Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
According to ISO/IEC 27035-2:2016, incident response exercises (including simulations such as phishing campaigns) must be carefully controlled to avoid confusion, escalation, or reputational damage. If an exercise is misunderstood by employees or external parties, it could lead to unintended consequences including external escalation, customer concern, or media involvement.
The best practice is to ensure that all involved-especially external stakeholders-are informed as soon as possible if they are exposed to simulated elements. Transparency ensures the organization maintains trust and mitigates potential fallout. This is part of effective communication during planned exercises.
Reference:
ISO/IEC 27035-2:2016, Clause 7.5 - "Exercises should be clearly identified, controlled, and followed by communication plans that inform affected parties of their simulated nature." Correct answer: C
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