Study for the ITIL 4 Foundation Exam with comprehensive multiple choice questions and flashcards. Each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which scenario is a potential risk in an IT service environment?

  1. A server upgrade that has been previously successful

  2. A planned outage for routine maintenance

  3. An unexpected failure during a critical operation

  4. A scheduled service evaluation meeting

The correct answer is: An unexpected failure during a critical operation

In an IT service environment, unexpected failures during critical operations represent a significant potential risk. This scenario highlights the vulnerability that may arise when systems or processes do not perform as anticipated, possibly leading to service interruptions, data loss, or other adverse effects on business operations. Such failures can escalate into broader issues, impacting the overall reliability and availability of IT services, which can have serious consequences for an organization. In contrast, a server upgrade that has been successful in the past, a planned outage for routine maintenance, and a scheduled service evaluation meeting are generally controlled and anticipated events. They are planned with specific objectives and procedures to mitigate risk and ensure service continuity. While they may carry their own inherent risks, they are manageable and are part of regular operational practices aimed at improving service quality or ensuring system stability.