According to ISO 27001:2022, the standard for information security management systems (ISMS), the correct sequence for the information security risk assessment process is as follows:
Establish information security criteria
Identify the information security risks
Analyse the information security risks
Evaluate the information security risks
The first step is to establish the information security criteria, which include the risk assessment methodology, the risk acceptance criteria, and the risk evaluation criteria. These criteria define how the organization will perform the risk assessment, what level of risk is acceptable, and how the risks will be compared and prioritized.
The second step is to identify the information security risks, which involve identifying the assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and existing controls that are relevant to the ISMS. The organization should also identify the potential consequences and likelihood of each risk scenario.
The third step is to analyse the information security risks, which involve estimating the level of risk for each risk scenario based on the criteria established in the first step. The organization should also consider the sources of uncertainty and the confidence level of the risk estimation.
The fourth step is to evaluate the information security risks, which involve comparing the estimated risk levels with the risk acceptance criteria and determining whether the risks are acceptable or need treatment. The organization should also prioritize the risks based on the risk evaluation criteria and the objectives of the ISMS.
References: ISO 27001:2022 Clause 6.1.2 Information security risk assessment, ISO 27001 Risk Assessment & Risk Treatment: The Complete Guide - Advisera, ISO 27001 Risk Assessment: 7 Step Guide - IT Governance UK Blog
