easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: Is implementing a third-party risk management…
An organization is implementing a third-party risk management program. Which of the following is the FIRST step in the vendor risk assessment process?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to contractual or audit steps (options B or C) because they seem like concrete actions, but the exam tests the logical sequence of risk management, where identification of the asset (vendor and data) must precede any control evaluation.
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
✓
Identify the vendor and the type of data it will handle
The first step in a vendor risk assessment is to identify the vendor and the type of data it will handle. This foundational step determines the scope and criticality of the assessment, as the data classification (e.g., PII, PHI, PCI-DSS) directly dictates the required security controls and regulatory compliance obligations. Without this identification, subsequent steps like audits or contract reviews lack context and may miss key risk areas.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Identify the vendor and the type of data it will handle
Why this is correct
First step is understanding the vendor and data.
- ✗
Conduct an on-site audit of the vendor's facilities
Why it's wrong here
On-site audit is later in the process.
- ✗
Review the vendor's contractual security clauses
Why it's wrong here
This happens after initial identification.
- ✗
Determine risk treatment options
Why it's wrong here
Treatment follows assessment.
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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.