The answer is to implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy with containerization. This is the most effective risk treatment option because containerization creates a separate, encrypted work profile on the personal device, isolating corporate data from personal apps and data, which directly addresses data leakage. By enforcing security policies like a remote wipe of only the work container, it avoids full device control, perfectly balancing security with usability for a 'moderate' risk appetite. On the CRISC exam, this question tests your ability to match risk treatment to risk appetite, often contrasting containerization against full device control or simple policy acceptance. A common trap is choosing a full MDM wipe, which violates the moderate appetite by overreaching into personal data. Remember the memory tip: "Container, not conquer"—you isolate the risk, not the entire device.
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.
During a risk assessment, an organization identifies that its remote workforce uses personal devices for work. The risk manager is concerned about data leakage. The organization has a risk appetite that is 'moderate' and wants to treat the risk. Which of the following is the MOST effective risk treatment option?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy with containerization
Option C is the most effective because MDM with containerization creates a separate, encrypted work profile on the personal device, isolating corporate data from personal apps and data. This directly addresses data leakage by enforcing security policies (e.g., remote wipe of the work container only) without requiring full control over the entire device, aligning with a 'moderate' risk appetite that seeks a balance between security and usability.
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.
✗
Implement a VPN for remote access
Why it's wrong here
VPN secures communication but does not control data on the device.
✗
Require full disk encryption on all personal devices
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data at rest but does not prevent data leakage via apps or cloud.
✓
Implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy with containerization
Why this is correct
MDM with containerization provides a secure work environment on personal devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Ban the use of personal devices for work
Why it's wrong here
This may not be practical and could reduce productivity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'encryption' (Option B) with 'data leakage prevention'—full disk encryption protects data at rest but does not control data flow between apps or enable selective wipe, making it less effective than containerization for a moderate risk appetite where usability and privacy are key considerations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MDM containerization typically uses technologies like Android Work Profile or iOS Managed Open In, which create a separate encrypted partition (e.g., using dm-crypt on Android or Data Protection classes on iOS) for corporate apps and data. This allows the organization to enforce policies such as mandatory passcode complexity, remote wipe of the container, and blocking copy-paste between work and personal apps, all without affecting the user's personal space. In a real-world scenario, if a device is lost, the IT admin can issue a selective wipe command (e.g., via the MDM's API using OMA-DM or Apple MDM protocol) that removes only the corporate container, leaving personal photos and messages intact.
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: Implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy with containerization — Option C is the most effective because MDM with containerization creates a separate, encrypted work profile on the personal device, isolating corporate data from personal apps and data. This directly addresses data leakage by enforcing security policies (e.g., remote wipe of the work container only) without requiring full control over the entire device, aligning with a 'moderate' risk appetite that seeks a balance between security and usability.
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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