Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Practice Exam

The purpose of a gap analysis is to identify and evaluate the difference between the current state of an organization and its desired future state. It serves as a critical tool for organizations aiming to establish objectives, understand existing capabilities, and implement strategies for achievement. By investigating the gaps, organizations can prioritize actions to address those disparities, develop specific plans for improvement, and allocate resources effectively. In the context of security management, a gap analysis helps organizations understand where they fall short in their security measures or policies compared to industry standards, best practices, or regulatory requirements. This understanding enables them to formulate a roadmap for enhancing their security posture and ensuring alignment with desired outcomes. The other options, such as creating security policies, assessing staff training needs, or evaluating financial performance, do not capture the essence of a gap analysis. Instead, these activities may be outcomes or applications that could be informed by the findings of a gap analysis, but they are not the primary purpose of the analysis itself.