Joe, the information security manager, is tasked with calculating risk and selecting controls to protect a
new system. He has identified people, environmental conditions, and events that could affect the new
system. Which of the following does he need to estimate NEXT in order to complete his risk calculations?

A.
Vulnerabilities

B.
Risk

C.
Likelihood

D.
Threats

Explanation:
In this question, the security administrator has identified people, environmental conditions, and events
that could affect the new system. The next step of the risk assessment is to determine the vulnerabilities
of the system itself.
Risk assessment deals with the threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts of a loss of information-processing
capabilities or a loss of information itself. A vulnerability is a weakness that could be exploited by a threat.
Each risk that can be identified should be outlined, described, and evaluated for the likelihood of it
occurring. The key here is to think outside the box. Conventional threats and risks are often too limited
when considering risk assessment.
The key components of a risk-assessment process are outlined here:
Risks to Which the Organization Is Exposed: This component allows you to develop scenarios that can
help you evaluate how to deal with these risks if they occur. An operating system, server, or application
may have known risks in certain environments. You should create a plan for how your organization will
best deal with these risks and the best way to respond.
Risks That Need Addressing: The risk-assessment component also allows an organization to provide a
reality check on which risks are real and which are unlikely. This process helps an organization focus on its
resources as well as on the risks that are most likely to occur. For example, industrial espionage and theft
are likely, but the risk of a hurricane damaging the server room in Indiana is very low. Therefore, more
resources should be allocated to prevent espionage or theft as opposed to the latter possibility.Incorrect Answers:
B: Risk is the exposure to danger. It is a combination of vulnerability, threat and likelihood. It is not a
single aspect to be calculated. Therefore this answer is incorrect.
C: You need to determine a vulnerability and the threat to that vulnerability before you can determine
the likelihood of occurrence. Likelihood is not the next step in this question.
D: A threat is something that can attack a vulnerability. You need to determine the vulnerability before
you can determine the thread. Therefore this answer is incorrect.

Dulaney, Emmett and Chuck Eastton, CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, 6th Edition, Sybex, Indianapolis,
2014, pp. 3-5