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CRISC Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, which risk is MOST likely…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. === Data Center Architecture Description === The data center has three layers: Core, Aggregation, and Access. The Core layer connects to the internet via redundant firewalls. The Aggregation layer hosts critical application servers in a DMZ. The Access layer connects to user workstations. There is no network segmentation between the DMZ and internal user networks. === End of Exhibit ===
Based on the exhibit, which risk is MOST likely to be identified during a risk assessment?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often focus on obvious vulnerabilities like weak passwords or incomplete logs, but the CRISC exam tests the ability to identify the most significant risk given the architecture—lateral movement from a less trusted zone (DMZ) to a more trusted zone (internal network) is a classic and critical risk in segmented network designs.
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
✓
Lateral movement risk from DMZ to internal network
The exhibit shows a DMZ architecture where the internal network is separated from the DMZ by a firewall. A risk assessment would identify the potential for an attacker who compromises a DMZ host (e.g., a web server) to pivot through the firewall to the internal network, especially if firewall rules are overly permissive or if the DMZ host has a trust relationship with internal systems. This lateral movement risk is a classic and high-priority finding in such segmented environments.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Weak passwords on user workstations
Why it's wrong here
Not indicated in the architecture description.
- ✗
Unauthorized physical access to the data center
Why it's wrong here
Not part of the description.
- ✓
Lateral movement risk from DMZ to internal network
Why this is correct
Lack of segmentation allows propagation of attacks.
- ✗
Incomplete audit logs on firewalls
Why it's wrong here
Not mentioned.
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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.