ISC Risk Management Practice Question
An ISSEP is performing a system-level risk assessment on a cloud-native architecture using the NIST SP 800-37 RMF. During the 'Assess' step, the engineer identifies that an automated security configuration baseline is missing for the container orchestration layer. What is the most appropriate action to maintain RMF compliance?
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
✓
Update the System Security Plan (SSP) to include the missing controls and implement the baseline via Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) templates.
The RMF requires that security controls be implemented and documented. Identifying a missing baseline during the assessment phase necessitates updating the System Security Plan (SSP) and verifying the implementation of baseline controls before proceeding to the 'Authorize' step.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Update the System Security Plan (SSP) to include the missing controls and implement the baseline via Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) templates.
Why this is correct
Updating documentation and implementing automated configuration management is the correct RMF workflow for remediation.
- ✗
Modify the Security Assessment Plan (SAP) to exclude the container layer from the current assessment scope.
Why it's wrong here
Arbitrarily narrowing the scope of an assessment violates the integrity of the risk assessment process.
- ✗
Proceed to authorization and defer the container baseline to the next Continuous Monitoring cycle.
Why it's wrong here
Delaying baseline implementation during the assessment phase creates an unacceptable risk window for the authorization official.
- ✗
Request a waiver from the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for container orchestration security.
Why it's wrong here
Waivers should be a last resort and are inappropriate when a standard technical solution like IaC is available.
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.