The correct answer isB. Establishing baseline security needs by identifying assets, threats, and requirements. The OCTAVE (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation) framework is a risk-based approach to information security, andPhase I focuses on building organizational knowledgeabout critical assets, security requirements, and relevant threats.
Phase I emphasizes identifying what is important to the organization, including information assets, operational assets, and their security needs. This phase relies heavily on internal knowledge and stakeholder input rather than technical testing. This approach aligns with ISO 31000’s emphasis oncontext establishment and inclusiveness, where understanding the internal context and engaging stakeholders are essential to effective risk identification.
Option A corresponds to later phases of OCTAVE, where technical analysis and infrastructure examination are conducted. Option C relates more closely to risk analysis and evaluation activities, which occur after assets and threats have been identified. Option D reflects risk treatment activities, which are not part of Phase I.
From a PECB ISO 31000 Lead Risk Manager perspective, OCTAVE Phase I demonstrates how risk management should begin with understanding assets, objectives, and threats before moving into analysis and treatment. This reinforces ISO 31000’s structured and comprehensive approach to managing risk.