easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CRISC The risk manager for a healthcare provider Practice Question
You are the risk manager for a healthcare provider. A risk assessment identified that patient data is transmitted over unencrypted connections between clinics and the data center. The existing controls include strong network perimeter defenses. The risk is rated as high. Management is concerned about the cost of implementing encryption. You have proposed a control that encrypts data in transit. However, the network team argues that the perimeter controls are sufficient. What is the MOST appropriate response?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates may overestimate the effectiveness of perimeter controls (e.g., firewalls) as a compensating control for data-in-transit encryption, failing to recognize that they operate at different OSI layers and cannot prevent interception of unencrypted traffic after it leaves the network boundary.
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
✓
Implement encryption as recommended because it addresses the vulnerability directly.
Encrypting data in transit directly addresses the vulnerability of unencrypted connections, which is the root cause of the high risk. Perimeter controls like firewalls and IDS/IPS do not protect the confidentiality of data once it leaves the protected network boundary, as they cannot prevent interception on the wire. Implementing encryption (e.g., TLS 1.2/1.3 or IPsec) ensures end-to-end confidentiality regardless of perimeter strength.
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 to a third party by outsourcing data transmission.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary and may introduce new risks.
- ✗
Accept the risk because perimeter controls are in place.
Why it's wrong here
Perimeter controls do not fully mitigate data exposure.
- ✗
Reduce the risk rating to medium since perimeter controls provide compensating security.
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls do not eliminate the need for encryption.
- ✓
Implement encryption as recommended because it addresses the vulnerability directly.
Why this is correct
Provides necessary protection for data in transit.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.