If the CIO cannot address all findings after available funds are spent, what should be their next step?

If the CIO cannot address all findings after available funds are spent, what should be their next step?

• A. Create a plan of actions and milestones for open vulnerabilities.
• B. Shut down the information systems with open vulnerabilities.
• C. Reject the risk on open vulnerabilities.
• D. Implement compensating controls on the systems.

Answer: (A)

Creating a plan of actions and milestones for open vulnerabilities is a crucial next step when the CIO faces limitations in addressing all identified findings due to budget constraints. This approach allows for a structured response to vulnerabilities by outlining specific actions that will be taken over time to address these issues. A plan of actions and milestones serves several purposes. It helps in prioritizing vulnerabilities based on their severity and the associated risk they pose to the organization. By documenting the actions required to mitigate these vulnerabilities, along with timelines for their implementation, the CIO can effectively communicate to stakeholders about the ongoing risk management efforts. This plan also aids in ensuring that the organization remains accountable for addressing the vulnerabilities in a timely manner once additional resources become available. This methodical approach lays the groundwork for future risk mitigation while also allowing the organization to manage its current risk exposure. It demonstrates to management and auditors that the organization is actively working to improve its security posture rather than ignoring vulnerabilities or taking drastic measures such as system shutdowns. In contrast, shutting down information systems with open vulnerabilities may not be practical for business continuity, and rejecting the risk may not adequately protect the organization. Implementing compensating controls could serve as a temporary measure, but without a proper plan detailing the long-term resolution of the vulnerabilities, the

Creating a plan of actions and milestones for open vulnerabilities is a crucial next step when the CIO faces limitations in addressing all identified findings due to budget constraints. This approach allows for a structured response to vulnerabilities by outlining specific actions that will be taken over time to address these issues.

A plan of actions and milestones serves several purposes. It helps in prioritizing vulnerabilities based on their severity and the associated risk they pose to the organization. By documenting the actions required to mitigate these vulnerabilities, along with timelines for their implementation, the CIO can effectively communicate to stakeholders about the ongoing risk management efforts. This plan also aids in ensuring that the organization remains accountable for addressing the vulnerabilities in a timely manner once additional resources become available.

This methodical approach lays the groundwork for future risk mitigation while also allowing the organization to manage its current risk exposure. It demonstrates to management and auditors that the organization is actively working to improve its security posture rather than ignoring vulnerabilities or taking drastic measures such as system shutdowns.

In contrast, shutting down information systems with open vulnerabilities may not be practical for business continuity, and rejecting the risk may not adequately protect the organization. Implementing compensating controls could serve as a temporary measure, but without a proper plan detailing the long-term resolution of the vulnerabilities, the