hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CRISC Practice Question: A risk assessor is evaluating a third-party cloud…
A risk assessor is evaluating a third-party cloud service provider. Which of the following is the MOST important factor to consider when assessing the risk of data exfiltration?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often choose 'security certifications' (Option C) as a proxy for security, but CRISC emphasizes that certifications are process-based and do not guarantee technical controls like encryption strength, which directly addresses the exfiltration threat.
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 provider's encryption standards for data at rest and in transit
Data exfiltration risk is primarily mitigated by strong encryption standards for data at rest and in transit. Even if a provider has robust access controls, weak encryption (e.g., using TLS 1.0 or AES-128-CBC with predictable IVs) can allow an attacker to intercept or decrypt data during transfer or storage. Encryption directly prevents unauthorized extraction of readable data, making it the most critical factor.
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 provider's data portability and exit process
Why it's wrong here
Portability relates to vendor lock-in.
- ✗
The provider's service level agreement (SLA) for uptime
Why it's wrong here
Uptime relates to availability, not confidentiality.
- ✗
The number of security certifications held by the provider
Why it's wrong here
Certifications indicate compliance, not specific controls.
- ✓
The provider's encryption standards for data at rest and in transit
Why this is correct
Encryption is key to protecting data.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
Go deeper
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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