Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam

How is risk best defined in the context of information security?

1. The chance that a security measure will fail

2. The likelihood of a threat exploiting a vulnerability

3. The total value of all assets in an organization

4. The exposure level of critical business processes

The correct answer is: The likelihood of a threat exploiting a vulnerability

In the context of information security, risk is best defined as the likelihood of a threat exploiting a vulnerability. This definition captures the essence of risk management, which involves understanding both the potential threats to an organization and the vulnerabilities that exist within its systems and processes. By assessing how likely it is that a specific threat will exploit a particular vulnerability, organizations can prioritize their security efforts and allocate resources accordingly. This understanding is crucial for developing effective security controls and mitigation strategies. It allows organizations to quantify and assess their risk exposure in a meaningful way, informing decision-making processes about where to implement safeguards and how to respond to potential incidents. Other definitions may encompass certain aspects of risk but do not capture the comprehensive nature of risk assessment in information security. For instance, focusing solely on the chance that a security measure will fail does not consider the broader context of threats and vulnerabilities. Adding up the total value of all assets in an organization gives an insight into the potential impact of loss but does not address the risk related to specific threats or vulnerabilities. Similarly, discussing the exposure level of critical business processes may indicate which processes are more sensitive or important but fails to articulate the dynamic interaction between threats and vulnerabilities that constitutes risk.