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CRISC BEST describes inherent risk? Practice Question
Which of the following BEST describes inherent risk?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse inherent risk with residual risk, as many candidates mistakenly think that 'risk after controls' is the starting point, but CRISC defines inherent risk as the risk level before any controls are applied.
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
✓
The risk level before any controls are applied
Inherent risk is defined as the level of risk that exists in the absence of any controls or mitigations. It represents the raw, untreated risk exposure that an organization faces from a specific threat-vulnerability pair, such as the risk of data exfiltration from an unpatched web server before any firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, or encryption are applied.
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 risk level before any controls are applied
Why this is correct
Inherent risk is the gross risk without mitigation.
- ✗
The level of risk after implementing controls
Why it's wrong here
That is residual risk.
- ✗
The amount of risk the organization is willing to accept
Why it's wrong here
Risk appetite or tolerance.
- ✗
The risk level that remains after considering existing controls
Why it's wrong here
Residual risk.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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