- A
Application architecture
Why wrong: Application architecture deals with application components and interfaces, but encryption specifics are typically at the data layer.
- B
Data architecture
Data architecture defines how data is stored, managed, and protected, including encryption controls.
- C
Infrastructure architecture
Why wrong: Infrastructure architecture covers hardware, networks, and servers, but data encryption policies are part of data architecture.
- D
Business architecture
Why wrong: Business architecture focuses on business processes and strategy, not data encryption.
Question 587 of 1,000
CRISC Information Technology and Security Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of information technology and security. 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.
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?
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.
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.
- ✗
Application architecture
Why it's wrong here
Application architecture deals with application components and interfaces, but encryption specifics are typically at the data layer.
- ✓
Data architecture
Why this is correct
Data architecture defines how data is stored, managed, and protected, including encryption controls.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Infrastructure architecture
Why it's wrong here
Infrastructure architecture covers hardware, networks, and servers, but data encryption policies are part of data architecture.
- ✗
Business architecture
Why it's wrong here
Business architecture focuses on business processes and strategy, not data encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, data encryption at rest typically involves transparent data encryption (TDE) or file-level encryption using algorithms like AES-256 with key management via HSMs or cloud KMS. For data in transit, TLS 1.3 (RFC 8446) ensures forward secrecy and mitigates downgrade attacks; the data architecture must specify cipher suites and certificate validation. In a real-world scenario, misconfiguring the data architecture to allow TLS 1.0 or weak ciphers could expose CRM customer data to interception, even if the infrastructure is hardened.
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.
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 |
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.
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Information Technology and Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CRISC question test?
Information Technology and Security — This question tests Information Technology and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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