What does "System under Consideration" (SuC) refer to in risk assessment?

"System under Consideration" (SuC) refers to the totality of assets and their security requirements. In the context of risk assessment, the SuC encompasses not only individual components but also how these components interrelate to form a complete system. This includes not just hardware and software but also processes, personnel, and the organizational environment in which they operate.

Identifying the SuC is crucial as it sets the boundaries for what is being evaluated for risk. It ensures that all relevant components are considered during the risk assessment process. This holistic view helps in understanding how various assets contribute to the overall security posture and what vulnerabilities may exist when these assets are interacting.

While evaluating individual components is indeed part of the assessment process, defining the SuC is broader and includes the interdependencies and collective security requirements of all components within the system. It serves as a foundation for identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and ultimately determining the risk to the entire system, rather than just isolated parts. This comprehensive perspective is critical for effective risk management and response strategies.