CRISC Risk Response and Reporting Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are examples of continuous monitoring activities? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
Continuous vulnerability scanning
Continuous vulnerability scanning (A) is correct because it runs on an ongoing, automated schedule to detect new weaknesses as they emerge, which is the defining characteristic of a continuous monitoring activity. Automated SIEM rule-based alerts for suspicious activity (D) is also correct because SIEM correlation rules evaluate event streams in real time and generate alerts continuously, providing ongoing detection rather than point-in-time assessment. By contrast, annual penetration testing (B) and quarterly user access reviews (C) are periodic, scheduled point-in-time activities, and monthly review of audit logs (E) is a recurring but interval-based manual review, so none of these qualify as 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.
- ✓
Continuous vulnerability scanning
Why this is correct
Continuous vulnerability scanning qualifies because it runs on an automated, recurring schedule rather than at a single point in time, satisfying the stem's requirement for ongoing detection. Unlike periodic assessments, it feeds findings into risk registers continuously, enabling timely remediation decisions within the organisation's risk tolerance thresholds.
- ✗
Annual penetration testing
Why it's wrong here
Annual penetration testing is a discrete, scheduled assessment producing a point-in-time result, not ongoing automated monitoring. It is the right choice when validating exploitable vulnerabilities at a defined interval, but continuous monitoring requires near-real-time, automated collection and analysis of activity across the environment.
- ✗
Quarterly user access reviews
Why it's wrong here
Quarterly access reviews are scheduled point-in-time attestations, not automated ongoing observation, so gaps of months exist between checks. They are correct when periodic recertification of entitlements is required, but continuous monitoring demands automated, near-real-time detection of access changes rather than quarterly snapshots.
- ✓
Automated SIEM rule-based alerts for suspicious activity
Why this is correct
Automated SIEM rule-based alerts deliver continuous, real-time detection of suspicious activity, satisfying the stem's requirement for ongoing monitoring rather than periodic review. Rules evaluate event streams as they arrive, triggering alerts without manual intervention, which distinguishes continuous monitoring from point-in-time assessments such as audits or annual risk reviews.
- ✗
Monthly review of audit logs
Why it's wrong here
Monthly log review is periodic, leaving up to a month of undetected activity between checks; continuous monitoring requires automated, near-real-time collection and analysis. Periodic log review is the right control when regulations mandate documented retrospective examination, but it cannot satisfy continuous monitoring's ongoing-detection requirement.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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