The answer is requiring full-disk encryption on all laptops and deploying Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software. Full-disk encryption renders the entire drive unreadable without the decryption key, directly mitigating data leakage from lost or stolen devices in a remote work environment, while DLP monitors, detects, and blocks unauthorized transfers of sensitive data—such as PII or intellectual property—by inspecting content in motion, at rest, and in use. On the CRISC exam, this pairing tests your understanding of layered endpoint controls: FDE addresses passive physical theft, and DLP addresses active exfiltration, a distinction often blurred in trap answers that list only one control. Remember the mnemonic “FDE for theft, DLP for theft” to recall that encryption protects the device itself, while DLP protects the data leaving it.
CRISC IT Risk Assessment Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk assessment. 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.
Which TWO controls are most effective for reducing the risk of data leakage from endpoints in a remote work environment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software is highly effective because it monitors, detects, and blocks unauthorized transfers of sensitive data (e.g., PII, IP) from endpoints by inspecting content in motion, at rest, and in use. Full-disk encryption (FDE) protects data at rest by rendering the drive unreadable without the decryption key, mitigating leakage if a device is lost or stolen. Together, they address both active exfiltration and passive physical theft.
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.
✗
Conduct regular phishing simulation campaigns.
Why it's wrong here
Phishing simulations improve awareness but do not directly prevent data leakage from endpoints.
✓
Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software.
Why this is correct
DLP monitors and controls data movement, directly reducing leakage risk.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enforce complex password policies for local accounts.
Why it's wrong here
Passwords control access but do not prevent data leakage if a user is authorized or device is compromised.
✓
Require full-disk encryption on all laptops.
Why this is correct
Encryption protects data at rest, mitigating leakage if a device is lost or stolen.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a VPN for all remote connections.
Why it's wrong here
VPN secures data in transit but does not prevent leakage from the endpoint itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISACA often tests the misconception that a VPN provides comprehensive data protection, but in reality it only secures data in transit, not data at rest or data in use on the endpoint.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DLP solutions use deep content inspection (e.g., regex patterns, exact data matching, fingerprinting) and can enforce policy at the kernel level via filter drivers (e.g., Windows File System Minifilter) to intercept file operations. Full-disk encryption (e.g., BitLocker using AES-256 with TPM) ensures that even if the hard drive is removed and attached to another system, the data remains inaccessible without the recovery key. In a remote work scenario, a VPN alone cannot stop a user from attaching a malicious USB device that exfiltrates decrypted data from the endpoint.
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 Assessment — This question tests IT Risk Assessment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software. — Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software is highly effective because it monitors, detects, and blocks unauthorized transfers of sensitive data (e.g., PII, IP) from endpoints by inspecting content in motion, at rest, and in use. Full-disk encryption (FDE) protects data at rest by rendering the drive unreadable without the decryption key, mitigating leakage if a device is lost or stolen. Together, they address both active exfiltration and passive physical theft.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.