CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
During an audit of patch management, the IS auditor notes that several critical patches have not been applied within the defined SLA. Which of the following is the BEST approach to evaluate the risk acceptance of these unpatched vulnerabilities?
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
✓
Review the risk acceptance documentation approved by the system owner and CISO.
Risk acceptance should be formally documented with compensating controls and management sign-off.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Compute the aggregate risk score using a vulnerability management tool.
Why it's wrong here
Aggregate risk scores are useful but don't replace formal risk acceptance.
- ✓
Review the risk acceptance documentation approved by the system owner and CISO.
Why this is correct
Proper risk acceptance includes documented justification, compensating controls, and management approval.
- ✗
Recommend immediate application of all missing patches.
Why it's wrong here
This may not be feasible; the auditor should first assess if risk acceptance is properly managed.
- ✗
Verify that the patches are not applicable to the environment.
Why it's wrong here
This should have been done earlier; risk acceptance requires more than applicability check.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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