The answer is insecure direct object references (IDOR) allowing unauthorized data access and insufficient logging of API requests. IDOR is a critical risk because an API gateway, as the central entry point, can expose direct references to internal objects—like user IDs or file paths—that attackers can manipulate to access data they should not see, bypassing authorization checks. Insufficient logging compounds this by creating a blind spot: without comprehensive logs, the organization cannot detect, investigate, or respond to such breaches, and it fails compliance mandates like PCI DSS or SOX. On the CRISC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish operational risks (logging) from application-level vulnerabilities (IDOR), a common trap where candidates overlook logging as a risk because it is not a direct exploit. Remember the mnemonic “IDOR logs blind spots” to link these two: IDOR exploits the gateway’s object handling, while poor logging hides the evidence.
CRISC IT Risk Identification Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 risk practitioner is identifying risks related to a new API gateway implementation. Which TWO of the following are MOST likely to be significant risks?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Insufficient logging of API requests.
Insufficient logging of API requests (A) is a significant risk because it impairs the ability to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents such as unauthorized access, injection attacks, or data exfiltration. Without comprehensive logs, the organization cannot perform effective forensic analysis or meet compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, SOX). In the context of an API gateway, which acts as the central entry point for all API traffic, missing logs create a blind spot for threat detection and incident response.
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.
✓
Insufficient logging of API requests.
Why this is correct
Logging is critical for detection and forensics; its absence is a risk.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Lack of scalability for peak loads.
Why it's wrong here
Scalability is a performance issue, not a primary security risk.
✓
Insecure direct object references (IDOR) allowing unauthorized data access.
Why this is correct
IDOR is a top API security risk per OWASP.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use of outdated programming language.
Why it's wrong here
Language choice is indirect; more specific to implementation.
✗
High licensing cost.
Why it's wrong here
Cost is a financial concern, not a risk identification priority.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse operational risks (scalability, cost) with security risks, or they incorrectly assume that outdated programming languages are a direct risk to the API gateway itself, when in fact the gateway abstracts away language-specific vulnerabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) (C) occur when an API exposes internal object identifiers (e.g., user IDs, order numbers) in endpoints like GET /api/users/{id} without proper authorization checks. An attacker can enumerate or guess these identifiers to access data belonging to other users. The API gateway can enforce authentication but often does not automatically validate authorization at the object level; this must be implemented in the backend service or via gateway policies (e.g., OAuth scopes, custom claims). Real-world examples include the 2018 Facebook API bug where attackers could access any user's profile by manipulating the 'user_id' parameter.
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: Insufficient logging of API requests. — Insufficient logging of API requests (A) is a significant risk because it impairs the ability to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents such as unauthorized access, injection attacks, or data exfiltration. Without comprehensive logs, the organization cannot perform effective forensic analysis or meet compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, SOX). In the context of an API gateway, which acts as the central entry point for all API traffic, missing logs create a blind spot for threat detection and incident response.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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