- A
Increased attack surface from IT network to OT systems
This is a primary risk, as attackers can pivot from IT to OT.
- B
Increased need for IT support staff
Why wrong: Staffing is a resource issue, not a security risk.
- C
Higher bandwidth consumption on OT networks
Why wrong: Bandwidth is a performance concern.
- D
Loss of real-time visibility for operators
Why wrong: Visibility loss is an operational issue, not a top security risk.
- E
Inability to apply patches to legacy ICS devices
Legacy devices often cannot be patched, leaving known vulnerabilities exposed.
Question 218 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 risk manager is assessing the risks of an IT/OT convergence project in a chemical plant. Which TWO of the following are the most significant security risks? (Select two.)
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
✓
Increased attack surface from IT network to OT systems
A is correct because IT/OT convergence directly connects corporate IT networks to operational technology (OT) systems, expanding the attack surface. Attackers can pivot from IT to OT via protocols like Modbus/TCP or OPC UA, potentially disrupting critical industrial processes. This is the most significant risk as it introduces new vectors for ransomware or sabotage that were previously isolated by air gaps.
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.
- ✓
Increased attack surface from IT network to OT systems
Why this is correct
This is a primary risk, as attackers can pivot from IT to OT.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Increased need for IT support staff
Why it's wrong here
Staffing is a resource issue, not a security risk.
- ✗
Higher bandwidth consumption on OT networks
Why it's wrong here
Bandwidth is a performance concern.
- ✗
Loss of real-time visibility for operators
Why it's wrong here
Visibility loss is an operational issue, not a top security risk.
- ✓
Inability to apply patches to legacy ICS devices
Why this is correct
Legacy devices often cannot be patched, leaving known vulnerabilities exposed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between operational/reliability issues and actual security risks, so candidates mistakenly select 'loss of real-time visibility' or 'higher bandwidth' as security risks when they are not.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Legacy ICS devices (e.g., PLCs, RTUs) often run outdated firmware with no patch support from vendors, and patching can break real-time control loops or violate safety certifications. In IT/OT convergence, these unpatched devices become accessible from IT networks, making them prime targets for exploits like EternalBlue or ICS-specific malware (e.g., TRITON, Industroyer). The inability to patch is a critical security risk because it leaves known vulnerabilities unmitigated in a now-exposed environment.
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.
- →
Information Technology and Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Information Technology and Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CRISC questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CRISC practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CRISC practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
IT Risk Identification practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to IT Risk Identification.
IT Risk Assessment practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to IT Risk Assessment.
Risk Response and Reporting practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to Risk Response and Reporting.
Information Technology and Security practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to Information Technology and Security.
Risk Response and Mitigation practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to Risk Response and Mitigation.
Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting.
CRISC fundamentals practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to CRISC fundamentals.
CRISC scenario practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to CRISC scenario.
CRISC troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CRISC questions linked to CRISC troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CRISC practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Increased attack surface from IT network to OT systems — A is correct because IT/OT convergence directly connects corporate IT networks to operational technology (OT) systems, expanding the attack surface. Attackers can pivot from IT to OT via protocols like Modbus/TCP or OPC UA, potentially disrupting critical industrial processes. This is the most significant risk as it introduces new vectors for ransomware or sabotage that were previously isolated by air gaps.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.