How do you monitor and update network security risk assessment over time?

1 Step 1: Define the scope and objectives

Before you start assessing the risks, you need to define the scope and objectives of your network security risk assessment. The scope determines the boundaries and limitations of your assessment, such as the network segments, devices, applications, data, and users that you will include or exclude. The objectives define the purpose and expected outcomes of your assessment, such as the compliance requirements, security standards, or business goals that you want to achieve or align with.

2 Step 2: Identify the assets and threats

The next step is to identify the assets and threats that are relevant to your network security risk assessment. Assets are the valuable resources that you want to protect, such as hardware, software, data, or services. Threats are the potential sources of harm or damage to your assets, such as hackers, malware, natural disasters, or human errors. You can use various methods and tools to inventory your assets and threats, such as network scanning, asset management, threat intelligence, or interviews.

3 Step 3: Analyze the vulnerabilities and impacts

After identifying the assets and threats, you need to analyze the vulnerabilities and impacts that could result from a successful attack or incident. Vulnerabilities are the weaknesses or gaps in your network security that could be exploited by threats, such as outdated software, misconfigured settings, or lack of encryption. Impacts are the negative consequences or losses that could affect your network or business, such as downtime, data breach, or reputation damage. You can use various methods and tools to assess your vulnerabilities and impacts, such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, impact analysis, or risk matrices.

5 Step 5: Implement and document the controls

After prioritizing the risks, you need to implement and document the controls that will help you reduce, transfer, avoid, or accept the risks. Controls are the measures or actions that you take to improve your network security and mitigate the risks, such as patching, encryption, backup, firewall, or training. You can use various methods and tools to select and document your controls, such as control frameworks, best practices, policies, or procedures. The goal is to align your controls with your objectives and standards, and to document them for evidence and accountability.

6 Step 6: Monitor and update the assessment

The last step is to monitor and update your network security risk assessment over time. Network security is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires regular review and revision. You need to monitor the effectiveness and performance of your controls, and update your assessment based on the changes in your network environment, threat landscape, or business needs. You can use various methods and tools to monitor and update your assessment, such as audits, reports, alerts, or feedback. The goal is to ensure that your network security risk assessment remains relevant and accurate.