Question: A data center's HVAC system fails. Which immediate risk is most concerning?

A.  Fire

B.  Data theft

C.  Power outage

D.  Server overheating

Correct Answer:  D

Explanation:  

Fire: While it's possible that extreme overheating could eventually lead to a fire, the most immediate risk is the overheating itself, which could cause hardware to fail well before a fire occurs.

Data theft: The HVAC system's primary function is to control temperature and humidity, not to secure data. Therefore, its failure is unlikely to result in an immediate risk of data theft.

Power outage: HVAC failure is not directly related to the electrical supply, so it wouldn't necessarily cause a power outage. However, overheating could lead to hardware failure which might, in turn, affect power supplies, but this is a secondary effect.

Server overheating: This is the most immediate risk. Servers and other electronic equipment generate heat during operation, and without a working HVAC system to remove that heat, they can quickly overheat and fail.