mediumMultiple Choice
CRISC Practice Question: The exhibit shows a control monitoring…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
JSON Policy - Control Monitoring Configuration
{
"controlId": "C-102",
"monitoringType": "automated",
"frequency": "daily",
"dataSource": "transaction_log",
"threshold": 1000,
"alertRecipients": ["riskteam@company.com"],
"escalationLevels": [
{"level": 1, "condition": "breach_duration > 1 hour", "action": "email"},
{"level": 2, "condition": "breach_duration > 4 hours", "action": "sms"}
],
"lastTested": "2024-08-15",
"owner": "Risk Owner"
}
```The exhibit shows a control monitoring configuration in JSON format. Which of the following is the MOST critical gap in this monitoring setup?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates focus on operational details like frequency or data source specificity, but the CRISC exam emphasizes that a monitoring setup is incomplete without a defined response action to trigger on threshold breach.
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
✓
There is no action defined for when the threshold is first breached
The JSON configuration defines a threshold but lacks any corresponding action (e.g., alert, ticket, or automated response) to be triggered when the threshold is first breached. Without an action, the monitoring setup cannot notify or initiate a response, rendering the threshold definition useless for risk mitigation. This is the most critical gap as it directly undermines the control's ability to detect and react to risk events in a timely manner.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The control was last tested over a month ago
Why it's wrong here
Elapsed time since the last test concerns assurance frequency, not the monitoring configuration's design; the exhibit's actual gap lies in what the monitoring logic evaluates. It is tempting because stale testing genuinely weakens control assurance, making it correct where the configuration itself is sound but evidence of operation is overdue.
- ✗
The data source 'transaction_log' is not specific enough
Why it's wrong here
A generic source name is a documentation weakness, not a monitoring gap; the JSON's actual failure lies in its threshold or scope definition. Naming a source broadly is tempting because vague labels do hinder triage, and precise source tagging would be correct when correlating events across multiple feeds.
- ✗
The monitoring frequency is set to daily, which may miss real-time breaches
Why it's wrong here
Daily monitoring is a frequency choice, not a configuration defect; the exhibit's critical gap concerns what the monitoring logic actually inspects or alerts on. It is tempting because real-time breach detection genuinely demands continuous monitoring, making higher frequency correct where the control must respond to immediate threats.
- ✓
There is no action defined for when the threshold is first breached
Why this is correct
A threshold without a defined breach action means the monitoring configuration detects the condition but triggers nothing, leaving the control purely observational. Defining the response, such as alerting or blocking, is what converts detection into an effective control, making this the most critical gap.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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