CRISC Risk Response and Reporting Practice Question
Which TWO methods are commonly used for continuous monitoring of IT controls?
⚠ Common exam trap
CRISC often tests the distinction between continuous monitoring (automated, real-time) and periodic assessment (manual, scheduled), so candidates may incorrectly select annual or quarterly activities as continuous.
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
✓
SIEM rules for automated testing
SIEM rules for automated testing (A) are correct because SIEM platforms continuously correlate and analyze log and event data against detection rules, providing real-time, automated monitoring of IT controls such as access violations, configuration changes, and policy breaches. Vulnerability scanning (D) is correct because it is run on a recurring, often automated schedule to continuously identify weaknesses in systems and applications, feeding ongoing control-monitoring and remediation processes. Board risk review (B) is not continuous monitoring; it is a periodic governance activity conducted at scheduled intervals. Annual control self-assessment (C) is a point-in-time, yearly exercise and therefore not continuous. Quarterly internal audit (E) is a periodic assurance activity performed at defined intervals, not real-time or continuous monitoring.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SIEM rules for automated testing
Why this is correct
SIEM rules continuously correlate log events against defined conditions, automatically testing control effectiveness in near real time. This satisfies the stem's continuous monitoring requirement by detecting anomalies and control failures without waiting for periodic manual review or point-in-time assessment.
- ✗
Board risk review
Why it's wrong here
Board risk review is governance oversight of the risk portfolio, not a mechanism that continuously monitors IT control operation. It is tempting because boards receive control reporting, and it would be correct if the question asked who provides strategic risk direction rather than how controls are monitored.
- ✗
Annual control self-assessment
Why it's wrong here
Annual self-assessment is periodic, not continuous, so it cannot satisfy a continuous monitoring requirement. It is tempting because self-assessment genuinely evaluates control design and operation at a point in time, and would suit an annual assurance cycle rather than ongoing automated monitoring.
- ✓
Vulnerability scanning
Why this is correct
Vulnerability scanning repeatedly probes systems on a scheduled basis, identifying unpatched flaws and configuration weaknesses that undermine control effectiveness. Its recurring, automated nature satisfies the stem's continuous monitoring requirement, complementing log-based detection with technical exposure evidence.
- ✗
Quarterly internal audit
Why it's wrong here
A quarterly internal audit samples controls after the fact, giving point-in-time assurance rather than continuous automated monitoring. It is tempting because audits do evaluate control effectiveness, and it would be correct if the question asked about periodic independent assurance instead of continuous monitoring.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
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