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CAS-004 Practice Question: Is evaluating risk treatment options for a…
An organization is evaluating risk treatment options for a critical vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8. The cost to remediate is $500,000, and the potential loss if exploited is estimated at $2,000,000. Which risk response is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a high CVSS score automatically justifies acceptance or transfer, but the key is comparing the cost of remediation against the potential loss to determine the most appropriate risk response.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remediate the vulnerability
With a CVSS score of 9.8 (critical) and a potential loss of $2,000,000, the cost to remediate ($500,000) is significantly lower than the expected loss. Remediation reduces the risk to an acceptable residual level, making it the most cost-effective response. This aligns with the principle that when the cost of remediation is less than the potential loss, the organization should directly fix the vulnerability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Transfer the risk through cyber insurance
Why it's wrong here
Insurance may cover loss but does not reduce the likelihood of exploitation.
- ✗
Accept the risk
Why it's wrong here
Accepting a critical vulnerability with high potential loss is not prudent.
- ✗
Avoid the risk by decommissioning the affected system
Why it's wrong here
Decommissioning may not be feasible and is an extreme measure.
- ✓
Remediate the vulnerability
Why this is correct
Remediation cost is lower than expected loss, making it the best option.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.