The answer is implementing intrusion detection systems and enforcing access controls. These are correct because risk mitigation controls aim to reduce the likelihood or impact of a security incident, and both measures actively lower risk by detecting threats and restricting unauthorized access. On the Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish the four core risk response strategies: mitigate, transfer, accept, and avoid. A common trap is confusing mitigation with transfer, such as purchasing insurance, which shifts financial liability rather than reducing the risk itself. To remember this, think of the mnemonic "MITA" for Mitigate, Transfer, Accept, and Avoid—mitigation always involves a proactive control that reduces exposure, not just shifts or ignores it.
CISM Information Security Risk Management Practice Question
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.
Which TWO of the following are examples of risk mitigation controls? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enforcing least privilege access controls
Options A and C are correct. Implementing intrusion detection systems and enforcing access controls are mitigation measures. Option B is wrong because purchasing insurance is transfer. Option D is wrong because ignoring the risk is acceptance. Option E is wrong because discontinuing a service is avoidance.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Enforcing least privilege access controls
Why this is correct
Access controls reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Implementing intrusion detection systems
Why this is correct
IDS helps detect and respond to threats, reducing likelihood or impact.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Discontinuing a high-risk business process
Why it's wrong here
Discontinuation is avoidance, not mitigation.
✗
Purchasing cyber insurance
Why it's wrong here
Insurance transfers financial risk.
✗
Accepting the risk in a formal statement
Why it's wrong here
Acceptance is not mitigation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Information Security Risk Management — This question tests Information Security Risk Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enforcing least privilege access controls — Options A and C are correct. Implementing intrusion detection systems and enforcing access controls are mitigation measures. Option B is wrong because purchasing insurance is transfer. Option D is wrong because ignoring the risk is acceptance. Option E is wrong because discontinuing a service is avoidance.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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