What kind of risks does information security assess?

Information security assesses a range of threats and vulnerabilities, which encompasses not just technical risks, but also human factors, physical security issues, and operational challenges. This comprehensive approach enables organizations to identify potential risks that could undermine the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

By evaluating various aspects, such as cyber threats, insider threats, accidental data loss, and physical theft, information security can create a more robust defense against diverse attack vectors. This holistic view is essential because risks do not occur in isolation; for example, a breach could result from a combination of technical vulnerabilities and poor employee training.

In contrast, focusing solely on technical risks misses important aspects that could expose an organization, such as social engineering attacks or inadequate policies and procedures. Examining only data loss or unauthorized disclosures, as suggested by some other options, limits the assessment to specific scenarios, which could leave an organization vulnerable to other types of threats that aren’t immediately apparent. Thus, adopting a broad perspective on risk is crucial for effective information security management.