Discuss Isaca CISA Exam Topic 8 Question 87

Which of the following would BEST indicate the effectiveness of a security awareness training program?

AResults of third-party social engineering tests

BEmployee satisfaction with training

CIncreased number of employees completing training

DReduced unintentional violations

Suggested Answer: D

The effectiveness of a security awareness training program is best indicated by areduction in unintentional violations. When employees are well-trained and aware of security practices, they are less likely to inadvertently violate security policies or make mistakes that could lead to breaches.While other factors (such as third-party social engineering tests, employee satisfaction, and completion rates) provide valuable insights, the ultimate goal of security awareness training is to minimize unintentional errors and improve overall security posture12.Reference:1(https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2023/volume-2/considerations-for-developing-cybersecurity-awareness-training)2(https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/isaca-now-blog/2023/security-awareness-training-a-critical-success-factor-for-organizations)

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33 comments · newest first

Evangelina 10 months ago

More completions (C) doesn’t mean they actually learned anything!

Arlette 11 months ago

Wait, how can we trust third-party tests?

Karan 11 months ago

Employee satisfaction doesn’t really measure effectiveness, though.

Gayla 11 months ago

I think D is more telling of actual effectiveness.

Cathrine 11 months ago

A is definitely the best choice!

Mary 12 months ago

Reduced unintentional violations seems like a solid indicator of effectiveness. If people are making fewer mistakes, that must mean the training is working!

Elenore 12 months ago

I think the number of employees completing the training is important, but it doesn't really tell us if they actually learned anything.

Yesenia 12 months ago

I'm not sure if employee satisfaction is a good measure. Just because they like the training doesn't mean it's effective, right?

Francisca 1 year ago

I remember discussing how third-party social engineering tests can really show if employees are applying what they learned.

Youlanda 1 year ago

I feel pretty confident that option A is the right answer here. Measuring the real-world impact through social engineering tests is the most reliable way to assess the security awareness training program.

Hildred 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm a bit confused on this one. I can see the argument for social engineering tests, but I'm not sure if that's the only way to judge effectiveness. Reduced unintentional violations could also be a good indicator, no?

Beth 1 year ago

I'm leaning towards option A. Seeing how employees respond to real-world social engineering attempts seems like the most direct way to measure the training's impact. The other choices don't seem as relevant.

Marisha 1 year ago

This is a tricky one. I'm not sure if employee satisfaction or just completing the training would really indicate effectiveness. I think the results of social engineering tests would be the best way to see if the training is actually working.

Tyra 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm not sure. Option D about asking them why they're arguing and suggesting alternatives seems like it could be a good approach too. I'll have to think about the pros and cons of each choice.

Shawnda 2 years ago

You know, I heard the security team had to bribe the employees with free donuts to get them to actually show up for the training. So I'm not sure option C is the best indicator.

Talia 2 years ago

↳ replying to Shawnda

D) Reduced unintentional violations

Barney 2 years ago

↳ replying to Shawnda

B) Employee satisfaction with training

Kaycee 2 years ago

↳ replying to Shawnda

A) Results of third-party social engineering tests

Sommer 2 years ago

Increased number of employees completing the training? Sounds like a participation trophy to me. I want to see actual results, not just attendance records.

Julianna 2 years ago

Employee satisfaction is important, but it doesn't necessarily mean the training is effective. I'd say option A is the way to go.

Tori 2 years ago

Hmm, I don't know. Reduced unintentional violations seems like a good indicator to me. It's all about the real-world impact, isn't it?

Tina 2 years ago

↳ replying to Tori

Results of third-party social engineering tests would show real-world impact.

Martina 2 years ago

↳ replying to Tori

Employee satisfaction with training could also be important.

Glory 2 years ago

↳ replying to Tori

Reduced unintentional violations is a good indicator.

Casandra 2 years ago

But wouldn't D) Reduced unintentional violations show that the training is actually being applied?

Julio 2 years ago

I disagree, I believe C) Increased number of employees completing training is a better indicator.

Whitney 2 years ago

I'd go with option A. Third-party social engineering tests are the most objective way to measure the effectiveness of the training.

Mindy 2 years ago

↳ replying to Whitney

A) Results of third-party social engineering tests

Yan 2 years ago

↳ replying to Whitney

That's a good point, fewer violations would show improvement.

Stanford 2 years ago

↳ replying to Whitney

D) Reduced unintentional violations

Maryrose 2 years ago

↳ replying to Whitney

I agree, those tests provide an unbiased assessment.

Van 2 years ago

↳ replying to Whitney

A) Results of third-party social engineering tests

Casandra 2 years ago

I think the best indicator would be A) Results of third-party social engineering tests.

Isaca CISA Exam - Topic 8 Question 87 Discussion