Vulnerability classification TO MTBF

Vulnerability classification

Categorizing vulnerabilities based on their characteristics

Exposure factor

Measure of the potential impact of a vulnerability

Environmental variables

Factors that influence the impact of a vulnerability in a specific environment

Industry/organizational impact

Assessing the impact of vulnerabilities on specific industries or organizations

Risk tolerance

An organization's willingness to accept or mitigate risks

Vulnerability response and remediation

Actions taken to address and fix vulnerabilities

Patching

Applying updates or fixes to software to address vulnerabilities

Insurance

Coverage to mitigate financial losses due to cybersecurity incidents

Segmentation

Dividing a network into smaller segments to contain potential attacks

Compensating controls

Alternate security measures implemented to mitigate vulnerabilities

Exceptions and exemptions

Allowances made for specific cases where vulnerabilities cannot be immediately addressed

Validation of remediation

Process of verifying that vulnerabilities have been successfully addressed

Rescanning

Performing another vulnerability scan after remediation

Audit

Examination of systems/processes to ensure compliance and effectiveness

Verification

Confirming that vulnerabilities have been fixed and are no longer present

Reporting

Documenting and communicating the findings and actions taken

Monitoring computing resources

The process of tracking and observing computer systems, applications, and infrastructure to ensure their optimal performance, security, and availability.

Log aggregation

The practice of collecting and consolidating log data from various sources, such as servers, applications, and network devices, to gain a comprehensive view of system activities and troubleshoot issues.

Alerting

The act of notifying users or administrators about potential issues or threats detected by monitoring systems, enabling timely response and mitigation.

Scanning

The process of examining computer systems or networks to identify vulnerabilities, security weaknesses, or potential risks that may compromise their integrity or confidentiality.

Reporting

The generation and presentation of information about the status or performance of computing resources, providing insights for decision-making, troubleshooting, and compliance purposes.

Archiving

The practice of storing data for long-term retention and future reference, ensuring its availability and integrity for compliance, analysis, or historical purposes.

Alert response and remediation/validation

The process of taking immediate action to address and resolve identified alerts, followed by validation to ensure the effectiveness of the response and mitigate potential risks.

Quarantine

The act of isolating potentially compromised systems or resources to prevent further harm, containing the impact of security incidents and facilitating investigation and remediation.

Alert tuning

The adjustment of alert settings to reduce false positives or improve detection accuracy, optimizing the monitoring system's ability to identify genuine threats and minimize unnecessary notifications.

Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP)

A set of standards and specifications for automating security-related tasks, including vulnerability management, configuration assessment, and compliance checking.

Benchmarks

Reference points or standards used to evaluate and measure system performance or security, providing a basis for comparison, optimization, and adherence to industry best practices.

Agents/agentless

Software agents or methods that collect and transmit data for monitoring purposes, or monitoring without the need for dedicated agents, respectively.

Security information and event management (SIEM)

A system that collects and analyzes security event data from various sources, enabling real-time threat detection, incident response, and compliance monitoring.

Antivirus

Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, protecting computer systems and data from viruses, worms, trojans, and other types of malware.

Data loss prevention (DLP)

Technologies and strategies aimed at preventing unauthorized access or leakage of sensitive data, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) traps

Notifications sent by network devices to a central management system for monitoring and troubleshooting, providing information about network events, performance, and errors.

NetFlow

A network protocol used for monitoring and collecting IP traffic information, enabling network administrators to analyze and optimize network performance, detect anomalies, and troubleshoot issues.

Vulnerability scanners

Tools that identify and assess vulnerabilities in computer systems or networks, helping organizations proactively address security risks and strengthen their overall security posture.

Firewall

A security device that monitors and controls network traffic based on predetermined rules.

Access lists

Lists of rules that determine network traffic permissions.

Ports/protocols

Specific communication endpoints and rules for transmitting data between devices.

Screened subnets

A network architecture that separates and protects internal networks from external networks using firewalls.

IDS/IPS

Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System - Security systems that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and prevent attacks.

Trends

Patterns in network security threats and attacks.

Signatures

Patterns of known malicious activity used by IDS/IPS systems to identify and block threats.

Web filter

A security tool that blocks or filters web content based on predefined rules or categories.

Agent-based

A type of web filter that requires software installation on devices to enforce web filtering policies.

Centralized proxy

A server that acts as an intermediary between client devices and the internet, providing web filtering and caching.

URL scanning

The process of analyzing URLs to determine if they are safe or malicious.

Content categorization

The classification of web content into categories based on its nature or purpose.

Block rules

Rules that prevent access to specific websites or web content.

Reputation

A measure of the trustworthiness or reliability of a website or IP address based on historical data.

Operating system security

Measures and practices to protect the operating system of a computer or device from unauthorized access or attacks.

Group Policy

A feature in Windows operating systems that allows administrators to manage and enforce security settings across a network.

SELinux

Security-Enhanced Linux - A security framework for Linux that provides access control and mandatory access control policies.

Secure protocols

Configuring and using communication protocols to protect data during transmission.

Protocol selection

Choosing the appropriate network protocol based on security requirements and compatibility.

Port selection

Choosing specific network ports for communication based on security and functionality needs.

Transport method

The method used to transmit data between devices, such as wired or wireless communication.

DNS filtering

Blocking or allowing access to websites or domains based on DNS queries.

Email security

Measures and protocols to protect email communication from unauthorized access or malicious content.

DMARC

An email authentication protocol that helps prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.

DKIM

An email authentication method that allows the sender to digitally sign the email to verify its authenticity.

SPF

An email authentication protocol that verifies the sender's IP address to prevent email spoofing.

Gateway

A network device that serves as an entry point to a network and provides security features such as email filtering.

File integrity monitoring

The process of monitoring and detecting unauthorized changes to files or systems.

DLP

Data Loss Prevention - Measures and technologies to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data.

Network access control

A security solution that controls network access based on device compliance with security requirements.

Endpoint detection and response

Security solutions that monitor and respond to threats on individual devices or endpoints.

User behavior analytics

The analysis of user actions and behavior to detect and prevent security threats or anomalies.

Provisioning user accounts

The process of creating user accounts

De-provisioning user accounts

The process of removing user accounts

Permission assignments

Assigning permissions to users

Implications of permission assignments

Understanding the consequences of permission assignments

Identity proofing

Verifying the identity of a user

Federation

Connecting and sharing identity information between different systems

Single sign-on (SSO)

A mechanism that allows users to authenticate once and access multiple systems

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

A protocol used for accessing and managing directory information

Open authorization (OAuth)

A framework for granting access to resources without sharing passwords

Security Assertions Markup Language (SAML)

An XML-based framework for exchanging authentication and authorization data

Interoperability

The ability of different systems to work together and exchange information

Attestation

The process of verifying the integrity and authenticity of a system or data

Access controls

Mechanisms used to regulate access to resources

Mandatory access control

Access control based on predefined rules and policies

Discretionary access control

Access control based on the discretion of the resource owner

Role-based access control

Access control based on the roles assigned to users

Rule-based access control

Access control based on predefined rules and conditions

Attribute-based access control

Access control based on the attributes of users and resources

Time-of-day restrictions

Limiting access based on specific time periods

Least privilege

Granting users the minimum privileges necessary to perform their tasks

Multifactor authentication

Using multiple factors to verify a user's identity

Biometrics

Using unique physical or behavioral characteristics for authentication

Hard/soft authentication tokens

Physical or virtual devices used for authentication

Security keys

Cryptographic devices used for authentication and encryption

Factors

Categories of information used for authentication

Something you know

Authentication based on knowledge of a secret

Something you have

Authentication based on possession of a physical device

Something you are

Authentication based on unique physical or behavioral characteristics

Not studied (218)

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Somewhere you are

Authentication based on the location of the user

Password concepts

Various aspects related to passwords

Password best practices

Guidelines for creating and managing secure passwords

Password length

The number of characters in a password

Password complexity

The use of different types of characters in a password

Password reuse

Using the same password for multiple accounts

Password expiration

Requiring users to change their passwords after a certain period

Password age

The length of time a password has been in use

Password managers

Tools for securely storing and managing passwords

Password less authentication

Authentication methods that do not require passwords

Privileged access management tools

Software solutions for managing and controlling privileged access

Just-in-time permissions

Granting temporary access to privileged resources when needed

Password vaulting

Securely storing and managing privileged account passwords

Ephemeral credentials

Temporary credentials that are valid for a short period

User Provisioning

Automating the process of creating and managing user accounts

Resource Provisioning

Automating the process of allocating and managing resources

Guard Rails

Automated policies and restrictions to ensure compliance and prevent errors

Security Groups

Automated groups that control access and permissions to resources

Ticket Creation

Automating the generation and tracking of support tickets

Escalation

Automated process of escalating issues to higher levels of support

Enabling/Disabling Services and Access

Automating the activation or deactivation of services and access rights

Continuous Integration and Testing

Automating the integration and testing of code changes

Integrations and APIs

Automating the interaction between different systems and applications

Efficiency/Time Saving

Reducing manual effort and saving time through automation

Enforcing Baselines

Automating the enforcement of standard configurations and settings

Standard Infrastructure Configurations

Automating the setup and maintenance of consistent infrastructure

Scaling in a Secure Manner

Automating the process of scaling resources while maintaining security

Employee Retention

Automation can reduce repetitive tasks, increasing job satisfaction

Reaction Time

Automation allows for faster response to incidents and issues

Workforce Multiplier

Automation enables a smaller team to accomplish more

Complexity

Consideration of the increased complexity of automated systems

Cost

Consideration of the financial implications of automation

Single Point of Failure

Consideration of the risk of relying on a single automated system

Technical Debt

Consideration of the potential future costs of automation

Ongoing Supportability

Consideration of the long-term maintenance and support of automated systems

Process

A series of steps taken to achieve a specific goal or outcome in the field of cybersecurity.

Preparation

The act of making necessary arrangements and organizing resources to effectively respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents.

Detection

The process of identifying or discovering the presence of potential cybersecurity threats or incidents within a system or network.

Analysis

The systematic examination and breakdown of complex cybersecurity topics or substances into smaller components to gain a better understanding of them.

Containment

The action of implementing measures to control and limit the impact of a cybersecurity threat or incident, preventing it from spreading further.

Eradication

The complete removal or destruction of a cybersecurity threat or incident from a system or network.

Recovery

The process of restoring a system or network to a normal state or condition after a cybersecurity threat or incident has occurred.

Lessons learned

Knowledge or understanding gained from past experiences with cybersecurity threats or incidents, which can be applied to future situations to improve security measures.

Training

The action of educating individuals or groups on specific cybersecurity skills or behaviors to enhance their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to threats.

Testing

The process of evaluating a system or component through manual or automated means to verify that it meets specified cybersecurity requirements and standards.

Tabletop exercise

A simulated exercise that tests an organization's ability to respond to a hypothetical cybersecurity scenario, allowing for practice and improvement of response strategies.

Simulation

The imitation or representation of a cybersecurity system or process, often used for training and testing purposes.

Root cause analysis

The process of identifying the underlying causes of a cybersecurity incident or problem to prevent its recurrence in the future.

Threat hunting

The proactive search for potential cybersecurity threats that may already be present in a network or system, aiming to identify and eliminate them before they cause harm.

Digital forensics

The process of collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence in a manner that is admissible in a court of law, often used in cybersecurity investigations.

Legal hold

A requirement to preserve all relevant information related to a legal case or investigation, ensuring its integrity and preventing its alteration or destruction.

Chain of custody

The chronological documentation or paper trail that records the sequence of custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of physical or electronic evidence in a legal or investigative process.

Acquisition

The process of collecting or obtaining specific information, resources, or assets in the context of cybersecurity.

Reporting

The act of providing a detailed account or description of a cybersecurity event, incident, or investigation, often for documentation or regulatory purposes.

Preservation

The act of maintaining something, such as data or evidence, in its original or existing state to ensure its integrity and prevent loss or alteration.

E-discovery

The process of identifying, collecting, and producing electronically stored information in response to a request for production in a lawsuit or investigation, often involving digital evidence.

Log data

Records of events or actions captured by various systems.

Firewall logs

Records of network traffic and firewall actions.

Application logs

Records of events and activities within an application.

Endpoint logs

Records of events and activities on individual devices.

OS-specific security logs

Records of security-related events on an operating system.

IPS/IDS logs

Records of intrusion prevention/detection system events.

Network logs

Records of network-related events and activities.

Metadata

Additional information about log data, such as timestamps or source IP addresses.

Data sources

Various systems or tools that generate log data.

Vulnerability scans

Automated assessments of system weaknesses and potential vulnerabilities.

Automated reports

Generated reports based on predefined criteria or scheduled tasks.

Dashboards

Visual representations of data and metrics for monitoring and analysis.

Packet captures

Capturing and analyzing network traffic at the packet level.

Attestation

The act of verifying or confirming the accuracy of something, such as financial statements or compliance with regulations.

Internal

Related to activities within an organization, including self-assessments and evaluations conducted internally.

Compliance

Adherence to laws, regulations, and standards set by regulatory bodies.

Audit committee

A group responsible for overseeing the auditing process and ensuring its independence and effectiveness.

External

Related to activities outside of an organization, such as independent third-party audits conducted by external entities.

Regulatory

Involving government regulations and requirements that organizations must comply with.

Examinations

Thorough reviews or inspections of an organization's processes, controls, and financial statements.

Assessment

Evaluation or appraisal of something, such as the effectiveness of security measures or the overall control environment.

Penetration testing

Testing the security of a system by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities, aiming to identify weaknesses and potential risks.

Physical

Related to the physical aspects of security, such as access control and protection of physical assets.

Offensive

Testing aimed at identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization's systems and processes.

Defensive

Testing aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of security measures and the ability to detect and respond to threats.

Integrated

Combining different types of testing approaches, such as offensive and defensive testing, to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

Known environment

Testing conducted in a familiar and controlled setting, where the system and its vulnerabilities are already known.

Partially known environment

Testing conducted in a somewhat familiar setting, where some information about the system and its vulnerabilities is available.

Unknown environment

Testing conducted in an unfamiliar and unpredictable setting, where the system and its vulnerabilities are unknown.

Reconnaissance

Gathering information about a target system or network to understand its vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors.

Passive reconnaissance

Collecting information without directly interacting with the target system or network, often through passive monitoring or data analysis.

Active reconnaissance

Collecting information by directly interacting with the target system or network, such as through scanning or probing.

Phishing

A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication.

Campaigns

A coordinated series of actions aimed at achieving a specific goal, often used in the context of cybersecurity to describe organized efforts to deceive or compromise systems.

Recognizing a phishing attempt

The ability to identify and differentiate fraudulent emails or messages that aim to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing malicious actions.

Responding to reported suspicious messages

Taking appropriate action upon receiving reports of suspicious messages, such as investigating the content, verifying the source, and potentially reporting or blocking the sender.

Anomalous behavior recognition

The skill of identifying unusual or unexpected actions or patterns that deviate from normal behavior, which can indicate potential security threats or breaches.

Risky actions

Actions that pose a potential threat to the security of systems or sensitive information, often resulting from negligence, lack of awareness, or non-compliance with security policies.

Unexpected actions

Actions that deviate from the norm or expected behavior, potentially indicating malicious intent or security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.

Unintentional actions

Actions that occur without purpose or awareness, often leading to security incidents or breaches due to human error or lack of knowledge.

User guidance and training

The provision of instructions, education, and resources to users to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity best practices and promote responsible behavior.

Policy and handbooks

Guidelines, rules, and manuals that outline expected user behavior, security protocols, and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Situational awareness

The state of being cognizant and attentive to the current environment and context, enabling individuals to identify potential threats or vulnerabilities and respond effectively.

Insider threat

The risk posed by individuals within an organization who have authorized access to systems or information but may misuse their privileges or act maliciously.

Password management

The practices and techniques used to create, store, and safeguard passwords, including the use of strong and unique passwords, password managers, and multi-factor authentication.

Removable media and cables

External devices and connectors that can be detached from a system, such as USB drives or network cables, which can introduce security risks if not properly managed or monitored.

Social engineering

The manipulation of individuals through psychological tactics to deceive or trick them into revealing sensitive information or granting unauthorized access.

Operational security

The measures and practices implemented to protect sensitive information and systems during day-to-day operations, including access controls, incident response, and security monitoring.

Hybrid and remote work environments

Work settings that combine in-person and remote work arrangements, often requiring additional security considerations to ensure the protection of data and systems.

Reporting and monitoring

The processes of notifying and observing activities for security purposes, including reporting suspicious incidents, monitoring system logs, and analyzing security events.

Initial occurrence

The first or starting instance of an event or action, often used in the context of identifying and addressing security incidents or breaches.

Recurring incidents

Security-related events or actions that happen repeatedly or in a pattern, indicating the need for further investigation, remediation, or preventive measures.

Development

The process of creating or building something, often referring to software development or system design with a focus on incorporating security measures and best practices.

Execution

The act of carrying out a plan or action, often used in the context of implementing security measures, conducting security tests, or executing incident response procedures.

Vendor assessment

Evaluation of a vendor's security measures and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Penetration testing

Simulated cyber attack conducted to identify vulnerabilities in a vendor's systems and networks.

Right-to-audit clause

Contractual provision that grants the right to audit a vendor's processes and controls to ensure compliance and security.

Evidence of internal audits

Documentation that demonstrates a vendor's internal audit activities, providing assurance of their adherence to established standards and practices.

Independent assessments

Third-party evaluations conducted to assess a vendor's security controls, ensuring objectivity and unbiased analysis.

Supply chain analysis

Thorough examination of a vendor's supply chain to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities that may impact the overall security of the organization.

Vendor selection

Process of carefully choosing a vendor based on predefined criteria and conducting due diligence to ensure their suitability for a specific purpose or project.

Due diligence

Comprehensive investigation and assessment of a vendor's background, capabilities, and reputation to ensure they meet the required standards and expectations.

Conflict of interest

A situation where personal interests or biases interfere with the objective fulfillment of professional duties and responsibilities.

Agreement types

Different categories of contracts and legal agreements that define the terms, conditions, and obligations between parties involved in a business relationship.

Service-level agreement (SLA)

A contractual agreement that outlines the expected performance levels, quality metrics, and responsibilities of both parties in a service-based relationship.

Memorandum of agreement (MOA)

A formal document that establishes the terms, conditions, and obligations of an agreement between parties, often used for collaborative projects or partnerships.

Memorandum of understanding (MOU)

A non-binding agreement that outlines the intentions, goals, and general understanding between parties involved in a cooperative effort or negotiation.

Master service agreement (MSA)

A comprehensive contract that governs future agreements and relationships between parties, providing a framework for ongoing services and obligations.

Work order (WO)/statement of work (SOW)

A document that specifies the tasks, deliverables, timelines, and other relevant details for a specific project or engagement with a vendor.

Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)

A legally binding contract that protects confidential information shared between parties, restricting its disclosure to unauthorized individuals or entities.

Business partners agreement (BPA)

A contract between business partners that outlines their relationship, roles, responsibilities, and terms for collaboration and mutual benefit.

Vendor monitoring

Ongoing evaluation and oversight of a vendor's performance, adherence to contractual obligations, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Questionnaires

A structured set of questions designed to gather specific information from vendors, aiding in the assessment and evaluation process.

Rules of engagement

Guidelines and protocols that define the boundaries, expectations, and procedures for conducting vendor assessments, engagements, and interactions.

Compliance reporting

The process of reporting adherence to regulations and standards, both within an organization (internal compliance reporting) and to external entities (external compliance reporting). It involves documenting and communicating the extent to which an organization is complying with the required rules and guidelines.

Consequences of non-compliance

The penalties and negative impacts that result from the failure to comply with regulations and standards. Non-compliance can lead to various consequences such as fines, sanctions, reputational damage, loss of license, and contractual impacts.

Fines

Monetary penalties imposed for non-compliance with regulations and standards. Fines serve as a deterrent and punishment for organizations or individuals who fail to meet the required compliance obligations.

Sanctions

Punitive measures imposed for non-compliance with regulations and standards. Sanctions can include restrictions, penalties, or other actions taken against organizations or individuals who violate compliance requirements.

Reputational damage

Harm to the reputation of an individual or organization resulting from non-compliance with regulations and standards. Non-compliance can lead to a loss of trust and credibility, which can have long-lasting negative effects on an entity's reputation.

Loss of license

The revocation of permission or authority to operate due to non-compliance with regulations and standards. Losing a license can have severe consequences for organizations, as it may prevent them from conducting certain activities or providing specific services.

Contractual impacts

Negative effects on contractual agreements resulting from non-compliance with regulations and standards. Non-compliance can lead to breaches of contract, legal disputes, and financial liabilities for organizations involved in contractual relationships.

Compliance monitoring

The process of overseeing and evaluating adherence to regulations and standards. It involves continuous monitoring, assessment, and reporting to ensure that an organization is complying with the required rules and guidelines.

Due diligence/care

Thorough and careful attention to compliance requirements. It involves taking proactive measures to understand and fulfill compliance obligations, including conducting risk assessments, implementing controls, and maintaining documentation.

Attestation and acknowledgement

The formal declaration and recognition of compliance with regulations and standards. Attestation and acknowledgement may involve signing documents, providing evidence of compliance, or obtaining certifications to demonstrate adherence to specific requirements.

Automation

The use of technology to streamline compliance monitoring processes. Automation can help organizations efficiently collect, analyze, and report compliance data, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.

Privacy

The protection of personal information and data. Privacy regulations and standards aim to safeguard individuals' privacy rights and ensure the secure handling and processing of their personal data.

Legal implications

The consequences and effects under the law resulting from non-compliance with privacy regulations and standards. Legal implications can include legal actions, penalties, or other legal remedies for organizations or individuals who violate privacy requirements.

Local/regional privacy

Privacy regulations and standards at a local or regional level. These regulations may vary across different jurisdictions and address specific privacy concerns relevant to a particular locality or region.

National privacy

Privacy regulations and standards at a national level. These regulations are applicable to an entire country and provide a framework for protecting individuals' privacy rights within that nation.

Global privacy

Privacy regulations and standards at a global level. These regulations aim to establish consistent privacy principles and practices across multiple countries or regions, ensuring a harmonized approach to privacy protection.

Data subject

An individual whose personal data is being collected and processed. Data subjects have rights and control over their personal information, including the right to access, rectify, and erase their data.

Controller vs. processor

The roles and responsibilities in relation to the processing of personal data. The controller determines the purposes and means of data processing, while the processor carries out the processing activities on behalf of the controller.

Ownership

The legal right of possession and control over data. Ownership determines who has the authority to make decisions regarding the collection, use, and sharing of data.

Data inventory and retention

The documentation and management of data assets and their storage duration. Data inventory involves identifying and categorizing data, while retention refers to the period for which data should be retained based on legal, regulatory, or business requirements.

Right to be forgotten

An individual's right to have their personal data erased or removed. This right allows individuals to request the deletion of their data when it is no longer necessary, unlawfully processed, or violates their privacy rights.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A set of guidelines that outline the proper use of IT resources

Information Security Policies

Guidelines that ensure the protection of information assets

Business Continuity Plan

A plan designed to ensure the continuous operation of IT systems during disruptions

Disaster Recovery Plan

A plan that outlines the steps to restore IT systems after a major incident

Incident Response Plan

A plan that addresses and mitigates security incidents

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

A process for developing and maintaining software

Change Management Process

A process for controlling changes to IT systems

Password Standards

Requirements for creating and managing secure passwords

Access Control Standards

Requirements for granting and managing system access

Physical Security Standards

Requirements for protecting physical IT assets

Encryption Standards

Requirements for encrypting sensitive data

Change Management Procedures

Step-by-step instructions for requesting and implementing system changes

Onboarding/Offboarding Procedures

Step-by-step instructions for adding or removing users from IT systems

Incident Response Playbooks

Predefined response plans for common security incidents

Regulatory Considerations

Compliance with laws and regulations

Legal Considerations

Compliance with legal requirements and contracts

Industry Considerations

Compliance with industry standards and best practices

Local/Regional Considerations

Compliance with local or regional regulations

National Considerations

Compliance with national regulations

Global Considerations

Compliance with international regulations and standards

Monitoring and Revision

Ongoing oversight and improvement of governance practices

Governance Boards

Governance bodies responsible for making strategic decisions

Governance Committees

Groups responsible for specific governance tasks

Government Entities

Government organizations involved in IT governance

Centralized/Decentralized Governance

Different models for organizing IT governance

System Owners

Individuals responsible for IT systems and data

Data Controllers

Individuals responsible for data processing activities

Data Processors

Entities that process data on behalf of data controllers

Data Custodians/Stewards

Individuals responsible for data storage and maintenance

Risk identification

The process of identifying potential risks in a specific context or situation.

Risk assessment

The process of evaluating risks based on various factors such as likelihood, impact, and exposure.

Ad hoc

Done for a specific purpose or situation, typically not part of a regular or planned process.

Recurring

Happening repeatedly over time, often with a predictable pattern or frequency.

One-time

Occurring only once, without any repetition or recurrence.

Continuous

Ongoing without interruption, without any breaks or gaps.

Risk analysis

The process of analyzing risks using qualitative or quantitative methods to understand their nature, magnitude, and potential consequences.

Qualitative

Assessing risks based on subjective factors such as expert opinions, experience, and judgment.

Quantitative

Assessing risks based on measurable data and calculations, often using statistical models and numerical values.

Single loss expectancy (SLE)

The estimated monetary loss that can be expected from a single occurrence of a specific risk event.

Annualized loss expectancy (ALE)

The expected monetary loss per year from a specific risk, taking into account the probability of occurrence and the potential impact.

Annualized rate of occurrence (ARO)

The expected number of risk events that may occur within a year.

Probability

The likelihood or chance of a risk event occurring, often expressed as a numerical value or a qualitative assessment.

Likelihood

The probability or chance of a risk event occurring, often expressed as a numerical value or a qualitative assessment.

Exposure factor

The percentage of loss caused by a risk event, indicating the extent to which the organization is vulnerable to the risk.

Impact

The effect or consequence of a risk event on the organization, including both tangible and intangible outcomes.

Risk register

A document that records identified risks and their details, serving as a central repository for risk-related information.

Key risk indicators

Metrics used to measure and monitor risks, providing early warning signs of potential issues or threats.

Risk owners

Individuals or entities responsible for managing and mitigating risks, accountable for the outcomes and actions related to specific risks.

Risk threshold

The maximum acceptable level of risk that an organization is willing to tolerate, beyond which action must be taken to reduce or mitigate the risk.

Risk tolerance

The willingness of an organization to accept and manage risks, considering factors such as its objectives, resources, and risk appetite.

Risk appetite

The organization's attitude towards taking risks, reflecting its willingness to pursue opportunities and accept potential losses.

Expansionary

A risk appetite that encourages growth and innovation, prioritizing potential rewards over potential risks.

Conservative

A risk appetite that prioritizes caution and stability, focusing on minimizing potential losses and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Neutral

A risk appetite that maintains a balanced approach, considering both potential rewards and potential risks in decision-making.

Risk management strategies

Approaches and techniques used to handle and mitigate risks, aiming to reduce the likelihood and impact of potential risks.

Transfer

The act of shifting the responsibility of a risk to another party, often through insurance or contractual agreements.

Accept

The act of acknowledging and managing a risk without transferring or avoiding it, often through implementing controls or contingency plans.

Exemption

The act of granting immunity from a specific risk, typically based on legal or regulatory provisions.

Exception

The act of granting immunity from a category of risks, typically based on legal or regulatory provisions.

Avoid

The act of taking actions to prevent a risk from occurring, often through proactive measures and risk mitigation strategies.

Mitigate

The act of reducing the impact or likelihood of a risk, often through implementing controls or preventive measures.

Risk reporting

The communication of risk-related information to stakeholders, providing updates on the status, progress, and impact of risks.

Business impact analysis

An assessment of the potential impact of a risk on business operations, considering factors such as financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.

Recovery time objective (RTO)

The maximum acceptable downtime after a risk event, indicating the time within which business operations should be restored.

Recovery point objective (RPO)

The maximum acceptable data loss after a risk event, indicating the point in time to which data should be recovered.

Mean time to repair (MTTR)

The average time taken to restore operations after a risk event, measuring the efficiency of the recovery process.

Mean time between failures (MTBF)

The average time between two consecutive risk events, indicating the reliability and stability of systems or processes.