What is the main outcome of effective risk assessment?

The main outcome of effective risk assessment is understanding and prioritizing risks. This process involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities that could negatively impact an organization. By understanding these risks, an organization can assess their likelihood and potential impact, which is essential for developing a prioritized approach to risk management.

Prioritizing risks enables the organization to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that the most significant threats are addressed first. It allows decision-makers to make informed choices about risk mitigation strategies, investing in appropriate controls to minimize exposure. This understanding is the foundation for fostering a security-conscious culture and improving overall resilience against threats.

The focus is not on eliminating all security threats, as this is often impractical; rather, it involves managing and mitigating risks to acceptable levels. While standardized security protocols can be beneficial, they are not the primary outcome of risk assessment itself. A detailed report of all software is more related to inventory management or software asset management rather than the essential insights gained from assessing risks.