The answer is lateral movement, as the risk identified from the SMB firewall log is that an attacker could use SMB to move laterally from a compromised workstation to the server. This is because the log shows an inbound connection on port 445 from a workstation (10.0.0.5) to a server (10.0.0.10), and SMB is a protocol commonly exploited for file sharing and remote command execution, making it a primary vector for an attacker to pivot across the internal network. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to map a technical log observation to a specific risk, often appearing in questions about network segmentation and threat identification. A common trap is focusing on malware or data exfiltration, but the direct indicator here is the lateral hop itself, not the payload. Memory tip: SMB on 445 = “Sneaky Move Between” hosts, signaling lateral movement risk.
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
=== Firewall Log Entry ===
Time: 2023-08-15 14:32:17
Source IP: 192.168.1.100
Destination IP: 10.0.0.50
Port: 445 (SMB)
Action: ALLOW
Rule: INTERNAL_ACCESS
=== End of Entry ===
Refer to the exhibit. During a risk identification exercise for the internal network, the risk manager reviews this firewall log entry. Which of the following risks is MOST directly suggested by this log entry?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An attacker could use SMB to move laterally from a compromised workstation to the server.
The firewall log shows an inbound SMB connection (port 445) from a workstation (10.0.0.5) to a server (10.0.0.10). SMB is commonly used for file sharing and remote administration, and if the workstation is compromised, an attacker can leverage SMB to move laterally to the server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or escalating privileges. This aligns with the risk of lateral movement, which is a primary concern in internal network segmentation.
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.
✗
Sensitive data is being exfiltrated via SMB.
Why it's wrong here
Data exfiltration is possible but not directly shown; lateral movement is more immediate risk.
✓
An attacker could use SMB to move laterally from a compromised workstation to the server.
Why this is correct
SMB is commonly used for lateral movement in attacks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The workstation may be accessing the internet via the server.
Why it's wrong here
No internet access shown; internal communication.
✗
The organization is vulnerable to a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
Why it's wrong here
Log shows normal traffic, not DDoS.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may focus on the protocol (SMB) and assume data exfiltration (Option A) without considering the direction of traffic (inbound to the server) and the typical use of SMB for lateral movement in internal networks.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Data exfiltration is possible but not directly shown; lateral movement is more immediate risk.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB (Server Message Block) operates over TCP port 445 and is used for file sharing, printer sharing, and remote administration in Windows networks. In a lateral movement attack, an attacker who compromises a workstation can use tools like PsExec or WMI over SMB to execute commands on a target server, often exploiting weak credentials or unpatched vulnerabilities (e.g., EternalBlue). Real-world incidents like the WannaCry ransomware used SMB vulnerabilities to spread rapidly across internal networks, highlighting the risk of allowing SMB traffic between internal hosts without proper segmentation.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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: An attacker could use SMB to move laterally from a compromised workstation to the server. — The firewall log shows an inbound SMB connection (port 445) from a workstation (10.0.0.5) to a server (10.0.0.10). SMB is commonly used for file sharing and remote administration, and if the workstation is compromised, an attacker can leverage SMB to move laterally to the server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or escalating privileges. This aligns with the risk of lateral movement, which is a primary concern in internal network segmentation.
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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