What is the purpose of a risk assessment in cybersecurity?

The purpose of a risk assessment in cybersecurity is to identify and evaluate potential risks to the organization's information assets. This process involves systematically analyzing the different types of threats and vulnerabilities that can affect an organization’s data and systems. By doing this, organizations can better understand the level of risk associated with various activities and make informed decisions on how to mitigate those risks.

Risk assessments help organizations prioritize their security measures by focusing on the most significant threats and vulnerabilities they face. This proactive approach enables them to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that critical assets are protected from harm while addressing the potential impact of those risks on business operations. Through risk assessments, organizations can also ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding their reputation and minimizing liability.

The other options do not align with the core objectives of a risk assessment. For instance, installing security cameras, increasing internet speed, or developing marketing strategies are outside the scope of risk assessment activities, which specifically focus on identifying and managing cybersecurity risks.