Quick Answer
The answer is R001, the risk with the highest composite score of 12, because risk prioritization based on risk level dictates that limited resources should first address the most critical threat. This decision relies on the technical concept of risk scoring, where a composite risk level is calculated by multiplying the likelihood and impact of a threat; the resulting numerical value directly determines the order of mitigation. On the Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam, this tests your ability to apply quantitative risk analysis to resource allocation decisions, a core task in the Risk Management domain. A common trap is to prioritize based on impact alone, but the exam consistently emphasizes that risk level—the product of both factors—drives the priority. Remember the memory tip: "Score the product, not the part"—always multiply likelihood and impact to find the true risk level.
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of information security risk management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Based on the exhibit, which risk should be addressed first if the organization has limited resources?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
R001
R001 has the highest risk level (12).
R002
Why wrong: R002 has risk level 5, which is the lowest.
R003
Why wrong: R003 has risk level 8.
R004
Why wrong: R004 has risk level 9.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
R001
R001 has the highest risk level (12) and should be prioritized for mitigation. The other risks have lower composite scores.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
R001
Why this is correct
R001 has the highest risk level (12).
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
R002
Why it's wrong here
R002 has risk level 5, which is the lowest.
R003
Why it's wrong here
R003 has risk level 8.
R004
Why it's wrong here
R004 has risk level 9.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Information Security Risk Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Information Security Risk Management — This question tests Information Security Risk Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: R001 — R001 has the highest risk level (12) and should be prioritized for mitigation. The other risks have lower composite scores.
Identify which CISM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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