CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
An organization is implementing a bring your own device (BYOD) program. The risk practitioner is asked to identify the control that BEST reduces the risk of data leakage from lost or stolen mobile devices.
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is choosing a policy or awareness control when the question asks for the control that best reduces data leakage from a lost device, which requires technical enforcement.
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
✓
Implement mobile device management (MDM) with remote wipe and encryption enforcement.
The most effective way to reduce data leakage from lost or stolen BYOD devices is to enforce encryption and enable remote wipe through MDM. This ensures that even if the device is compromised, the data remains protected or can be erased. Other controls are helpful but do not provide the same direct technical mitigation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Require complex passwords on all BYOD devices.
Why it's wrong here
Complex passwords help prevent unauthorized access but do not protect data if the device is lost or stolen and the attacker can bypass the lock screen or access storage directly. They are a basic control but insufficient for data leakage prevention on mobile devices, especially without encryption or remote wipe.
- ✗
Conduct annual security awareness training for BYOD users.
Why it's wrong here
Training improves awareness but does not enforce technical safeguards. A lost device can still leak data if encryption and remote wipe are not in place. Awareness alone cannot prevent data leakage from a stolen device, so it is not the best control for this specific risk.
- ✓
Implement mobile device management (MDM) with remote wipe and encryption enforcement.
Why this is correct
MDM allows the organization to enforce encryption, require screen locks, and remotely wipe corporate data if a device is lost or stolen. This directly mitigates the risk of data leakage by ensuring data is encrypted at rest and can be erased. It is the most effective control for the stated scenario.
- ✗
Prohibit storing any corporate data on BYOD devices.
Why it's wrong here
Prohibiting local storage reduces risk but is often impractical for BYOD programs where users need offline access. It may push users to unsanctioned workarounds, increasing shadow IT risk. It also does not address data in transit or cached data, making it less effective than a technical control like MDM.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
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.