Interview Questions for Information Security and Compliance

Confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) are the three core principles of information security. Think of them as the three legs of a stool – if one is weak, the whole thing collapses.

• Confidentiality ensures that only authorized individuals or systems can access sensitive information. This is like having a locked safe for your valuables. Methods include encryption, access control lists, and data masking.
• Integrity guarantees the accuracy and completeness of data and prevents unauthorized modification. Imagine a tamper-evident seal on a package – if it’s broken, you know something’s wrong. Techniques include checksums, digital signatures, and version control.
• Availability ensures that authorized users have timely and reliable access to information and resources when needed. This is like having a backup generator for your home – if the power goes out, you still have light. Methods include redundancy, failover systems, and disaster recovery planning.

For example, a hospital’s patient records must maintain confidentiality (only authorized personnel can view them), integrity (records cannot be altered without detection), and availability (doctors need access to records when needed for treatment).

The CIA triad is a fundamental model for information security. It represents the three key characteristics that must be protected to ensure the security of information and systems.

Confidentiality prevents unauthorized disclosure of information. Integrity ensures the accuracy and completeness of information and prevents unauthorized modification. Availability ensures timely and reliable access to information and resources for authorized users.

The importance of the CIA triad lies in its ability to provide a framework for identifying and mitigating risks. By focusing on protecting these three characteristics, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to security threats. Failure to address any one of these aspects can have serious consequences, ranging from financial loss and reputational damage to legal repercussions and even loss of life (imagine a hospital system being unavailable during an emergency).

In short, the CIA triad is a crucial framework for building a robust and effective information security program.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary framework that provides a set of guidelines and best practices for organizations to manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. It’s not a prescriptive regulation but rather a flexible tool adaptable to various organizational sizes and sectors.

The key principles are organized into five core functions:

• Identify: Understanding your assets, systems, and data, as well as associated risks. Think of it as taking inventory of what you need to protect.
• Protect: Developing and implementing safeguards to limit or contain the impact of a cybersecurity event. This involves access control, data loss prevention, etc.
• Detect: Identifying the occurrence of a cybersecurity event. This often involves intrusion detection systems, security information and event management (SIEM) tools and regular security monitoring.
• Respond: Taking action regarding a detected cybersecurity event. This requires a well-defined incident response plan.
• Recover: Restoring any capabilities or services that were impaired during a cybersecurity event, and improving resilience to future events. This includes backup and recovery procedures and post-incident analysis.

Each function contains sub-categories providing detailed guidance. The CSF uses a tiered approach, allowing organizations to assess their current cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement. The framework’s flexibility makes it applicable across diverse organizations, regardless of size or industry.

Symmetric and asymmetric encryption are two fundamental methods for securing data, differing mainly in how they manage encryption keys.

• Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same secret key to encrypt and decrypt data. Think of it like a padlock with one key – both sender and receiver need the same key to lock and unlock the message. Examples include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard). It’s faster but requires secure key exchange, as distributing the same key to multiple parties can be challenging.
• Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. It’s like a mailbox with a slot (public key) for anyone to drop a letter in, but only the owner has the key (private key) to open it. RSA and ECC are common examples. It’s slower than symmetric encryption but eliminates the need for secure key exchange. The public key can be widely distributed.

In practice, often a hybrid approach is used. Asymmetric encryption is used to securely exchange the symmetric key, then faster symmetric encryption is used for the actual data transmission. This combines the security benefits of asymmetric encryption with the speed of symmetric encryption.

Malware encompasses various types of malicious software designed to harm or disrupt computer systems. Here are some common types and mitigation strategies:

• Viruses: Self-replicating programs that attach to other files. Mitigation: Antivirus software, regular updates, careful file downloads.
• Worms: Self-replicating programs that spread independently across networks. Mitigation: Network security measures (firewalls, intrusion detection), patching vulnerabilities.
• Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software but perform malicious actions. Mitigation: Careful software downloads, avoiding suspicious links, robust endpoint security.
• Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release. Mitigation: Regular backups (offline), security awareness training, strong passwords, patching vulnerabilities.
• Spyware: Monitors user activity and steals information. Mitigation: Anti-spyware software, strong privacy settings, avoiding suspicious websites.
• Adware: Displays unwanted advertisements. Mitigation: Ad-blocking software, careful software installations.

Overall mitigation strategies include keeping software updated, using strong passwords, practicing safe browsing habits, regularly backing up data, and employing robust security software.

A vulnerability assessment is a systematic process to identify weaknesses in a system’s security controls. It helps organizations proactively address potential threats before they can be exploited.

The process typically involves these steps:

1. Planning and scoping: Define the assets to be assessed, the timeframe, and the tools to be used.
2. Information gathering: Collect information about the system’s architecture, configuration, and software. This may involve network scans, manual reviews, and interviews.
3. Vulnerability scanning: Use automated tools to identify known vulnerabilities. These tools scan for open ports, outdated software, and misconfigurations.
4. Penetration testing (optional): Simulate real-world attacks to assess the effectiveness of security controls. This is more in-depth than vulnerability scanning.
5. Vulnerability analysis and prioritization: Evaluate the identified vulnerabilities to determine their severity and potential impact. This involves considering factors like exploitability and confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.
6. Reporting: Document the findings, including the identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommendations for remediation.
7. Remediation: Implement the recommended fixes to address the identified vulnerabilities.
8. Follow-up and retesting: Verify the effectiveness of the remediation efforts by conducting follow-up scans and tests.

Regular vulnerability assessments are crucial for maintaining a strong security posture and minimizing the risk of successful attacks.

Incident response planning is vital for effectively handling cybersecurity incidents. A well-defined plan outlines the steps an organization will take to detect, analyze, contain, eradicate, recover from, and learn from a security breach.

Its importance stems from several factors:

• Minimizing damage: A rapid and effective response can limit the impact of an incident, reducing data loss, financial losses, and reputational damage.
• Ensuring business continuity: A robust plan helps ensure that critical business functions can continue operating even during an incident.
• Meeting compliance requirements: Many regulations and standards require organizations to have an incident response plan in place.
• Improving security posture: Analyzing past incidents helps organizations identify weaknesses in their security controls and implement improvements.

An effective incident response plan should include clear roles and responsibilities, communication procedures, escalation paths, and a detailed recovery strategy. Regular testing and training are crucial to ensure the plan’s effectiveness. Think of it as a fire drill – you don’t want to be figuring out what to do when the fire actually starts.

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is a documented process that details how an organization will continue operating during and after a disruptive event. Think of it as a roadmap for survival. It ensures minimal disruption to critical business functions, protecting reputation, revenue, and employee safety.

• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential threats (natural disasters, cyberattacks, pandemics) and their impact on the business.
• Business Impact Analysis (BIA): Determining the critical functions and their recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO). For example, a hospital’s RTO for emergency services would be much lower than a marketing firm’s RTO for email.
• Recovery Strategies: Defining procedures for restoring critical systems and operations. This might include data backups, failover systems, alternative work locations, or vendor agreements.
• Testing and Maintenance: Regularly testing the plan to identify weaknesses and ensuring its relevance. This often involves tabletop exercises and full-scale drills.
• Communication Plan: Outlining how to communicate with employees, customers, and stakeholders during and after an incident. Clear communication is crucial for maintaining trust and managing expectations.
• Training and Awareness: Educating employees on their roles and responsibilities in the BCP.

For example, a financial institution might include a plan to switch to a redundant data center in a different geographical location in case of a natural disaster, ensuring continued service to its customers. A small business might focus on having a cloud-based backup and a simple communication protocol to keep clients informed.

My penetration testing experience spans various methodologies, including black box, white box, and grey box testing. I’m proficient in using automated tools like Nessus and Burp Suite, alongside manual techniques to identify vulnerabilities.

Black box testing simulates a real-world attack, where the tester has no prior knowledge of the system. This approach helps uncover vulnerabilities that might be missed by internal teams familiar with the system’s architecture. A recent black box test I conducted for a client revealed a critical SQL injection vulnerability that could have allowed an attacker to access sensitive customer data.

White box testing involves the tester having full knowledge of the system’s architecture, code, and configuration. This allows for more targeted testing, focusing on specific components and potential weaknesses. This technique is beneficial for identifying vulnerabilities within the code itself, like buffer overflows or insecure coding practices.

Grey box testing sits in the middle, providing the tester with partial knowledge of the system. This mirrors a scenario where an attacker might have gained some information about the target through social engineering or reconnaissance. It offers a balanced approach, combining the strengths of both black and white box methodologies. In a grey box engagement, I helped a client identify a vulnerability in their web application’s authentication process by leveraging publicly available information about the application’s framework.

Beyond specific methodologies, I focus on adhering to ethical and legal guidelines, always ensuring I have appropriate authorization before commencing any testing activities and respecting the client’s boundaries. Detailed reporting and clear communication of findings are crucial to providing actionable recommendations.

Several key regulatory compliance frameworks govern data security and privacy, each with specific requirements:

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Protects the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) in the healthcare industry. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and reputational damage.
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Governs the processing of personal data within the European Union and the European Economic Area. It emphasizes data subject rights and stringent data protection measures. Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines.
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): Mandates security standards for organizations that handle credit card information. It covers various areas, including network security, access control, and vulnerability management. Non-compliance can lead to payment processing suspensions and fines.
• SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act): Focuses on corporate governance and financial reporting, indirectly influencing security practices through its requirements for accurate and reliable financial data. This means security measures need to protect the integrity of financial data and systems.

Each framework has unique requirements, but they all emphasize the importance of data protection, risk management, and security awareness. Understanding these frameworks is crucial for organizations to operate legally and ethically.

Handling security incidents and breaches requires a structured and methodical approach. My process aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and typically involves these steps:

1. Preparation: Developing incident response plans and procedures, including roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and escalation paths.
2. Identification: Detecting the incident through monitoring tools, alerts, or reports. This is where SIEM systems play a critical role.
3. Containment: Isolating the affected systems or networks to prevent further damage or spread. This might involve shutting down affected servers or blocking malicious traffic.
4. Eradication: Removing the threat and restoring affected systems to a secure state. This often requires malware removal, patching vulnerabilities, and resetting compromised accounts.
5. Recovery: Restoring systems to normal operations and validating their functionality. This includes data recovery and system testing.
6. Post-Incident Activity: Conducting a thorough post-incident review to identify the root cause, improve security controls, and update incident response plans. This involves documenting everything thoroughly.

In a recent incident, a phishing email led to a compromised user account. We followed our incident response plan, immediately contained the threat by disabling the account, conducted a forensic analysis, eradicated the malware, and implemented multi-factor authentication to prevent future attacks. A comprehensive post-incident report helped us improve our security awareness training and strengthen our phishing defenses.

Risk management frameworks provide a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks. They help organizations prioritize their security investments and ensure they are addressing the most significant threats.

Popular frameworks include:

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A voluntary framework that provides a set of guidelines and best practices for managing cybersecurity risks. It focuses on five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
• ISO 27001: An internationally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It establishes a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS.
• COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies): A framework that focuses on IT governance and management, aligning IT with business objectives.

These frameworks generally involve the following steps:

1. Risk Identification: Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the likelihood and impact of each risk.
3. Risk Response: Developing strategies to mitigate, transfer, avoid, or accept each risk. This might include implementing security controls, purchasing insurance, or changing business processes.
4. Risk Monitoring and Review: Regularly monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of risk management strategies.

Using a framework ensures a systematic and consistent approach to risk management, preventing organizations from reacting to threats haphazardly and focusing efforts where they are most effective.

Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) are both crucial security components, but they operate differently:

Firewall: A firewall acts as a gatekeeper, controlling network traffic based on pre-defined rules. It examines the source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols to determine whether to allow or block the traffic. Think of it as a bouncer at a club, only allowing specific people (traffic) in based on the rules.

IDS/IPS: An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) passively monitors network traffic for malicious activity. It analyzes network packets looking for suspicious patterns and generates alerts. An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) goes a step further – it actively blocks malicious traffic based on those detected patterns. Think of it as a security guard watching for suspicious behavior and either sounding an alarm (IDS) or physically stopping the threat (IPS).

In essence, a firewall controls network access based on rules, while an IDS/IPS monitors for and responds to malicious activity. They are often used together to provide comprehensive network security. A firewall might block known malicious IP addresses, while an IPS might detect and block more sophisticated attacks that attempt to bypass firewall rules.

My experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems encompasses deployment, configuration, and analysis. I’m familiar with several leading SIEM platforms, including Splunk, QRadar, and ArcSight. I’ve used these systems to collect, analyze, and correlate security logs from various sources, providing valuable insights into network activity and potential threats.

My tasks have included:

• Log Collection and Aggregation: Configuring SIEM systems to collect logs from firewalls, servers, routers, and other network devices. This involves understanding different log formats and ensuring efficient data ingestion.
• Rule Creation and Tuning: Developing and refining security rules to detect malicious activities such as unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, and data exfiltration. This often involves using regular expressions and other pattern-matching techniques.
• Incident Response: Using SIEM data to investigate security incidents, identify root causes, and take appropriate action. The ability to correlate events across multiple systems is critical in this process.
• Reporting and Dashboards: Creating custom reports and dashboards to monitor security posture and identify trends. This allows for proactive identification of security risks and vulnerabilities.

For example, using Splunk, I was able to correlate logs from multiple sources to identify a series of compromised user accounts, ultimately leading to the discovery of a sophisticated phishing campaign targeting our organization. The SIEM system’s ability to correlate these seemingly disparate events was essential in quickly identifying and resolving the incident.

Vulnerability scanning tools are essential for proactive security. They automate the process of identifying weaknesses in systems and applications, allowing us to address them before malicious actors exploit them. My experience spans various tools, including Nessus, OpenVAS, and QualysGuard. I’m proficient in configuring these tools to scan different types of assets, from web applications and servers to network devices. For example, when working with a client’s e-commerce platform, I used Nessus to scan their web servers, identifying vulnerabilities like outdated software versions and SQL injection flaws. Then, I prioritized remediation based on the Criticality and severity scores provided by the scanner, focusing first on high-risk vulnerabilities like those enabling remote code execution. Beyond the technical aspects, I’m adept at interpreting scan results, understanding false positives, and collaborating with development teams to implement effective patches and mitigations. Furthermore, I ensure that vulnerability scanning is integrated into a continuous process, incorporating it into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for early detection and prevention.

Access control models define how users and systems are granted access to resources. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on roles within an organization. For instance, a ‘Marketing Manager’ might have access to marketing data and campaign management tools but not financial records. This simplifies administration and improves security by managing permissions at the group level rather than individually. Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) is more granular, granting access based on attributes of the user, the resource, and the environment. For example, access to a sensitive document could be granted only to employees located in a specific office, during business hours, and with appropriate clearance levels. ABAC provides greater flexibility and context-awareness, making it suitable for complex environments where fine-grained control is needed. I’ve implemented both RBAC and ABAC in various settings, leveraging Active Directory for RBAC and custom solutions based on policy engines for ABAC scenarios, always considering the principle of least privilege – granting only the minimum necessary access to complete tasks.

Data security in cloud environments requires a multi-layered approach. It begins with selecting a reputable cloud provider and understanding their security certifications and compliance offerings (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2). Next, I leverage cloud-native security features like encryption at rest and in transit. This includes encrypting data stored in databases and storage services, as well as securing communication channels using protocols like HTTPS and TLS. IAM (Identity and Access Management) is crucial. This involves implementing strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and granular access controls to limit who can access specific resources. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, are essential to identify and address vulnerabilities. Finally, a robust incident response plan is crucial, outlining steps to take in case of a data breach or security incident. For example, when migrating a client’s on-premise database to AWS, I ensured data encryption at rest using AWS KMS, implemented IAM roles with least privilege access, and configured CloudTrail for logging and monitoring. Regular security audits were scheduled to maintain compliance and identify potential risks proactively.

Security awareness training is fundamental for building a strong security culture. I’ve designed and delivered numerous training programs covering phishing awareness, password security, social engineering tactics, and data protection policies. My approach involves a blend of interactive modules, real-world examples, and engaging scenarios – including simulated phishing attacks to test employee vigilance. The goal is not just to convey information but to change behaviour. For example, I developed a phishing simulation for a financial institution, sending out realistic phishing emails to assess employee susceptibility. The results informed targeted training, focusing on specific areas where employees demonstrated weaknesses. Post-training assessments and follow-up reinforcement are also important to measure effectiveness and ensure lasting impact. Tracking metrics such as successful phishing attempts and reported suspicious emails provides valuable insights for continuously improving the training program.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) measures protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The importance stems from the regulatory requirements (like GDPR, HIPAA) and the potential financial and reputational damage from data breaches. DLP involves a combination of technical and procedural controls. Technically, this includes implementing data encryption, access controls, and network segmentation. Procedurally, this means establishing clear data handling policies, employee training on data security best practices, and regular data audits. For example, I worked with a healthcare provider to implement DLP measures, including encrypting patient data at rest and in transit, implementing strong access controls, and establishing a strict data handling policy that employees must acknowledge and adhere to. Regular data audits helped ensure that sensitive data was not being misused or stored in insecure locations. The key is a layered approach, combining technical safeguards with well-defined policies and procedures.

Staying current in information security requires a proactive approach. I regularly follow industry news sources like Krebs on Security, Threatpost, and SANS Institute publications. I actively participate in online security communities, forums, and attend webinars and conferences. Certifications like CISSP and CISM demonstrate my commitment to continuous learning and provide a framework for staying updated on the latest threats and best practices. Furthermore, I subscribe to vulnerability databases like the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and actively monitor security advisories from software vendors. This holistic approach ensures that I remain informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and changes in the regulatory landscape. This allows me to effectively advise clients and make informed decisions on security strategies.

Implementing security policies and procedures is a crucial aspect of establishing a strong security posture. This goes beyond simply writing policies; it involves developing clear, concise, and actionable documents that are easily understood and followed by all employees. The process starts with a thorough risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This assessment then informs the creation of policies that address specific risks, including access controls, data handling procedures, incident response protocols, and acceptable use policies. Policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in technology, threats, and regulatory requirements. Effective implementation includes training employees on the policies, providing regular communication, and establishing mechanisms for reporting security incidents. For example, I helped a large corporation develop a comprehensive security policy framework, including policies on data classification, access control, incident response, and acceptable use of company resources. To ensure compliance, we held regular training sessions, updated the policies annually, and provided a secure channel for employees to report security incidents.

Security auditing and compliance reporting are intertwined processes crucial for maintaining a robust security posture and demonstrating adherence to regulatory requirements. Security auditing involves systematically examining an organization’s security controls to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This can involve reviewing logs, conducting penetration testing, and assessing physical security measures. Compliance reporting, on the other hand, focuses on documenting the organization’s adherence to specific regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS. This involves gathering evidence from audits and other sources to demonstrate compliance and often requires generating reports for internal and external stakeholders.

For example, a security audit might reveal that a server’s firewall isn’t properly configured, allowing unauthorized access. The compliance report would then need to document the issue, the remediation steps taken (e.g., firewall rule updates), and evidence proving that the vulnerability has been resolved. Failing to address such vulnerabilities could lead to non-compliance, resulting in penalties, reputational damage, or data breaches.

The two processes work hand-in-hand. Audits identify areas needing improvement, while reporting demonstrates that those improvements have been implemented and are effective. A well-structured auditing program feeds directly into robust compliance reporting, making demonstrating compliance much easier and more credible.

Balancing security and usability is a constant challenge. Think of it like a seesaw: too much security can cripple usability, making systems frustrating to use and ultimately leading to users finding workarounds that compromise security. Too little security leaves the organization vulnerable. The goal is to find the sweet spot in the middle.

This requires a layered approach. We should employ strong authentication methods (like multi-factor authentication), but make them user-friendly with clear instructions and minimal friction. Access controls should be granular, allowing users access only to the resources they need, while making it intuitive for them to work within those constraints. Clear security policies and training are essential to educating users on best practices and empowering them to make good security choices.

For instance, enforcing complex passwords enhances security, but imposing excessively strict password requirements can lead to password fatigue, making users write them down or use weak, easily guessable passwords. A better solution might be to implement password managers and provide strong security awareness training to ensure users understand the importance of password security.

In a previous role, we detected unusual activity on a production database. Initial analysis suggested potential unauthorized access. We had a short window to decide whether to shut down the database immediately, potentially causing significant disruption to the business, or to continue monitoring while investigating, risking a potential data breach. Both options had significant downsides.

The decision-making process involved a risk assessment weighing the potential damage of a breach against the impact of service disruption. We considered the sensitivity of the data, the ongoing business needs, and the likely success of quickly isolating the threat. We also involved key stakeholders from different departments to gain a broader perspective and ensure buy-in for the chosen action.

Ultimately, we opted for a controlled shutdown after isolating the affected areas. This minimized the disruption while ensuring containment. Post-incident analysis revealed a compromised employee credential, highlighting the importance of strong access control and regular security awareness training. This event underscored the importance of having a well-defined incident response plan and regularly practicing it.

Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversarial behavior. It involves transforming data into an unreadable format (encryption) and then reversing this process (decryption) using a secret key or algorithm. Think of it as a secret code used to protect sensitive information.

Its applications are vast. Symmetric cryptography, where the same key is used for encryption and decryption (e.g., AES), is widely used for securing data at rest and in transit. Asymmetric cryptography, employing separate keys for encryption and decryption (e.g., RSA), is fundamental for digital signatures and public key infrastructure (PKI) enabling secure communication over the internet. Hashing algorithms, like SHA-256, create unique fingerprints of data, used for data integrity checks and password storage.

Examples include using HTTPS to encrypt web traffic, employing digital signatures to verify the authenticity of software downloads, and using encryption to protect sensitive data stored in databases. Modern security heavily relies on cryptography to protect data privacy and ensure secure communication across various platforms.

I’ve worked with a range of authentication methods, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Password-based authentication, while common, is vulnerable to phishing and brute-force attacks. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), combining something you know (password), something you have (phone), and something you are (biometrics), significantly improves security by adding layers of protection. Biometric authentication, using fingerprints or facial recognition, offers strong security but raises privacy concerns. Token-based authentication, using one-time passwords or time-based tokens, enhances security, especially for privileged access.

In practice, selecting the appropriate method depends on the sensitivity of the data and the risk tolerance of the organization. For example, high-security systems may require MFA and biometric authentication, while less critical systems might use strong password policies coupled with MFA. A robust authentication strategy often involves a combination of techniques for a layered security approach.

I have experience integrating and managing various authentication systems, including RADIUS, TACACS+, and OAuth, understanding the nuances of each and their integration with various applications and platforms.

Prioritizing security risks and vulnerabilities is critical. I typically use a risk-based approach, considering the likelihood of an event occurring (probability) and the potential impact if it does (severity). The combination of these two factors determines the overall risk level.

A common framework is the DREAD model: Damage Potential, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected Users, and Discoverability. This helps quantify the risk associated with each vulnerability. Another important factor is the cost of mitigation – addressing a high-risk vulnerability might require significant investment, while a low-risk one may not. A cost-benefit analysis helps determine the appropriate response.

Prioritization isn’t static. It’s an ongoing process that must be reevaluated regularly. New threats and vulnerabilities emerge constantly, requiring a dynamic approach to risk management. My approach involves regularly reviewing vulnerability scans, penetration testing results, and security event logs to update the risk register and adjust priorities accordingly.