CRISC IT Risk Assessment Practice Question
A risk manager is using a 5×5 likelihood-impact matrix to assess a set of identified risks. What is the PRIMARY advantage of using this qualitative method?
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
✓
It is quick and easy to communicate to stakeholders.
Qualitative risk analysis using heat maps is quick and easy to communicate to stakeholders, making it a common initial assessment tool.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It provides objective and comparable risk scores across organizations.
Why it's wrong here
Likelihood and impact ratings are subjective, varying by assessor and organisation, so scores are not objective or comparable across organisations. It tempts because the matrix does give consistent internal rankings, but cross-organisational comparability requires standardised quantitative metrics, which this method lacks.
- ✓
It is quick and easy to communicate to stakeholders.
Why this is correct
A 5x5 likelihood-impact matrix maps risks to qualitative ratings using predefined scales, requiring no quantitative data or modelling. This makes assessment fast and produces a visual heat map that stakeholders readily interpret, satisfying the need for efficient communication.
- ✗
It produces financially meaningful results for cost-benefit analysis.
Why it's wrong here
A 5×5 matrix yields ordinal ratings (for example low, medium, high), not monetary values, so it cannot support cost-benefit analysis; that requires quantitative methods such as annualised loss expectancy. It tempts because matrices do rank risks for prioritisation, but financial justification demands quantified figures.
- ✗
It requires less data but is time-consuming to complete.
Why it's wrong here
The matrix's primary advantage is speed and modest data requirements, not being time-consuming; completing a 5×5 grid is quick. It tempts because qualitative methods do use less data, but the stated drawback contradicts the actual benefit, so it misstates the method's strength.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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