CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
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.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISACA CRISC 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.
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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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.