The best thing to include when communicating changes in the IT risk profile is the gaps between the current and desired states of the control environment, as this shows the stakeholders the extent and impact of the changes, and the actions and resources needed to address them. The control environment is the set of policies, processes, and systems that provide reasonable assurance that the IT risks are identified, assessed, and treated effectively and efficiently. The current state of the control environment reflects the existing level and performance of the controls, and the residual risk that remains after the controls are applied. The desired state of the control environment reflects the target level and performance of the controls, and the risk appetite and tolerance of the organization. The gaps between the current and desired states of the control environment indicate the areas of improvement or enhancement for the IT risk management process, and the priorities and strategies for risk response. The other options are not the best things to include when communicating changes in the IT risk profile, although they may be useful or relevant information. A list of recent incidents affecting industry peers can provide some context and comparison for the IT risk profile, but it does not measure or explain the changes in the IT risk level or the control environment. Results of external attacks and related compensating controls can demonstrate the security and resilience of the IT systems and networks, but they do not cover the entire scope or spectrum of the IT risk profile or the control environment. A review of leading IT risk management practices within the industry can provide some insights and benchmarks for the IT risk management process, but it does not reflect the specific situation or needs of the organization or the stakeholders. References = Risk and Information Systems Control Study Manual, Chapter 5: Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting, page 181.

Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Mitigation attempts to reduce the impact of a risk event in case it occurs. Making plans to arrange for the leased equipment reduces the consequences of the risk and hence this response in mitigation.
B: Risk transfer means that impact of risk is reduced by transferring or otherwise sharing a portion of the risk with an external organization or another internal entity. Transfer of risk can occur in many forms but is most effective when dealing with financial risks. Insurance is one form of risk transfer.
Here there no such action is taken, hence it is not a risk transfer.
Incorrect Answers:
A: Risk avoidance means to evade risk altogether, eliminate the cause of the risk event, or change the project plan to protect the project objectives from the risk event. Risk avoidance is applied when the level of risk, even after the applying controls, would be greater than the risk tolerance level of the enterprise.
Hence this risk response is adopted when:
There is no other cost-effective response that can successfully reduce the likelihood and magnitude

below the defined thresholds for risk appetite.
The risk cannot be shared or transferred.

The risk is deemed unacceptable by management.

C: Risk acceptance means that no action is taken relative to a particular risk; loss is accepted if it occurs. If an enterprise adopts a risk acceptance, it should carefully consider who can accept the risk. Risk should be accepted only by senior management in relationship with senior management and the board. There are two alternatives to the acceptance strategy, passive and active.
Passive acceptance means that enterprise has made no plan to avoid or mitigate the risk but willing to

accept the consequences of the risk.
Active acceptance is the second strategy and might include developing contingency plans and reserves

to deal with risks.

Section: Volume D

A vulnerability assessment is a process that identifies and quantifies vulnerabilities in a system. It is the most effective process to determine the relevance of threats for risk scenarios as it helps in identifying potential security threats and vulnerabilities, quantifying the seriousness of each, and prioritizing techniques to mitigate attack and protect IT resources1.
References
2Identifying and Estimating Cybersecurity Risk for Enterprise Risk Management
3Threat Modeling Process | OWASP Foundation
1Threat modeling explained: A process for anticipating cyber attacks
4Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: A Guide - SafetyCulture
5How to Write Strong Risk Scenarios and Statements - ISACA