Identify Potential Threats Before They Become An Issue

Risk assessments are designed to provide a clear indication of those organizational information assets that are at risk for a security breach. This allows for the informed, intelligent application of cybersecurity resources that are appropriate to secure those assets. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework — which was created through collaboration between industry and government — consists of standards, guidelines, and practices to promote the protection of critical infrastructure. The NIST cybersecurity framework states that the goal of a risk assessment is for an organization to understand the cybersecurity risk to organizational assets, individuals and organizational operations, including mission, functions, image, or reputation.