The fundamental purpose of establishing security metrics is to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the information security controls and processes. Security metrics are quantitative or qualitative measures that indicate how well the organization is achieving its security objectives and goals. Security metrics can help the information security manager to monitor, evaluate, and improve the performance of the information security program, as well as to identify gaps, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Security metrics can also help the organization to demonstrate compliance with internal and external standards, regulations, and best practices. Increasing return on investment (ROI), adopting security best practices, and establishing security benchmarks are possible outcomes or benefits of using security metrics, but they are not the fundamental purpose of establishing them. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, pages 46-471; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, page 642 Learn more:
1. isaca.org2. amazon.com3. gov.uk
Security metrics are used to measure the effectiveness of controls and evaluate the overall security posture of an organization. This feedback provides an understanding of the progress made towards achieving security objectives and allows organizations to make necessary adjustments.

The test addresses the critical components is the most important consideration while conducting a test of a business continuity plan (BCP), as it ensures that the test covers the essential functions, processes, and resources that are required to maintain or resume the organization's operations in the event of a disruption.
The test should also verify that the recovery objectives, such as recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO), are met. (From CISM Review Manual 15th Edition) References: CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 178, section 4.3.2.1; CISSP Exam Cram: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning1, page 5, section Testing the Plan.

Security requirements should be defined concurrently with other requirements to ensure that security is built into the software development process from the beginning and not added as an afterthought. This will also improve the efficiency of the development process by reducing the need for rework and testing. Security requirements should be based on the business objectives, risk assessment, and security policies of the organization, not on code review, security assessment tools, or functional requirements. References = CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 1241; CISM Item Development Guide, page 62

A walk-through of the disaster recovery plan (DRP) is a method of testing the plan by simulating a disaster scenario and having the participants review their roles and responsibilities, as well as the procedures and resources required to execute the plan. A walk-through has the greatest positive impact on the ability to execute the DRP, as it helps to identify and resolve any gaps, errors, or inconsistencies in the plan, as well as to enhance the awareness and readiness of the stakeholders involved in the recovery process. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 5, Section 5.3.2.21

To support effective risk decision making, it is most important to have risk reporting procedures in place.
Risk reporting procedures define how, when, and to whom risk information is communicated within the organization. Risk reporting procedures ensure that risk information is timely, accurate, consistent, and relevant for the decision makers. Risk reporting procedures also facilitate the monitoring and review of risk management activities and outcomes. Risk reporting procedures enable the organization to align its risk appetite and tolerance with its business objectives and strategies. Established risk domains are not the most important factor for effective risk decision making. Risk domains are categories or areas of risk that reflect the organization's structure, objectives, and operations. Risk domains help to organize and prioritize risk information, but they do not necessarily support the communication and analysis of risk information for decision making. An audit committee consisting of mid-level management is not the most important factor for effective risk decision making. An audit committee is a subcommittee of the board of directors that oversees the internal and external audit functions of the organization. An audit committee should consist of independent and qualified members, preferably from the board of directors or senior management, not mid- level management. An audit committee provides assurance and oversight on the effectiveness of risk management, but it does not directly support risk decision making. Well-defined and approved controls are not the most important factor for effective risk decision making. Controls are measures or actions that reduce the likelihood or impact of risk events. Well-defined and approved controls are essential for implementing risk responses and mitigating risks, but they do not directly support the identification, analysis, and evaluation of risks for decision making. References = CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, page 207-208.
Established risk domains are important for effective risk decision making because they provide a basis for categorizing risks and assessing their impact on the organization. Risk domains are also used to assign risk ownership and prioritize risk management activities. Having established risk domains in place helps ensure that risks are properly identified and addressed, and enables organizations to make informed and effective decisions about risk. Risk reporting procedures, an audit committee consisting of mid-level management, and well-defined and approved controls are all important components of an effective risk management program, but established risk domains are the most important for effective risk decision making.