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The best way to support effective communication during information security incidents is to have predetermined service level agreements (SLAs) because they define the expectations and responsibilities of the parties involved in the incident response process, and specify the communication channels, methods, and frequency for reporting and updating on the incident status and resolution. Frequent incident response training sessions are not very effective because they do not address the communication needs or challenges during an actual incident. Centralized control monitoring capabilities are not very effective because they do not address the communication needs or challenges during an actual incident. Responsibilities defined within role descriptions are not very effective because they do not address the communication needs or challenges during an actual incident. References:

The first step in developing an information security strategy is to identify key stakeholders who can provide support, guidance and resources for information security initiatives. These stakeholders may include senior management, business unit leaders, legal counsel, audit and compliance officers and other relevant parties. By engaging these stakeholders early on, an information security manager can ensure that the strategy aligns with business objectives and expectations, as well as gain buy-in and commitment from them. Determining acceptable levels of risk, creating a roadmap and performing a gap analysis are all important steps in developing an information security strategy, but they should follow after identifying key stakeholders.

Threat and vulnerability assessments are important primarily because they are the basis for setting control objectives. Control objectives are the desired outcomes of implementing security controls, and they should be aligned with the organization’s risk appetite and business objectives. Threat and vulnerability assessments help to identify the potential sources and impacts of security incidents, and to prioritize the mitigation actions based on the likelihood and severity of the risks. By conducting threat and vulnerability assessments, the organization can establish the appropriate level and type of security controls to protect its information assets and reduce the residual risk to an acceptable level. References = CISM Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 3: Information Security Risk Management, Section 3.1: Risk Identification, p. 115-1161. CISM Review Manual (Print Version), Chapter 3: Information Security Risk Management, Section 3.1: Risk Identification, p. 115-1162. CISM ITEM DEVELOPMENT GUIDE, Domain 3: Information Security Program Development and Management, Task Statement 3.1, p. 193.

Threat and vulnerability assessments are important PRIMARILY because they are the basis for setting control objectives. Control objectives are the desired outcomes or goals of implementing security controls in an information system. They are derived from the risk assessment process, which identifies and evaluates the threats and vulnerabilities that could affect the system’s confidentiality, integrity and availability. By conducting threat and vulnerability assessments, an organization can determine the level of risk it faces and establish the appropriate control objectives to mitigate those risks.

A security information and event management (SIEM) system is a type of detective control because it monitors and analyzes the security events or logs from different sources or systems, and detects any anomalies or incidents that may indicate a security breach or compromise. A preventive control is a type of control that prevents or blocks any unauthorized or malicious activity or access from occurring. A deterrent control is a type of control that discourages or warns any potential attackers or intruders from attempting any unauthorized or malicious activity or access. A corrective control is a type of control that restores or repairs any damage or disruption caused by an unauthorized or malicious activity or access. References: