iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

What does the 'Mitigate' option refer to in risk response strategies?

1. Completely ignoring the risk

2. Implementing controls to reduce risk

3. Transferring responsibility to a third party

4. Accepting the risk as manageable

The correct answer is: Implementing controls to reduce risk

The 'Mitigate' option in risk response strategies refers specifically to implementing controls to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. This strategy involves taking proactive measures to lower the likelihood of a risk occurring or to minimize its impact if it does materialize. Mitigation efforts may involve technical controls, such as security software and hardware solutions, or procedural changes, such as enhanced training for staff or revised policies and procedures. The goal is to create a buffer against risks that could adversely affect organizational objectives or operations. By actively mitigating risks, an organization can enhance its preparedness and resilience against potential security threats. Other responses do not align with the concept of mitigation. Ignoring a risk would not involve any action and could lead to a potentially harmful situation. Transferring responsibility to a third party, such as through the use of insurance or outsourcing, indicates a different approach known as risk transfer. Accepting the risk focuses on recognizing risks without taking concrete actions to reduce them, which is contrary to the essence of mitigation. Thus, the correct interpretation rests firmly on the notion of actively reducing the risk rather than ignoring, transferring, or accepting it.