The answer is an unusual increase in outbound traffic from a database server and a high number of failed authentication attempts from a single IP. The database server anomaly signals a potential data exfiltration attempt, where an attacker who has already breached the system is siphoning sensitive data, making it a classic emerging risk tied to outbound traffic patterns. The failed authentication alerts indicate active reconnaissance or a brute-force attack, representing an immediate threat of unauthorized access. On the CRISC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between routine noise and indicators of active compromise, often trapping candidates who dismiss outbound spikes as normal or focus only on inbound threats. A key memory tip is to remember that emerging risks often involve behavior that deviates from a baseline—think “data leaving” for exfiltration and “repeated knocks” for brute force.
CRISC IT Risk Identification Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. 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 SIEM generates alerts for the following events. Which TWO events should be considered potential emerging risks? (Select exactly 2.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
High number of failed authentication attempts from a single IP
A high number of failed authentication attempts from a single IP (C) is a classic indicator of a brute-force or password-spraying attack. This represents an emerging risk because it signals active reconnaissance or attempted unauthorized access, which could lead to account compromise or lateral movement if successful.
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.
✗
Scheduled backup completed successfully
Why it's wrong here
Expected administrative activity.
✗
Software update installed on server
Why it's wrong here
May be legitimate if authorized.
✓
High number of failed authentication attempts from a single IP
Why this is correct
Indicates a brute-force attack attempt.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Low disk space alert on a file server
Why it's wrong here
Operational issue, not necessarily a security risk.
✓
Unusual increase in outbound traffic from a database server
Why this is correct
Could indicate data exfiltration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse operational alerts (like low disk space or successful backups) with security risks, failing to recognize that emerging risks must involve active threat indicators such as reconnaissance or anomalous traffic patterns.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Failed authentication events are logged by the operating system (e.g., Event ID 4625 in Windows) or application, and a high volume from a single source IP often triggers SIEM correlation rules. The risk emerges when such activity targets privileged accounts or spans multiple services, as it may precede credential theft or account lockout attacks. In real-world scenarios, attackers use tools like Hydra or Medusa to automate these attempts, and the SIEM must distinguish between a true brute-force and a misconfigured application.
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.
IT Risk Identification — This question tests IT Risk Identification — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: High number of failed authentication attempts from a single IP — A high number of failed authentication attempts from a single IP (C) is a classic indicator of a brute-force or password-spraying attack. This represents an emerging risk because it signals active reconnaissance or attempted unauthorized access, which could lead to account compromise or lateral movement if successful.
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.
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Question Discussion
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