Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an intensive, instructor-led certification program designed for IT and security professionals who are ready to transition from technical roles into information security management. The course focuses on aligning security strategy with business objectives, governance structures, and risk management frameworks at the enterprise level.
As organizations face increasing regulatory scrutiny and evolving cyber threats, information security leadership is no longer purely technical. Security managers are expected to communicate with executives, regulators, and business stakeholders while designing program that balance risk, compliance, and operational needs. This CISM course addresses that requirement by developing both strategic and managerial competencies.
Over four days, participants gain a deep understanding of the four CISM domains, supported by case studies, structured learning modules, and exam-focused preparation. The program goes beyond theory by explaining how governance decisions, risk assessments, and incident response plans translate into real-world business impact.
What learners will gain from this course:
A clear understanding of information security governance within enterprise structures
The ability to design and manage an information security programme
Practical skills to identify, assess, and manage information security risk
Knowledge to plan, respond to, and recover from security incidents
Improved confidence in engaging senior management and regulators
Preparation aligned with the CISM certification exam domains
Key learning areas include:
Information Security Governance
Aligning security strategy with enterprise governance
Understanding legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
Applying governance frameworks, standards, and metrics
Integrating security strategy into enterprise risk management
Information Security Risk Management
Analyzing emerging threats and vulnerabilities
Conducting risk assessments and evaluating control deficiencies
Developing and monitoring risk treatment strategies
Communicating risk effectively to stakeholders
Information Security Program Development and Management
Building and maintaining an enterprise security program
Selecting and applying appropriate security frameworks and standards
Defining program roadmaps, metrics, and performance indicators
Integrating security with IT operations and third-party services
Driving security awareness and training initiatives
Information Security Incident Management
Designing incident response and management plans
Classifying, investigating, and containing incidents
Coordinating response, recovery, and post-incident reviews
Linking incident management to business continuity and disaster recovery
Measuring and improving response readiness through testing and metrics
This course is ideal for information security managers, mid-career professionals, and technical practitioners seeking leadership roles. It is also suitable for CISA or CISSP holders looking to broaden their managerial and governance-focused skill sets.
By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to lead information security initiatives, manage organizational risk effectively, and demonstrate the competencies required of a CISM-certified professional.
Training Course Modules
Module 1: Information Security Governance
Session Topics:
Enterprise Governance Overview
Organizational Culture, Structures, Roles and Responsibilities
Legal, Regulatory and Contractual Requirements
Information Security Strategy
Information Governance Frameworks and Standards
Strategic Planning
Learning Objectives:
Describe the role of governance in creating value for the enterprise.
Explain the importance of information security governance in the context of overall enterprise governance.
Describe the influence of enterprise leadership, structure, and culture on the effectiveness of an information security strategy.
Identify the relevant legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements that impact the enterprise.
Describe the effects of the information security strategy on enterprise risk management.
Evaluate the common frameworks and standards used to govern an information security strategy.
Explain why metrics are critical in developing and evaluating the information security strategy.
Resources:
Information Security Program Governance Objectives and Outcomes
Common Roles in the Enterprise
Example RACI Chart
Module 2: Information Security Risk Management
Session Topics:
Emerging Risk and Threat Landscape
Vulnerability and Control Deficiency Analysis
Risk Assessment, Evaluation and Analysis
Information Risk Response
Risk Monitoring, Reporting and Communication
Learning Objectives:
Apply risk assessment strategies to reduce the impact of information security risk.
Assess the types of threats faced by the enterprise.
Explain how security control baselines affect vulnerability and control deficiency analysis.
Differentiate between application of risk treatment types from an information security perspective.
Describe the influence of risk and control ownership on the information security program.
Outline the process of monitoring and reporting information security risk.
Resources:
Vulnerabilities and Threats
Operational Risk Categories
Risk Register Example
Risk Report Example
Risk Scenario Technique Main Issues
Typical Risk Management Documentation
Risk Communication Plan
Module 3: Information Security Program Development and Management
Session Topics:
IS Program Development and Resources
IS Standards and Frameworks
Defining an IS Program Road Map
IS Program Metrics
IS Program Management
IS Awareness and Training
Integrating the Security Program with IT Operations
Program Communications, Reporting and Performance Management
Learning Objectives:
Outline the components and resources used to build an information security program.
Distinguish between common IS standards and frameworks available to build an information security program.
Explain how to align IS policies, procedures, and guidelines with the needs of the enterprise.
Describe the process of defining an IS program road map.
Outline key IS program metrics used to track and report progress to senior management.
Explain how to manage the IS program using controls.
Create a strategy to enhance awareness and knowledge of the information security program.
Describe the process of integrating the security program with IT operations and third-party providers.
Communicate key IS program information to relevant stakeholders.
Resources:
Information Security Program Governance Objectives and Outcomes
Alternate Enterprise Architecture Frameworks
Policies, Standards, Procedures and Guidelines
Security Program Components Checklist
Information Security Framework Components
Technical Control Components and Architecture
Contract Points
Information Security Liaison Responsibilities
Types of Security Issues
Measuring Information Security Program Performance
Information Security Program Management Evaluation Questions
Module 4: Information Security Incident Management
Session Topics:
Incident Management and Incident Response Overview
Incident Management and Response Plans
Incident Classification/Categorization
Incident Management Operations, Tools, and Technologies
Incident Investigation, Evaluation, Containment and Communication
Incident Eradication, Recovery and Review
Business Impact and Continuity
Disaster Recovery Planning
Training, Testing and Evaluation
Learning Objectives:
Distinguish between incident management and incident response.
Outline the requirements and procedures necessary to develop an incident response plan.
Identify techniques used to classify or categorize incidents.
Outline the types of roles and responsibilities required for an effective incident management and response team.
Distinguish between the types of incident management tools and technologies available to an enterprise.
Describe the processes and methods used to investigate, evaluate and contain an incident.
Identify the types of communications and notifications used to inform key stakeholders of incidents and tests.
Outline the processes and procedures used to eradicate and recover from incidents.
Describe the requirements and benefits of documenting events. • Explain the relationship between business impact, continuity and incident response.
Describe the processes and outcomes related to disaster recovery.
Explain the impact of metrics and testing when evaluating the incident response plan.
Resources:
Incident Management Action Plan Phases
Developing an Incident Response Plan
SEU-CMU Action Plan Phases
Types of Insurance and Coverage
Types of Recovery Sites
Legal Aspects of Forensic Evidence
Step up from security technician to strategic security leader.
Learn how to govern, build, and manage enterprise-grade security programs.
Become the trusted CISM-certified professional who speaks the language of business and security.
Course Overview
Information security management is more than just firewalls — it’s about aligning IT risk with business strategy, building effective security programs, and managing incidents across the enterprise.
This 4-day instructor-led course is designed for IT professionals preparing for the ISACA CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) exam. Covering security governance, risk management, program design, and incident response, the course blends strategy with compliance, real-world case studies, and hands-on decision-making.
You’ll gain the leadership mindset required to manage complex security operations while preparing for one of the most respected credentials in the cybersecurity industry.
Learning Objectives
Aligning security strategy with enterprise governance
Building and managing security programs
Performing risk assessments and treatment
Creating and executing incident response plans
Managing compliance, audit, and regulatory frameworks
Measuring security performance using metrics
Leading security teams and reporting to senior leadership
Who Should Attend
IT professionals moving into leadership or management roles
Security managers, architects, and engineers seeking certification
CISSP, CISA holders expanding into security program governance
Mid-career professionals pursuing ISACA’s CISM credential
Prerequisites
Minimum 5 years in information security, with at least 3 years in a management role
Experience waivers may apply for up to 2 years based on qualifications (per ISACA guidelines)
Course Modules
Module 1: Information Security Governance
Governance structures, roles, compliance, strategic planning, frameworks, and legal obligations.
Module 2: Information Security Risk Management
Threat landscape, vulnerability analysis, risk assessments, treatment options, and reporting.
Module 3: Security Program Development and Management
Program roadmaps, frameworks, integration with IT ops, stakeholder comms, and performance tracking.
Module 4: Incident Management
Response plans, classification, containment, forensics, disaster recovery, and continuity planning.
Public Class Details
Professional Outcomes
This certification supports roles such as Information Security Manager, IT Risk Leader, Cybersecurity Program Director, or GRC Consultant — high-impact positions trusted with securing the enterprise.
Certification Details
Overview
As a candidate for this certification, you:
Align security practices with organizational strategy and compliance
Evaluate, design, and manage security programs and controls
Perform risk assessments and implement risk treatment plans
Lead incident response efforts including recovery and stakeholder communication
Operate within global standards and governance frameworks
You are expected to be proficient in:
Security governance, policy development, and leadership
Risk analysis, audit alignment, and metrics
Regulatory requirements and enterprise security architecture
Crisis communication and incident forensics
Skills Measured
Information Security Governance
Information Security Risk Management
Information Security Program Development & Management
Incident Management & Response
Certification Logistics
Certification Body: ISACA
Exam Code: CISM
Format: 150 multiple-choice questions
Duration: 4 hours
Passing Grade: 70%
Delivery: Online proctored or at PSI testing centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course aligned with the latest ISACA CISM exam?
Yes. The content covers all four CISM domains as defined in the current ISACA exam outline.
Do I need security technical experience?
Management-level experience is more relevant than hands-on technical work for CISM.
Is this more strategic or hands-on?
Strategic. The course focuses on governance, risk, and leadership — not technical configurations.
Can I claim CPEs for this course?
Yes. You can apply the training hours as CPEs toward ISACA or other certifications.
Is this course HRDC claimable?
Yes. Fully HRD Corp claimable for Malaysian employers.
Can I organize this for my IT/security team?
Yes. GemRain offers private and virtual sessions for corporate training.
Do I get a certificate of attendance?
Yes.