(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

In risk management, what is defined as something or someone that poses a risk to an organization or its assets?

1. Control

2. Threat

3. Vulnerability

4. Asset

The correct answer is: Threat

The correct answer is the term that specifically denotes anything or anyone that can cause harm to an organization or its assets. In the context of risk management, a threat encompasses a wide range of potential dangers, including cyber attacks, natural disasters, insider threats, and more. It is the entity or event that has the potential to exploit a vulnerability and lead to a negative outcome for the organization. Understanding what constitutes a threat is fundamental for identifying and prioritizing risks within an organization. It helps in formulating strategies to mitigate or manage those risks effectively, therefore safeguarding assets and ensuring the continuity of operations. A control refers to safeguards or countermeasures put in place to reduce risks associated with threats. A vulnerability is a weakness in a system or process that can be exploited by a threat to cause harm. An asset refers to anything of value to the organization, which is what needs protection from threats. Recognizing the distinction among these terms is essential for effective risk management.