What is the first step in the Risk Assessment process?

The first step in the Risk Assessment process is system characterization. This step involves understanding and defining the system for which the risk assessment is being conducted. It includes identifying the components, technologies, and the environment of the system, as well as the processes it supports. By characterizing the system, you gain a clear picture of what you are protecting, which is crucial for identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities later in the process.

Establishing a detailed view of the system allows for a more effective evaluation of risks because it provides the necessary context for assessing how various threats could impact the system. This understanding is foundational to the subsequent steps, such as threat identification, vulnerability identification, and risk analysis, as it helps determine what aspects of the system are critical and how they can be affected by different types of risks.