CRISC Risk Response and Reporting Practice Question
A Key Risk Indicator (KRI) for vulnerability management is the "average patch lag time" (number of days between patch release and deployment). In the last month, this metric increased from 15 days to 45 days. How should the risk practitioner interpret this change?
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
✓
The risk level has increased because exposure to known vulnerabilities has grown.
An increase in patch lag indicates that vulnerabilities remain unpatched longer, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. This is a leading indicator of rising risk.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The KRI is not relevant because patch lag is a control indicator, not a risk indicator.
Why it's wrong here
Patch lag is a valid KRI as it signals changing risk.
- ✗
The risk level has decreased because patches are being evaluated more thoroughly.
Why it's wrong here
Longer lag does not indicate thorough evaluation; it indicates delay.
- ✗
The risk level remains unchanged because patch lag is a lagging indicator.
Why it's wrong here
Patch lag is a leading indicator of vulnerability risk.
- ✓
The risk level has increased because exposure to known vulnerabilities has grown.
Why this is correct
Longer exposure increases risk.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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