What is a security risk assessment?

A security risk assessment is a comprehensive process that involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential security risks that could threaten the safety and security of assets, personnel, or information within an organization. It serves as a foundational element of security management by helping organizations understand vulnerabilities and the likelihood of various threats.

This process typically includes several key components: the identification of assets that need protection, assessment of potential threats to those assets, an evaluation of existing security measures, and prioritization based on the level of risk associated with each identified threat. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, organizations can develop effective strategies to mitigate risks, allocate resources wisely, and implement appropriate security measures to safeguard against potential incidents.

The other options do not capture the essence of a security risk assessment effectively. Training personnel focuses on skill development rather than risk identification and evaluation, while checklists of equipment or procedures for filing incident reports pertain to operational aspects of security rather than the strategic assessment of vulnerabilities and threats.