- A
Attack path expansion from IT to OT networks
Attack path expansion is the most critical risk, as it enables cyber attacks to reach OT systems with potential safety implications.
- B
Incompatibility of IT and OT software versions
Why wrong: Incompatibility is a technical challenge but secondary to security risks.
- C
Increased latency in OT communications
Why wrong: Latency is an operational issue but not the top security risk.
- D
Loss of data integrity in analytics dashboards
Why wrong: Data integrity is important but not as critical as the risk of OT compromise.
Question 849 of 1,000
CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of information technology and security. 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.
A manufacturing company is integrating its operational technology (OT) network with the corporate IT network to enable real-time data analytics. Which of the following risks should be prioritized during the risk assessment?
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
✓
Attack path expansion from IT to OT networks
Integrating OT and IT networks creates a new attack path from the IT network to the OT network. Since OT systems often lack modern security controls and run legacy protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3), an attacker who compromises the IT network can pivot into the OT environment, potentially disrupting physical processes. This risk is prioritized because it introduces a direct, high-impact threat to safety and availability that did not exist before the integration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Attack path expansion from IT to OT networks
Why this is correct
Attack path expansion is the most critical risk, as it enables cyber attacks to reach OT systems with potential safety implications.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Incompatibility of IT and OT software versions
Why it's wrong here
Incompatibility is a technical challenge but secondary to security risks.
- ✗
Increased latency in OT communications
Why it's wrong here
Latency is an operational issue but not the top security risk.
- ✗
Loss of data integrity in analytics dashboards
Why it's wrong here
Data integrity is important but not as critical as the risk of OT compromise.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often focus on operational risks like latency or compatibility (options B and C) because they seem more immediate to the integration, but CRISC prioritizes security risks that introduce new attack vectors with potential for physical damage.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OT networks often use real-time protocols like EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or Modbus TCP that lack authentication and encryption, making them vulnerable to manipulation if an attacker gains network access. The integration typically involves firewalls, one-way diodes, or DMZs, but misconfigurations or overly permissive rules can allow lateral movement from IT to OT. In a real-world scenario, the 2015 Ukraine power grid attack demonstrated how IT network compromise led to OT disruption via VPN pivoting.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CRISC 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Information Technology and Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CRISC question test?
Information Technology and Security — This question tests Information Technology and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attack path expansion from IT to OT networks — Integrating OT and IT networks creates a new attack path from the IT network to the OT network. Since OT systems often lack modern security controls and run legacy protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3), an attacker who compromises the IT network can pivot into the OT environment, potentially disrupting physical processes. This risk is prioritized because it introduces a direct, high-impact threat to safety and availability that did not exist before the integration.
What should I do if I get this CRISC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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