CISM Information Security Risk Management Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are valid risk treatment options according to ISO 31000? (Select exactly three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISACA often tests the distinction between 'risk elimination' and 'risk avoidance' to trap candidates who confuse the two, as elimination implies complete removal of the risk source, which is rarely achievable in information security, while avoidance means not engaging in the risky activity at all.
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
✓
Risk transfer (sharing)
ISO 31000 defines risk transfer (sharing) as a valid risk treatment option, where the risk is shifted to another party, such as through insurance or outsourcing. This is a standard approach in information security risk management to reduce the financial impact of a risk event.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Risk elimination
Why it's wrong here
Elimination is not a separate option; it is part of avoidance.
- ✓
Risk transfer (sharing)
Why this is correct
Transfer involves sharing risk with another party, e.g., insurance.
- ✓
Risk avoidance
Why this is correct
Avoidance means deciding not to start or continue activity that gives rise to risk.
- ✓
Risk mitigation (reduction)
Why this is correct
Mitigation involves actions to reduce likelihood or impact.
- ✗
Risk deferral
Why it's wrong here
Deferral is not a recognized ISO 31000 treatment option.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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