(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What term describes risks that originate inside the organization?

1. External

2. Internal

3. Environmental

4. Operational

The correct answer is: Internal

The term that describes risks that originate inside the organization is indeed internal risks. These risks arise from factors within the organization that could potentially impact its operations, assets, or personnel. Internal risks can stem from various sources, such as human error, employee misconduct, system failures, or inadequate processes and controls. Understanding internal risks is crucial for organizations as they often represent vulnerabilities that can be managed or mitigated through strategic planning, policies, and training. By identifying and addressing these risks, organizations can enhance their security posture and minimize the chances of adverse events that could affect their operations, reputation, or financial standing. Other terms listed in the question, like external, environmental, and operational, refer to different types of risks. External risks stem from outside the organization, such as market fluctuations or geopolitical instability. Environmental risks involve natural disasters or ecological changes that can impact operations. Operational risks are generally associated with the processes and systems of the organization but do not emphasize their internal origin as distinctly as the term "internal" does. Therefore, identifying risks as internal helps in focusing on the inherent vulnerabilities that exist within the organization itself.