ISC2 CISSP Practice Question

The primary purpose of a security exception handling process is to provide a formal, documented approach to manage situations where security controls cannot be implemented as designed. This process tracks variances from security policy or standards, ensures proper risk assessment of these exceptions, documents compensating controls, applies appropriate approvals, and establishes time frames for resolution or review.

Effective exception handling doesn't mean ignoring security requirements but rather acknowledging when standard controls cannot be implemented and ensuring alternative measures are in place to mitigate risk. The process helps organizations maintain accountability and transparency while balancing security needs with business operations.

While tracking unusual events, addressing audit compliance gaps, and coordinating incident response are related to security functions, they are not the primary purpose of exception handling in the context of security assessment and testing.