Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What type of risk occurred due to negligence in monitoring during a penetration test?

1. Technical risks

2. Organizational risks

3. Compliance risks

4. Operational risks

The correct answer is: Organizational risks

The type of risk that arises from negligence in monitoring during a penetration test is best categorized as organizational risks. This type of risk is associated with the policies, procedures, and practices within an organization that guide its information security strategy. When there is a failure to adequately monitor or respond to the findings of a penetration test, it indicates a lapse in the organization's overall security governance. Monitoring is essential not only for identifying vulnerabilities but also for ensuring that remediation actions are taken and that security measures are effective. If these aspects are neglected, it can lead to systemic issues within the organization that compromise its strategic objectives and operational integrity. Organizational risks encapsulate broader implications, such as reputational damage, loss of client trust, and potentially non-compliance with internal policies or industry standards, all of which stem from a failure to maintain vigilance in security practices. While technical, compliance, and operational risks also play important roles in the security landscape, in this context, the negligence during a penetration test specifically undermines the organization’s ability to uphold its security posture effectively, aligning it more closely with organizational risks.