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ISACA CISM: Legal issues associated with transborder flow of technology-related items are MOST often related 

Table of Contents

Question

From an information security perspective, legal issues associated with a transborder flow of technology-related items are MOST often related to:

A. website transactions and taxation
B. encryption tools and personal data.
C. lack of competition and free trade.
D. software patches and corporate data.

Answer

B. encryption tools and personal data.

Explanation

The correct answer is B. Encryption tools and personal data.

From an information security perspective, legal issues associated with a transborder flow of technology-related items are most often related to encryption tools and personal data. Encryption tools are software or hardware devices that can encrypt or decrypt data, making it more secure and less accessible to unauthorized parties. Personal data are any information that can identify a natural person, such as name, address, email, phone number, etc. Both encryption tools and personal data are subject to different legal regimes and regulations in different countries, which can create challenges and conflicts for cross-border data flows.

Some of the legal issues that may arise from transborder data flows involving encryption tools and personal data are:

  • Export and import controls: Some countries impose restrictions on the export and import of encryption tools, either for national security or economic reasons. For example, the US has a complex system of export controls on encryption items, which requires licenses or authorizations for certain destinations, end-users, or end-uses. Similarly, some countries may prohibit or limit the import of encryption tools that do not meet their standards or specifications.
  • Data protection and privacy laws: Different countries have different levels and approaches to data protection and privacy laws, which can affect how personal data can be collected, processed, transferred, and stored across borders. For example, the EU has a comprehensive and strict data protection regime under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires adequate safeguards and legal bases for any cross-border transfer of personal data outside the EU. On the other hand, some countries may have weaker or no data protection laws, or may have conflicting or incompatible requirements with other jurisdictions.
  • Law enforcement and national security access: Some countries may require or request access to encrypted or personal data for law enforcement or national security purposes, which can conflict with the rights and obligations of data controllers and processors in other countries. For example, the US has enacted laws such as the USA PATRIOT Act and the CLOUD Act, which grant broad powers to US authorities to access data stored by US-based companies or service providers, regardless of where the data are located. Conversely, some countries may prohibit or restrict the disclosure of encrypted or personal data to foreign authorities, such as under the GDPR or China’s Cybersecurity Law.

These legal issues can pose significant risks and challenges for information security professionals who deal with transborder data flows involving encryption tools and personal data. They may have to comply with multiple and sometimes conflicting legal regimes and regulations, which can increase the complexity, cost, and uncertainty of their operations. They may also have to balance the interests and expectations of various stakeholders, such as customers, regulators, business partners, and governments. Therefore, they need to be aware of the relevant legal issues and adopt appropriate measures and strategies to mitigate the risks and ensure the security and privacy of their data.

Isaca Certified Information Security Manager CISM certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Isaca Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam and earn Isaca Certified Information Security Manager CISM certification.