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CRISC · Question #461

Which of the following activities is a responsibility of the second line of defense?

The correct answer is A. Challenging risk decision making. The second line of defense is responsible for overseeing and challenging the first line's risk management activities and decisions.

Submitted by satoshi_tk· Apr 18, 2026Governance

Question

Which of the following activities is a responsibility of the second line of defense?

Options

  • AChallenging risk decision making
  • BDeveloping controls to manage risk scenarios
  • CImplementing risk response plans
  • DEstablishing organizational risk appetite

How the community answered

(31 responses)
  • A
    87% (27)
  • B
    3% (1)
  • C
    6% (2)
  • D
    3% (1)

Why each option

The second line of defense is responsible for overseeing and challenging the first line's risk management activities and decisions.

AChallenging risk decision makingCorrect

The second line of defense, often comprising risk management and compliance functions, provides oversight and challenges the first line's risk decisions and control effectiveness. Their role is to ensure that risk management processes are properly designed and executed across the organization.

BDeveloping controls to manage risk scenarios

Developing controls to manage risk scenarios is primarily a responsibility of the first line of defense, which owns and manages the risks.

CImplementing risk response plans

Implementing risk response plans is an operational activity performed by the first line of defense as they execute their daily tasks.

DEstablishing organizational risk appetite

Establishing organizational risk appetite is a strategic responsibility typically held by the board and senior management, often supported by the second line but not directly their primary activity.

Concept tested: Three Lines of Defense model

Source: https://www.iia.org.uk/about-us/advocacy/three-lines-model/

Topics

#Three Lines of Defense#Risk Governance#Second Line of Defense#Risk Oversight

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