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CRISC Practice Question: The IT risk manager at a multinational…
You are the IT risk manager at a multinational corporation that recently migrated its customer database to a cloud-based platform. The database contains personally identifiable information (PII) subject to GDPR. During a routine vulnerability scan, you discover that the database is accessible from the internet without encryption (port 1433 open). The cloud provider's shared responsibility model indicates that securing the database configuration is the customer's responsibility. You have identified the risk as high likelihood and high impact. The business owner argues that the database is only accessible to a limited IP range and that encryption would degrade performance. Which course of action should you recommend to treat the risk?
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
✓
Close the port or implement a VPN, and enforce encryption
This option directly addresses the risk by eliminating the unprotected internet exposure (closing the port or using VPN) and encrypting data in transit, which is required for GDPR compliance. Option A is wrong because purchasing cyber insurance transfers financial risk but does not reduce the actual exposure or ensure compliance with GDPR. Option C is wrong because accepting the risk based on IP restriction is insufficient; GDPR mandates appropriate technical controls to protect PII, and IP restrictions alone do not guarantee security or compliance. Option D is wrong because a WAF monitors traffic but does not enforce encryption or prevent direct access to the database; it is not a substitute for closing the port and encrypting data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Transfer the risk by purchasing cyber insurance
Why it's wrong here
Insurance does not prevent data exposure or GDPR fines.
- ✓
Close the port or implement a VPN, and enforce encryption
Why this is correct
This directly mitigates the vulnerability and ensures compliance.
- ✗
Accept the risk because the IP restriction reduces likelihood
Why it's wrong here
IP restriction may still be insufficient for GDPR; acceptance is not appropriate.
- ✗
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to monitor traffic
Why it's wrong here
WAF does not enforce encryption on the database connection.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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