CISSP Security and Risk Management Practice Question
A company uses a qualitative risk analysis matrix where likelihood ranges from 1 to 5 and impact ranges from 1 to 5. A risk with a likelihood of 4 and an impact of 5 would fall into which risk level if the matrix defines high risk as scores above 15, medium as 10-15, and low as below 10?
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
✓
High
In qualitative risk analysis using a 5x5 matrix, the score is typically the product of likelihood and impact. 4 x 5 = 20, which is above 15, indicating high risk.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Medium
Why it's wrong here
The qualitative risk analysis matrix likely defines 'Medium' risk for scores falling within a specific intermediate range, typically below the threshold for 'High' risk. Since the score of 20 significantly exceeds the threshold of 15, which is established as the lower bound for 'High' risk, classifying it as 'Medium' would be incorrect. This score clearly falls into a higher risk category according to the matrix's established criteria.
- ✗
Critical
Why it's wrong here
In this specific qualitative risk analysis matrix, 'High' is explicitly defined as the top-tier risk level, indicating the most severe category. Therefore, a 'Critical' risk classification does not exist as a distinct, higher severity level within the framework utilized by this company. Assigning 'Critical' would contradict the established highest qualitative designation of 'High' for any risk exceeding the defined threshold.
- ✓
High
Why this is correct
According to the company's qualitative risk analysis matrix, a risk score of 20 exceeds the established threshold of 15, which delineates the boundary for 'High' risk. This indicates that any risk with a numerical assessment equal to or greater than 15 is categorized into the 'High' severity level. Consequently, a score of 20 directly and correctly maps to a 'High' risk classification within this framework.
- ✗
Low
Why it's wrong here
A 'Low' risk classification in a qualitative risk analysis matrix is typically reserved for scores that fall significantly below the thresholds for 'Medium' and 'High' risks, representing minimal potential impact or likelihood. Given that the assessed risk score of 20 is substantially above the threshold of 15, which is the minimum for 'High' risk, it cannot be accurately categorized as 'Low'. This score clearly indicates a much greater level of concern than what 'Low' risk implies.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Software Development Security
Key term
Risk
Risk is the possibility that an event or action will negatively affect an organization's ability to achieve its goals, often measured in terms of likelihood and impact.
Key term
Qualitative risk analysis
Qualitative risk analysis is a subjective, scenario-based approach to prioritizing information security risks by evaluating their likelihood and potential impact using predefined scales rather than numerical calculations.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CISSP exam.