ISC Risk Management Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are common pitfalls when tailoring security controls in an RMF implementation?
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
✓
Tailoring controls without documenting the security justification.
Tailoring must be justified and documented. Pitfalls include excessive tailoring (reducing security too much) or lack of justification, which both undermine the compliance posture.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Tailoring controls without documenting the security justification.
Why this is correct
Documentation is a mandatory RMF requirement for tailoring.
- ✓
Over-tailoring controls to the point of compromising the system's baseline security.
Why this is correct
Over-tailoring results in an insecure system.
- ✗
Using the NIST 800-53 catalog to select controls.
Why it's wrong here
This is a required, standard practice.
- ✗
Consulting with the System Owner during the tailoring process.
Why it's wrong here
This is a recommended best practice.
- ✗
Including too many controls, which is always acceptable.
Why it's wrong here
Including too many controls can cause system instability and is poor tailoring.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.