This answer best indicates the effectiveness of the vendor risk management process because it shows that the organization has established and enforced clear and consistent security requirements and expectations for its vendors, and that the vendors have demonstrated their compliance and commitment to security best practices.
A globally recognized security standard, such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, or COBIT, provides a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing and improving the security posture and performance of vendors.
References: The CISM Review Manual 2023 states that "the information security manager is responsible for ensuring that the security requirements and expectations for third-party products and services are defined, communicated, and enforced" and that "the information security manager should verify that the third parties have implemented adequate security controls and practices, and that they comply with applicable standards and regulations" (p. 138). The CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual 2023 also provides the following rationale for this answer: "Increase in the percentage of vendors certified to a globally recognized security standard is the correct answer because it best indicates the effectiveness of the vendor risk management process, as it shows that the organization has established and enforced clear and consistent security requirements and expectations for its vendors, and that the vendors have demonstrated their compliance and commitment to security best practices" (p. 63). Additionally, the article Vendor Risk Management Demystified from the ISACA Journal 2015 states that "a globally recognized security standard provides a common language and framework for evaluating and improving the security posture and performance of vendors" and that "a vendor certification to a globally recognized security standard can help to reduce the risk of security breaches, increase the trust and confidence of customers and stakeholders, and enhance the reputation and competitiveness of the vendor" (p. 3

The BEST indication that an organization has a mature information security culture is when its staff consistently consider risk in making decisions. When an organization's staff understands the risks associated with their actions and are empowered to make risk-informed decisions, it indicates that the organization has a mature information security culture.
According to the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Study Manual, "A mature information security culture exists when the people within the organization understand and appreciate the risks associated with information and technology and when they take steps to manage those risks on a daily basis." While information security training, documented information security policies, and regular interaction between the chief information security officer (CISO) and the board are all important components of a mature information security culture, they are not sufficient on their own. It is only when staff consistently consider risk in making decisions that an organization's information security culture can be considered mature.
Reference:
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Study Manual, 15th Edition, Pages 151-152.

The information security manager's PRIMARY focus in this situation should be establishing a strong ongoing risk monitoring process, which is the process of tracking and evaluating the changes in the risk environment, the effectiveness of the risk responses, and the impact of the residual risk on the organization. A strong ongoing risk monitoring process can help the information security manager to identify any deviations from the expected risk level, to report any significant changes or issues to the risk owner and other stakeholders, and to recommend any adjustments or improvements to the risk management strategy. Presenting the risk profile for approval by the risk owner is not the primary focus in this situation, as it is a step that should be done before the risk owner accepts the risk, not after. Conducting an independent review of risk responses is not the primary focus in this situation, as it is a quality assurance activity that can be performed by an external auditor or a third-party expert, not by the information security manager. Updating the information security standards to include the accepted risk is not the primary focus in this situation, as it is a documentation activity that does not address the ongoing monitoring and reporting of the risk. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, page 2281; CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition, page 1022

= Business continuity management (BCM) is the process of planning and implementing measures to ensure the continuity of critical business processes in the event of a disruption. The most important consideration of BCM is ensuring human safety, as this is the primary responsibility of any organization and the basis of ethical conduct. Human safety includes protecting the health and well-being of employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders who may be affected by a disruption. Identifying critical business processes, ensuring the reliability of backup data, and securing critical information assets are also important aspects of BCM, but they are secondary to human safety. References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, ISACA,
2020, p. 2111; CISM Online Review Course, Domain 4: Information Security Incident Management, Module
4: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, ISACA2

= The most important consideration when developing a multi-year plan for information security is to ensure alignment with the plans of other business units. Alignment means that the information security plan supports and enables the achievement of the business objectives, strategies, and priorities of the organization and its various units. Alignment also means that the information security plan is consistent and compatible with the plans of other business units, and that it addresses the needs, expectations, and requirements of the relevant stakeholders1 .
By ensuring alignment with the plans of other business units, the information security manager can achieve the following benefits1 :
* Increase the value and effectiveness of information security: By aligning the information security plan with the business goals and drivers, the information security manager can demonstrate the value and contribution of information security to the organization's performance, growth, and competitiveness.
The information security manager can also ensure that the information security plan addresses the most critical and relevant risks and opportunities for the organization and its units, and that it provides adequate and appropriate protection and support for the organization's assets, processes, and activities.
* Enhance the communication and collaboration with other business units: By aligning the information security plan with the plans of other business units, the information security manager can enhance the communication and collaboration with the other business unit leaders and managers, who are the key stakeholders and partners in information security. The information security manager can also solicit and incorporate their input, feedback, and suggestions into the information security plan, and provide them with timely and relevant information, guidance, and support. The information security manager can also foster a culture of trust, respect, and cooperation among the different business units, and promote a shared vision and commitment to information security.
* Optimize the use and allocation of resources for information security: By aligning the information security plan with the plans of other business units, the information security manager can optimize the use and allocation of resources for information security, such as budget, staff, time, or technology. The information security manager can also avoid duplication, conflict, or waste of resources among the different business units, and ensure that the information security plan is feasible, realistic, and sustainable. The information security manager can also leverage the resources and capabilities of other business units to enhance the information security plan, and provide them with the necessary resources and capabilities to implement and maintain the information security plan.
The other options are not the most important consideration when developing a multi-year plan for information security, as they are less strategic, comprehensive, or impactful than ensuring alignment with the plans of other business units. Ensuring contingency plans are in place for potential information security risks is an important component of the information security plan, but it is not the most important consideration, as it focuses on the reactive and preventive aspects of information security, rather than the proactive and enabling aspects. Allowing the information security program to expand its capabilities is an important objective of the information security plan, but it is not the most important consideration, as it depends on the availability and suitability of the resources, technologies, and opportunities for information security, and it may not align with the organization's needs, priorities, or constraints. Demonstrating projected budget increases year after year is an important outcome of the information security plan, but it is not the most important consideration, as it reflects the cost and demand of information security, rather than the value and benefit of information security, and it may not be justified or supported by the organization's financial situation or expectations1 . References = CISM Domain 1: Information Security Governance (ISG) [2022 update], CISM Domain 2: Information Risk Management (IRM) [2022 update], Aligning Information Security with Business Strategy - ISACA, [Aligning Information Security with Business Objectives - ISACA]