Glossary · Cyber
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
A systematic evaluation of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts to determine an organization's exposure to cyberattacks and data breaches.
Full definition
Cybersecurity risk assessment involves identifying critical assets, analyzing threat actors and attack vectors, evaluating existing security controls, and determining residual risk levels. Common methodologies include NIST 800-30, OCTAVE, and FAIR-based quantification approaches. Assessments typically result in prioritized recommendations and risk treatment plans. A healthcare provider conducting a cybersecurity risk assessment would inventory systems containing protected health information, evaluate threats like ransomware and insider access abuse, test controls such as encryption and access management, and produce a risk register prioritizing remediation based on likelihood and potential patient safety and privacy impacts.
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