isaca it risk fundamentals practice test

IT Risk Fundamentals Certificate Exam

Last exam update: Nov 18 ,2025
Page 1 out of 5. Viewing questions 1-15 out of 75

Question 1

Which of the following is considered an exploit event?

  • A. An attacker takes advantage of a vulnerability
  • B. Any event that is verified as a security breach
  • C. The actual occurrence of an adverse event
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
Ein Exploit-Ereignis tritt auf, wenn ein Angreifer eine Schwachstelle ausnutzt, um unbefugten Zugang
zu einem System zu erlangen oder es zu kompromittieren. Dies ist ein grundlegender Begriff in der
IT-Sicherheit. Wenn ein Angreifer eine bekannte oder unbekannte Schwachstelle in einer Software,
Hardware oder einem Netzwerkprotokoll erkennt und ausnutzt, wird dies als Exploit bezeichnet.
Definition und Bedeutung:
Ein Exploit ist eine Methode oder Technik, die verwendet wird, um Schwachstellen in einem System
auszunutzen.
Schwachstellen können Softwarefehler, Fehlkonfigurationen oder Sicherheitslücken sein.
Ablauf eines Exploit-Ereignisses:
Identifizierung der Schwachstelle: Der Angreifer entdeckt eine Schwachstelle in einem System.
Entwicklung des Exploits: Der Angreifer entwickelt oder verwendet ein bestehendes Tool, um die
Schwachstelle auszunutzen.
Durchführung des Angriffs: Der Exploit wird durchgeführt, um unautorisierten Zugang zu erlangen
oder Schaden zu verursachen.
Reference:
ISA 315: Generelle IT-Kontrollen und die Notwendigkeit, Risiken aus dem IT-Einsatz zu identifizieren
und zu behandeln​​.
IDW PS 951: IT-Risiken und Kontrollen im Rahmen der Jahresabschlussprüfung, die die
Notwendigkeit von Kontrollen zur Identifizierung und Bewertung von Schwachstellen unterstreicht.

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Question 2

Potential losses resulting from employee errors and system failures are examples of:

  • A. operational risk.
  • B. market risk.
  • C. strategic risk.
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
Operationelle Risiken umfassen Verluste, die durch unzureichende oder fehlgeschlagene interne
Prozesse, Personen und Systeme oder durch externe Ereignisse verursacht werden. Mitarbeiterfehler
und Systemausfälle sind typische Beispiele für operationelle Risiken.
Definition und Kategorien von Risiken:
Operational Risk: Betrifft Verluste aufgrund interner Prozesse oder menschlicher Fehler.
Market Risk: Verluste aufgrund von Marktschwankungen.
Strategic Risk: Verluste aufgrund von Fehlentscheidungen im Management oder strategischen
Planungsfehlern.
Beispiele für operationelle Risiken:
Mitarbeiterfehler: Fehlerhafte Dateneingabe, Nichtbeachtung von Arbeitsprozessen.
Systemausfälle: IT-Systemabstürze, Hardware-Fehlfunktionen.
Reference:
ISA 315: Operational risks and how they are identified and managed within the IT environment​​.
ISO 27001: Information security management systems that include measures for mitigating
operational risks.

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Question 3

Which of the following would be considered a cyber-risk?

  • A. A system that does not meet the needs of users
  • B. A change in security technology
  • C. Unauthorized use of information
Mark Question:
Answer:

C


Explanation:
Cyber-Risiken betreffen Bedrohungen und Schwachstellen in IT-Systemen, die durch unbefugten
Zugriff oder Missbrauch von Informationen entstehen. Dies schließt die unautorisierte Nutzung von
Informationen ein.
Definition und Beispiele:
Cyber Risk: Risiken im Zusammenhang mit Cyberangriffen, Datenverlust und Informationsdiebstahl.
Unauthorized Use of Information: Ein Beispiel für ein Cyber-Risiko, bei dem unbefugte Personen
Zugang zu vertraulichen Daten erhalten.
Schutzmaßnahmen:
Zugriffskontrollen: Authentifizierung und Autorisierung, um unbefugten Zugriff zu verhindern.
Sicherheitsüberwachung: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) und regelmäßige
Sicherheitsüberprüfungen.
Reference:
ISA 315: Importance of IT controls in preventing unauthorized access and use of information​​​​.
ISO 27001: Framework for managing information security risks, including unauthorized access.

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Question 4

Which of the following is the BEST way to interpret enterprise standards?

  • A. A means of implementing policy
  • B. An approved code of practice Q Documented high-level principles
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
Unternehmensstandards dienen als Mittel zur Umsetzung von Richtlinien. Sie legen spezifische
Anforderungen und Verfahren fest, die sicherstellen, dass die Unternehmensrichtlinien eingehalten
werden.
Definition und Bedeutung von Standards:
Enterprise Standards: Dokumentierte, detaillierte Anweisungen, die die Umsetzung von Richtlinien
unterstützen.
Implementierung von Richtlinien: Standards helfen dabei, die abstrakten Richtlinien in konkrete,
umsetzbare Maßnahmen zu überführen.
Beispiele und Anwendung:
IT-Sicherheitsstandards: Definieren spezifische Sicherheitsanforderungen, die zur Einhaltung der
übergeordneten IT-Sicherheitsrichtlinien erforderlich sind.
Compliance-Standards: Stellen sicher, dass gesetzliche und regulatorische Anforderungen
eingehalten werden.
Reference:
ISA 315: Role of IT controls and standards in implementing organizational policies​​​​.
ISO 27001: Establishing standards for information security management to support policy
implementation.

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Question 5

Which of the following is the MAIN objective of governance?

  • A. Creating controls throughout the entire organization
  • B. Creating risk awareness at all levels of the organization
  • C. Creating value through investments for the organization
Mark Question:
Answer:

C


Explanation:
Governance is primarily concerned with ensuring that an organization achieves its objectives,
operates efficiently, and adds value to its stakeholders. The main objective of governance is to create
value through investments for the organization. This encompasses making strategic decisions that
align with the organization's goals, ensuring that resources are used effectively, and that the
organization's activities are sustainable and provide long-term benefits. While creating controls and
risk awareness are essential aspects of governance, they serve the broader goal of value creation
through strategic investments. This concept is aligned with principles found in corporate governance
frameworks and standards such as ISO/IEC 38500 and COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and
Related Technologies).

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Question 6

Which of the following is MOST likely to promote ethical and open communication of risk
management activities at the executive level?

  • A. Recommending risk tolerance levels to the business
  • B. Expressing risk results in financial terms
  • C. Increasing the frequency of risk status reports
Mark Question:
Answer:

B


Explanation:
Expressing risk results in financial terms is most likely to promote ethical and open communication of
risk management activities at the executive level. This is because financial metrics are universally
understood and can clearly illustrate the impact of risks on the organization. By translating risk into
financial terms, executives can more easily comprehend the severity and potential consequences of
various risks, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering transparency. It also allows for a
common language between different departments and stakeholders, enhancing clarity and reducing
misunderstandings. This practice is emphasized in frameworks like ISO 31000 and is a key aspect of
effective risk communication.

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Question 7

Which of the following MUST be established in order to manage l&T-related risk throughout the
enterprise?

  • A. An enterprise risk governance committee
  • B. The enterprise risk universe
  • C. Industry best practices for risk management
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
To manage IT-related risk throughout the enterprise, it is crucial to establish an enterprise risk
governance committee. This committee provides oversight and direction for the risk management
activities across the organization. It ensures that risks are identified, assessed, and managed in
alignment with the organization's risk appetite and strategy. The committee typically includes senior
executives and stakeholders who can influence policy and resource allocation. This structure supports
a comprehensive approach to risk management, integrating risk considerations into decision-making
processes. This requirement is in line with guidance from frameworks such as COBIT and ISO 27001,
which emphasize governance structures for effective risk management​​​​.

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Question 8

To establish an enterprise risk appetite, an organization should:

  • A. normalize risk taxonomy across the organization.
  • B. aggregate risk statements for all lines of business.
  • C. establish risk tolerance for each business unit.
Mark Question:
Answer:

C


Explanation:
To establish an enterprise risk appetite, it is essential for an organization to establish risk tolerance
for each business unit. Risk tolerance defines the specific level of risk that each business unit is
willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives. This approach ensures that risk management is tailored
to the unique context and operational realities of different parts of the organization, enabling a more
precise and effective risk management strategy. Normalizing risk taxonomy and aggregating risk
statements are important steps in the broader risk management process but establishing risk
tolerance is fundamental for defining risk appetite at the unit level. This concept is supported by
standards such as ISO 31000 and frameworks like COSO ERM (Enterprise Risk Management)​​.

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Question 9

Which of the following is the BEST reason for an enterprise to avoid an absolute prohibition on risk?

  • A. It may not be understood by executive management.
  • B. It may lead to ineffective use of resources.
  • C. It may not provide adequate support for budget increases.
Mark Question:
Answer:

B


Explanation:
An absolute prohibition on risk means that an enterprise avoids any and all forms of risk, regardless
of potential benefits. This approach can lead to the following issues:
Inefficiency in Resource Allocation: Absolute risk avoidance can cause an enterprise to allocate
resources ineffectively. For example, by avoiding all risks, the enterprise may miss out on
opportunities that could bring substantial benefits. Resources that could be invested in innovation or
improvement are instead tied up in mitigating even the smallest of risks.
Stifling Innovation and Growth: Enterprises that are overly risk-averse may hinder innovation and
growth. Taking calculated risks is essential for driving new initiatives, products, or services. Without
accepting some level of risk, companies might lag behind competitors who are willing to innovate
and take strategic risks.
Poor Risk Management Practices: By trying to avoid all risks, enterprises might develop a risk
management strategy that is more about avoidance than mitigation and management. Effective risk
management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, not completely avoiding them.
This ensures that the company is prepared for potential challenges and can manage them
proactively.
Reference:
ISA 315 Anlage 5 and Anlage 6 discuss the importance of understanding and managing risks
associated with IT environments. They highlight the need for a balanced approach to risk
management that includes both manual and automated controls to handle various risk levels (e.g.,
operational, compliance, strategic)​​​​.
SAP Reports and Handbooks highlight the necessity of balancing risk with operational efficiency to
maintain effective resource allocation and drive business objectives forward​​​​.

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Question 10

What is the purpose of a control objective?

  • A. To describe the result of protecting an asset for a business process
  • B. To describe the risk of loss to an asset
  • C. To describe the responsibility of stakeholders to protect assets
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
A control objective is a specific target or goal that a control activity aims to achieve. The primary
purpose of a control objective is to ensure that the business processes are conducted in a way that
meets the organization’s requirements for security, accuracy, and efficiency. Specifically, control
objectives:
Define Desired Outcomes: They describe the expected result of implementing a control, such as
protecting an asset, ensuring data integrity, or complying with regulations. For example, a control
objective might be to ensure that financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported.
Guide Control Activities: Control objectives help in designing and implementing control activities.
These activities are then measured against the control objectives to ensure they are effective in
achieving the desired outcome.
Support Risk Management: Control objectives are integral to risk management frameworks as they
help in identifying what needs to be controlled to mitigate risks effectively. They provide a
benchmark against which the performance of controls can be measured.
Reference:
ISA 315 Anlage 5 and Anlage 6 detail the importance of understanding and defining control
objectives within the context of IT controls to ensure they adequately address the risks and support
business processes effectively​​​​.
SAP Financial Modules and Reports include various control objectives aimed at protecting assets,
ensuring accurate financial reporting, and complying with regulatory requirements​​​​.

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Question 11

Which of the following is the BEST indication of a good risk culture?

  • A. The enterprise learns from negative outcomes and treats the root cause.
  • B. The enterprise enables discussions of risk and facts within the risk management functions.
  • C. The enterprise places a strong emphasis on the positive and negative elements of risk.
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
A good risk culture in an organization can be identified by several characteristics. Among the options
provided:
Option A: The enterprise learns from negative outcomes and treats the root cause
This option reflects a proactive and continuous improvement approach to risk management. It
indicates that the organization does not just react to incidents but also learns from them and
implements measures to address the underlying issues, thereby preventing recurrence. This
approach aligns with best practices in risk management and demonstrates a mature risk culture.
Option B: The enterprise enables discussions of risk and facts within the risk management functions
While facilitating open discussions about risk is important, it primarily shows that the enterprise
supports a communicative environment. However, it does not necessarily indicate that the
enterprise takes concrete actions to learn from negative outcomes or address root causes.
Option C: The enterprise places a strong emphasis on the positive and negative elements of risk
Emphasizing both positive and negative elements of risk is beneficial as it provides a balanced view.
Nonetheless, this focus alone does not provide evidence of actions taken to learn from past mistakes
or to rectify the root causes of issues.
Conclusion:
Option A is the best indication of a good risk culture because it demonstrates that the organization is
committed to learning from past failures and improving its risk management processes by addressing
the root causes of problems.

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Question 12

In the context of enterprise risk management (ERM), what is the overall role of l&T risk management
stakeholders?

  • A. Stakeholders set direction and provide support for risk management practices.
  • B. Stakeholders are accountable for all risk management activities within an enterprise.
  • C. Stakeholders are responsible for protecting enterprise assets to achieve business objectives.
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
In the context of enterprise risk management (ERM), stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping and
supporting the risk management framework within the organization. Here is a detailed explanation
of the roles and why option A is the correct answer:
Option A: Stakeholders set direction and provide support for risk management practices
This option accurately describes the overarching role of stakeholders in ERM. Stakeholders, including
senior management and the board of directors, are responsible for establishing the risk management
policies and frameworks. They provide the necessary resources, guidance, and oversight to ensure
that risk management practices are integrated into the organizational processes. This support is
essential for creating a risk-aware culture and for ensuring that risk management objectives align
with the business goals.
Option B: Stakeholders are accountable for all risk management activities within an enterprise
This statement is overly broad. While stakeholders are accountable for ensuring that a robust risk
management framework is in place, the actual execution of risk management activities is typically
the responsibility of designated risk management teams and individual business units.
Option C: Stakeholders are responsible for protecting enterprise assets to achieve business
objectives
Although stakeholders have a role in protecting enterprise assets, this responsibility is more specific
and does not encompass the broader role of setting direction and providing support for the overall
risk management framework.
Conclusion:
Option A correctly captures the essential role of stakeholders in ERM, which involves setting the
strategic direction for risk management and providing the necessary support to implement and
maintain effective risk management practices.

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Question 13

Which of the following is the PRIMARY outcome of a risk scoping activity?

  • A. Identification of major risk factors to be benchmarked against industry competitors
  • B. Identification of potential high-impact risk areas throughout the enterprise
  • C. Identification of risk scenarios related to emerging technologies
Mark Question:
Answer:

B


Explanation:
Risk scoping is a critical activity in the risk management process aimed at identifying areas within the
enterprise that may be exposed to significant risks. The primary outcome of this activity is to identify
potential high-impact risk areas throughout the enterprise. This involves assessing various business
processes, IT systems, and operational functions to determine where risks may arise and their
potential impact on the organization. By focusing on high-impact areas, the organization can
prioritize resources and efforts to mitigate these risks effectively. This approach ensures a
comprehensive understanding of the risk landscape, which is essential for effective risk management
and aligns with best practices outlined in ISO 31000 and COBIT frameworks.

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Question 14

Publishing l&T risk-related policies and procedures BEST enables an enterprise to:

  • A. set the overall expectations for risk management.
  • B. hold management accountable for risk loss events.
  • C. ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to risk standards.
Mark Question:
Answer:

A


Explanation:
Publishing IT risk-related policies and procedures sets the overall expectations for risk management
within an enterprise. These documents provide a clear framework and guidelines for how risk should
be managed, communicated, and mitigated across the organization. They outline roles,
responsibilities, and processes, ensuring that all employees understand their part in the risk
management process. This clarity helps align the organization's efforts towards a common goal and
fosters a risk-aware culture. While holding management accountable and ensuring regulatory
compliance are important, the primary role of these policies is to set the tone and expectations for
managing risks effectively, as emphasized by standards such as ISO 27001 and COBIT.

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Question 15

An enterprise’s risk policy should be aligned with its:

  • A. current risk.
  • B. risk capacity.
  • C. risk appetite.
Mark Question:
Answer:

C


Explanation:
An enterprise’s risk policy should be aligned with its risk appetite, which defines the amount and
type of risk the organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives. This alignment ensures
that the risk management efforts are consistent with the strategic goals and risk tolerance levels set
by the organization's leadership. Risk appetite provides a clear boundary for risk-taking activities and
helps in making informed decisions about which risks to accept, mitigate, transfer, or avoid. Aligning
the risk policy with the risk appetite ensures that risk management practices are in harmony with the
organization's overall strategy and objectives, as recommended by frameworks like COSO ERM and
ISO 31000.

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