The answer is data classification, vendor lock-in analysis, and cloud security assessment. These three techniques are effective for cloud migration risk identification because they each target a distinct dimension of cloud-specific exposure: vendor lock-in analysis evaluates dependency on proprietary APIs or data formats that could create portability barriers, cloud security assessment examines shared responsibility model gaps and data exposure points, and data classification identifies which assets require heightened controls based on sensitivity or regulatory requirements. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish proactive risk identification from generic project management steps—common traps include selecting cost estimation or timeline planning, which are migration activities but not risk identification techniques. A useful memory tip is to think of the three C’s: Contractual lock-in, Cloud security posture, and Content classification.
CRISC IT Risk Identification Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. 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.
Which THREE of the following are effective risk identification techniques for a cloud migration project? (Select exactly THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Vendor lock-in analysis
Vendor lock-in analysis is an effective risk identification technique for cloud migration because it evaluates the dependency on a specific cloud provider's proprietary services, APIs, or data formats. Identifying this risk early allows the organization to plan for portability, avoid costly migration barriers, and negotiate exit strategies. Without this analysis, the project may face unexpected costs or technical constraints when attempting to switch providers or return to on-premises infrastructure.
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.
✓
Vendor lock-in analysis
Why this is correct
Evaluates risks related to dependency on a single cloud provider, such as migration difficulty.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
User acceptance testing (UAT)
Why it's wrong here
UAT validates business requirements, not risk identification.
✓
Cloud security assessment
Why this is correct
Assesses the security posture of the cloud environment, identifying configuration and compliance risks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Data classification
Why this is correct
Classifies data sensitivity to identify risks associated with data handling and storage in the cloud.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Network scanning of on-premises infrastructure
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on on-premises network, not directly relevant to cloud migration risk identification.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing post-migration validation activities (UAT) or on-premises-focused scans with proactive risk identification techniques that are specifically designed to uncover cloud migration risks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Vendor lock-in analysis often involves reviewing the use of proprietary services like AWS DynamoDB, Azure Cosmos DB, or Google Cloud Spanner, which may not have equivalent open-source alternatives. Data classification (Option D) is critical because it determines which data can be moved to the cloud based on sensitivity, regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), and encryption standards. A cloud security assessment (Option C) typically includes reviewing IAM policies, network security groups, encryption at rest/transit, and compliance with frameworks like CSA STAR or NIST SP 800-53.
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: Vendor lock-in analysis — Vendor lock-in analysis is an effective risk identification technique for cloud migration because it evaluates the dependency on a specific cloud provider's proprietary services, APIs, or data formats. Identifying this risk early allows the organization to plan for portability, avoid costly migration barriers, and negotiate exit strategies. Without this analysis, the project may face unexpected costs or technical constraints when attempting to switch providers or return to on-premises infrastructure.
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.
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Question Discussion
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