This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
```
# show security policies
policy from zone: untrust to zone: trust
rule 1: source-address any, destination-address 10.0.1.0/24, application ssh, deny
rule 2: source-address any, destination-address 10.0.1.5, application http, permit
rule 3: source-address 192.168.2.0/24, destination-address 10.0.1.10, application mysql, permit
counter: 1245 hits
```
Based on the exhibit, which of the following risks is MOST indicated by the policy configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Exposure of web server to untrusted networks without encryption
The policy configuration shows a rule allowing inbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic from the internet to a web server without any associated encryption requirement (e.g., no TLS enforcement or VPN). This directly exposes the web server to untrusted networks, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and data interception, which is the most significant risk indicated.
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.
✓
Exposure of web server to untrusted networks without encryption
Why this is correct
HTTP traffic is unencrypted and allowed from any source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Policy misconfiguration causing low hits on rule 3
Why it's wrong here
Hits indicate usage, not a risk.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus on the specific service (HTTP/HTTPS) and overlook the lack of encryption as the primary risk, instead considering data exfiltration or unauthorized access as more obvious threats, but the policy explicitly permits unencrypted traffic from untrusted networks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In firewall policy design, allowing HTTP/HTTPS from untrusted networks without enforcing TLS (e.g., via a reverse proxy or WAF) means the web server communicates in cleartext, exposing session tokens, credentials, and sensitive data to interception. Real-world scenarios include PCI DSS compliance failures where unencrypted web traffic violates Requirement 4.1, and attackers can perform SSL stripping attacks if the server does not enforce HSTS.
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: Exposure of web server to untrusted networks without encryption — The policy configuration shows a rule allowing inbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic from the internet to a web server without any associated encryption requirement (e.g., no TLS enforcement or VPN). This directly exposes the web server to untrusted networks, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and data interception, which is the most significant risk indicated.
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 →
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.