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CRISC Practice Question: A company has identified that its legacy…
A company has identified that its legacy financial system has a high inherent risk due to outdated architecture. The system cannot be replaced for three years. What is the best risk treatment strategy?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates choose risk acceptance (Option A) or transfer (Option B) without recognizing that high inherent risk demands active reduction measures, especially when the system cannot be decommissioned.
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
✓
Implement compensating controls such as network segmentation and enhanced monitoring.
When a legacy system cannot be replaced for three years, the most effective risk treatment is to reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation through compensating controls. Network segmentation limits lateral movement from the legacy system, and enhanced monitoring (e.g., SIEM with custom rules for anomalous traffic) provides early detection of compromise. This aligns with the ISACA risk treatment principle of risk reduction when avoidance or transfer is not feasible.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Accept the risk and allocate contingency funds for potential incidents.
Why it's wrong here
Acceptance without controls is not advisable for high inherent risk; active reduction is preferred.
- ✗
Transfer the risk by purchasing cyber insurance.
Why it's wrong here
Insurance transfers financial impact but does not reduce the underlying risk; may be part of strategy but not primary.
- ✗
Avoid the risk by discontinuing the system immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Avoidance causes operational disruption; not feasible if system is critical.
- ✓
Implement compensating controls such as network segmentation and enhanced monitoring.
Why this is correct
Compensating controls reduce residual risk while the system remains in place.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CRISC 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 CRISC exam.