The answer is unauthorized access attempt. This is the most direct risk identified from the SSH failed password log entry because the repeated 'Failed password' events for the 'root' user from an external IP address clearly indicate someone is attempting to authenticate with incorrect credentials, which is the hallmark of a brute-force or password guessing attack. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between a risk event (the unauthorized access attempt) and its potential impact (such as data breach or system compromise). A common trap is to select a broader risk like "system compromise" or "data loss," but the log entry itself only directly indicates the attempt, not its success. Remember the memory tip: "Failed password equals attempt, not breach"—focus on what the evidence explicitly shows, not what might follow.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unauthorized access attempt
The log entry shows a repeated 'Failed password' event for user 'root' from IP 10.10.10.10 via SSH. This directly indicates an unauthorized access attempt, as someone is trying to authenticate with incorrect credentials. The source IP is external to the trusted network, and the failure count suggests a brute-force or password guessing attack.
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.
✗
External attack
Why it's wrong here
Both source and destination are internal IPs (10.0.1.100 and 192.168.2.50), so not external.
✗
Misconfigured firewall
Why it's wrong here
The rule denied the traffic, so it is functioning as configured; misconfiguration would allow it.
✓
Unauthorized access attempt
Why this is correct
An internal device attempting RDP to another internal device without apparent authorization indicates a potential unauthorized access attempt.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Insider threat
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the log alone does not confirm malicious intent; it indicates an attempt.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see an external IP and immediately think 'external attack' (Option A), but the question asks for the risk 'most directly indicated' — which is the specific unauthorized access attempt, not the general category of attack.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSH authentication logs (auth.log or secure) record each login attempt with username, source IP, and result. A series of 'Failed password' entries for the same user from the same IP is a classic indicator of a brute-force attack, where an attacker systematically tries passwords. The absence of a successful login entry means the attempt was unauthorized and unsuccessful, but the risk is the ongoing attempt to gain access.
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: Unauthorized access attempt — The log entry shows a repeated 'Failed password' event for user 'root' from IP 10.10.10.10 via SSH. This directly indicates an unauthorized access attempt, as someone is trying to authenticate with incorrect credentials. The source IP is external to the trusted network, and the failure count suggests a brute-force or password guessing attack.
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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