The primary risk is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive customer data. This is because unencrypted HTTP transmitting data over port 80 allows any attacker on the same network path to perform eavesdropping or a man-in-the-middle attack, reading all customer information in plaintext as it travels between the browser and the server. On the CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to map a technical vulnerability—lack of encryption—directly to a business impact, specifically the breach of confidentiality for personally identifiable information. A common trap is choosing “loss of integrity” or “denial of service,” but the core issue here is data exposure during transit, not alteration or availability. Remember the memory tip: “HTTP on 80 means data is naked; the risk is disclosure, not a break.”
CRISC IT Risk Assessment Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk assessment. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive customer data
The exhibit shows a database server with customer data accessible via a web application that uses unencrypted HTTP (port 80) and has direct internet exposure. This configuration allows an attacker to intercept traffic or exploit the lack of encryption to read sensitive customer data in transit, making unauthorized disclosure the primary risk. The core reasoning is that unencrypted HTTP exposes data to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, directly violating confidentiality requirements for sensitive customer information.
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.
✗
Unauthorized modification of customer data
Why it's wrong here
The policy only allows GetObject, not PutObject.
✗
Data loss due to accidental deletion
Why it's wrong here
No delete permissions are granted.
✓
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive customer data
Why this is correct
Public access exposes data to anyone on the internet.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Denial of service due to excessive read requests
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the primary risk is data exposure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often focus on the database server's role (e.g., modification or deletion risks) instead of recognizing that the unencrypted HTTP exposure directly enables unauthorized disclosure of data in transit, which is the most immediate and severe risk to confidentiality.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
HTTP (port 80) transmits data in plaintext, meaning any sensitive customer data (e.g., PII, financial details) sent between the client and server can be captured by anyone on the same network segment using packet sniffing tools like Wireshark or tcpdump. In a real-world scenario, an attacker on a public Wi-Fi network could intercept HTTP traffic to steal session cookies or credentials, leading to full account takeover and data exfiltration. This risk is exacerbated by the lack of TLS/SSL encryption, which is a fundamental security control for protecting data in transit as per PCI DSS and GDPR requirements.
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 Assessment — This question tests IT Risk Assessment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive customer data — The exhibit shows a database server with customer data accessible via a web application that uses unencrypted HTTP (port 80) and has direct internet exposure. This configuration allows an attacker to intercept traffic or exploit the lack of encryption to read sensitive customer data in transit, making unauthorized disclosure the primary risk. The core reasoning is that unencrypted HTTP exposes data to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, directly violating confidentiality requirements for sensitive customer information.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.