CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
An organization is implementing a new cloud-based CRM system. The risk manager is reviewing the solution architecture for security risks. Which architectural layer should be evaluated to ensure data encryption at rest and in transit?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse 'infrastructure architecture' with data security controls, but encryption policies and data flow protections are explicitly part of the data architecture layer, not the underlying hardware or network layer.
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
✓
Data architecture
Data architecture defines how data is stored, processed, and transmitted, including encryption policies. To ensure data encryption at rest (e.g., AES-256 for stored CRM records) and in transit (e.g., TLS 1.2/1.3 for API calls), the risk manager must evaluate the data architecture layer, which specifies encryption standards, key management, and data flow controls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Application architecture
Why it's wrong here
Application architecture addresses components, interfaces and data flows, not the platform controls that enforce encryption at rest and in transit. It is tempting because application design determines where sensitive data is processed, but encryption mechanisms such as storage encryption and transport security are configured within the technology architecture layer.
- ✓
Data architecture
Why this is correct
Data architecture defines how data is stored, classified and protected, encompassing encryption at rest in databases and in transit across networks. Evaluating this layer directly verifies that the CRM's encryption controls satisfy the stem's security requirement.
- ✗
Infrastructure architecture
Why it's wrong here
Infrastructure architecture covers compute, network and storage topology, not the mechanisms enforcing encryption of CRM data. It is tempting because encryption at rest is often configured at the storage layer, but the requirement spans application-level controls such as TLS termination and field encryption, which sit in the application architecture.
- ✗
Business architecture
Why it's wrong here
Business architecture covers strategy, capabilities, processes and organisational structure, not the technical controls enforcing encryption. It is tempting because data protection requirements originate from business policy, but encryption at rest and in transit is implemented and verified within the technology architecture layer, which this option does not address.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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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.