Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Practice Exam

Measuring the current security state against a baseline is fundamental for organizations aiming to maintain and improve their security posture. The baseline represents an organization's established norms and expected security performance. By comparing the current security state to this baseline, organizations can identify deviations or vulnerabilities in their security controls and practices. This allows them to understand if their security measures are effective or if there is an urgent need to make adjustments.

Additionally, tracking the current security state in relation to the baseline enables organizations to assess the impact of new threats, changes in the operational environment, or any modifications to security policies and procedures. It promotes ongoing risk management and helps ensure that security practices align with the organization’s goals and compliance requirements.

While industry benchmarks can provide useful context for security performance, they do not offer a customized view specific to an organization's needs. Similarly, while staff compliance levels and external audit results are essential for overall security governance, they serve more as indicators or feedback mechanisms rather than a direct measurement against a baseline security state.