Match each risk management term to its definition.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Risk level before controls are applied
Risk remaining after controls are implemented
Amount of risk the organization is willing to accept
Acceptable variation around the risk appetite
Process of modifying risk by applying controls
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Risk: Effect of uncertainty on objectives
Key risk management terms from CISM: Risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives; controls are measures that modify risk; vulnerabilities are weaknesses that can be exploited; threats are potential causes of incidents. The distractor pairs swap risk with threat and control with vulnerability.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Risk: Effect of uncertainty on objectives
Why this is correct
Risk is defined as the effect of uncertainty on objectives, which can be positive or negative.
Control: Any action taken to manage risk
Why this is correct
Controls are measures that modify risk, including policies, procedures, and technical safeguards.
Vulnerability: Weakness in an asset or control that can be exploited by a threat
Why this is correct
A vulnerability is a flaw or weakness that could be exploited to cause harm or loss.
Threat: A potential cause of an unwanted incident
Why this is correct
A threat is any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely impact operations or assets.
Risk: A potential cause of an unwanted incident
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this definition describes a threat, not risk.
Control: Weakness in an asset or control
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this definition describes a vulnerability, not a control.
Go deeper
About these practice questions
This CISM question is part of Courseiva's 871-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISM practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISM exam.