What is the primary goal of risk assessment in cybersecurity?

The primary goal of risk assessment in cybersecurity is to identify and evaluate security risks. This process involves systematically examining potential threats to an organization's information systems, assessing the vulnerabilities that may be exploited, and determining the potential impact of different security incidents.

By identifying and evaluating these risks, organizations can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources and implement measures to mitigate those risks effectively. This foundational step informs the overall risk management strategy, ensuring that protective measures are aligned with the actual security landscape that the organization faces.

While ensuring compliance with regulations, enhancing system usability, and budget allocation are important aspects of an organization’s broader strategy, they are secondary to the immediate need to understand and manage risks. Prioritizing risk identification and assessment enables an organization to develop effective controls, respond to incidents, and protect vital information assets.