This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 of the following are key risk identification techniques used to identify threats and vulnerabilities in IT systems? (Select exactly 2.)
Risk mitigation
Why wrong: Risk mitigation is a treatment, not identification.
Vulnerability scanning
Vulnerability scanning identifies known vulnerabilities.
Risk transfer
Why wrong: Risk transfer is a response strategy, not identification.
Threat modeling
Threat modeling identifies potential threats to a system.
Access control implementation
Why wrong: Access control is a control, not an identification technique.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Vulnerability scanning
Vulnerability scanning is a key risk identification technique that systematically probes IT systems for known vulnerabilities, such as unpatched software or misconfigurations, using tools like Nessus or OpenVAS. It directly identifies weaknesses that could be exploited by threats, making it essential for the risk identification phase.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Risk mitigation
Why it's wrong here
Risk mitigation is a treatment, not identification.
Vulnerability scanning
Why this is correct
Vulnerability scanning identifies known vulnerabilities.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Risk transfer
Why it's wrong here
Risk transfer is a response strategy, not identification.
Threat modeling
Why this is correct
Threat modeling identifies potential threats to a system.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Access control implementation
Why it's wrong here
Access control is a control, not an identification technique.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing risk identification techniques (like scanning and modeling) with risk response strategies (like mitigation, transfer, or control implementation), leading candidates to select options that are actually post-identification actions.
Detailed technical explanation
Vulnerability scanning relies on databases like the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and CVE identifiers to match system fingerprints against known flaws; it can be authenticated or unauthenticated, with authenticated scans providing deeper visibility into missing patches and local misconfigurations. Threat modeling, such as STRIDE or PASTA, systematically identifies potential attack vectors by analyzing system architecture, data flows, and trust boundaries, often using data flow diagrams (DFDs) to map entry points and assets.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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IT Risk Identification — study guide chapter
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FAQ
IT Risk Identification — This question tests IT Risk Identification — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Vulnerability scanning — Vulnerability scanning is a key risk identification technique that systematically probes IT systems for known vulnerabilities, such as unpatched software or misconfigurations, using tools like Nessus or OpenVAS. It directly identifies weaknesses that could be exploited by threats, making it essential for the risk identification phase.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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