mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
Risk Identification Techniques: Brainstorming & Threat Modeling
Which TWO of the following are recognized techniques for identifying IT risks? (Select exactly 2.)
Quick Answer
The answer is threat modeling and brainstorming, as these are two of the recognized IT risk identification techniques explicitly cited in the CRISC exam domain. Threat modeling is correct because it systematically identifies threats, vulnerabilities, and potential attack vectors by analyzing system architecture, data flows, and trust boundaries, enabling proactive risk mitigation. Brainstorming leverages collective stakeholder expertise to surface a broad range of risk scenarios without requiring quantitative data, making it a foundational qualitative approach. On the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish recognized techniques from informal or non-standard methods; a common trap is confusing risk identification with risk analysis tools like SWOT or Delphi. Remember the memory tip: “Think of the two Bs—Brainstorming and Building threat models—as the core pair for surfacing risks before you analyze them.”
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse strategic or financial analysis tools (like SWOT or ROI) with risk identification techniques, but CRISC specifically requires methods that directly uncover threats and vulnerabilities, such as brainstorming and threat modeling, rather than high-level planning or performance metrics.
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
✓
Brainstorming sessions
Brainstorming sessions (B) are a recognized technique for IT risk identification because they leverage the collective expertise of stakeholders to surface potential threats, vulnerabilities, and risk scenarios in a structured or unstructured group setting. This method is specifically cited in ISACA's CRISC Review Manual as a qualitative risk identification approach, often used during the early stages of risk assessment to generate a comprehensive list of risks without requiring quantitative data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ROI calculation
Why it's wrong here
ROI is financial analysis, not risk identification.
- ✓
Brainstorming sessions
Why this is correct
Brainstorming with stakeholders generates risk ideas.
- ✗
Benchmarking against industry peers
Why it's wrong here
Benchmarking measures performance, not risks.
- ✓
Threat modeling
Why this is correct
Threat modeling systematically identifies threats and vulnerabilities.
- ✗
SWOT analysis
Why it's wrong here
SWOT is for strategic planning, not specific IT risk identification.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CRISC
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are key risk identification techniques used to identify threats and vulnerabilities in IT systems? (Select exactly 2.)
medium- A.Risk mitigation
- ✓ B.Vulnerability scanning
- C.Risk transfer
- ✓ D.Threat modeling
- E.Access control implementation
Why B: Vulnerability scanning is a key risk identification technique that systematically probes IT systems for known vulnerabilities, such as unpatched software or misconfigurations, using tools like Nessus or OpenVAS. It directly identifies weaknesses that could be exploited by threats, making it essential for the risk identification phase.
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.