of a nonconformity. The initial plan submitted by Julia was too general and was rejected. The subsequent revised plans, while more specific, critically lacked a defined execution schedule. A plan without timelines is incomplete and not actionable, failing to meet the requirements for a structured and effective corrective action process. Furthermore, for a significant issue, Julia opted for "temporary" actions, indicating a lack of a ready plan for permanent resolution.

Why Incorrect

A. Yes – CoreBit Systems had a comprehensive plan in place to implement permanent corrective actions This is incorrect because the submitted plans were flawed—first by being too general, and then by lacking a defined schedule, making them incomplete and not comprehensive.
C. No – CoreBit Systems decided not to pursue this course of action This is incorrect. The scenario explicitly states the company employed a "comprehensive problem-solving approach" and tasked Julia with developing action plans, showing a clear intent to act.

References

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

Section 10.2, "Nonconformity and corrective action," requires an organization to "c) implement any action needed" and "d) review the effectiveness of any corrective action taken." A plan without a schedule cannot be properly implemented or have its effectiveness reviewed in a timely manner, demonstrating it is not a clear or complete plan as implicitly required by the standard.

2. PECB. (2022). ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer Training Course Material. Day 4: Continual Improvement.

The official PECB courseware emphasizes that a corrective action plan is a formal document detailing the actions, responsibilities, and, crucially, the deadlines for completion. The scenario's statement that the "revised action plans lacked a defined schedule for execution" directly contradicts the principles of a valid corrective action plan taught in the certified training.

3. Calder, A., & Watkins, S. (2019). IT Governance: An International Guide to Data Security and ISO 27001/ISO 27002 (7th ed.). Kogan Page.

Chapter 14, "Continual Improvement," discusses the corrective action process. It outlines that effective plans must be specific and time-bound to ensure nonconformities are addressed and do not recur. The absence of a schedule in CoreBit's plan indicates a failure in this fundamental aspect of the continual improvement process.

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