- A
High probability and high impact
Both high probability and high impact result in a high risk rating.
- B
Low probability and low impact
Why wrong: This would yield a low risk rating.
- C
High probability and low impact
Why wrong: This might yield a medium risk rating, not typically high.
- D
Low probability and high impact
Why wrong: This might yield a medium risk rating, depending on the matrix.
Question 621 of 1,000
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring, and analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a qualitative risk analysis, an organization assigns a risk rating of 'High' for a specific threat. Which combination of factors most directly leads to this rating?
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 probability and high impact
In qualitative risk analysis, risk rating is determined by the product of probability and impact. A 'High' rating directly results from both high probability and high impact, as this combination represents the greatest potential for loss. This aligns with the risk matrix approach where the highest risk scores occupy the top-right quadrant.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
High probability and high impact
Why this is correct
Both high probability and high impact result in a high risk rating.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Low probability and low impact
Why it's wrong here
This would yield a low risk rating.
- ✗
High probability and low impact
Why it's wrong here
This might yield a medium risk rating, not typically high.
- ✗
Low probability and high impact
Why it's wrong here
This might yield a medium risk rating, depending on the matrix.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that high impact alone is sufficient for a 'High' risk rating, ignoring that probability must also be high to reach the top risk level.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Qualitative risk analysis uses ordinal scales (e.g., 1-5) for probability and impact, and the risk rating is derived from a predefined risk matrix (e.g., 5x5 grid). A 'High' rating corresponds to cells where both probability and impact are at least 4 on a 5-point scale. This method is subjective but allows rapid prioritization without precise numerical values, commonly used in frameworks like NIST SP 800-30.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: High probability and high impact — In qualitative risk analysis, risk rating is determined by the product of probability and impact. A 'High' rating directly results from both high probability and high impact, as this combination represents the greatest potential for loss. This aligns with the risk matrix approach where the highest risk scores occupy the top-right quadrant.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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