Final answer:
An IT risk assessment's goal is to identify and evaluate potential risks to an organization's IT infrastructure, prioritize these risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them. It involves a comprehensive analysis of threats and vulnerabilities affecting the IT environment, providing essential information for informed decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal or objective of an IT risk assessment is to identify and evaluate risks associated with an organization's information technology infrastructure. This includes identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, and assessing their possible impact on business operations.
An IT risk assessment aims to prioritize risks based on their potential negative effects and to develop strategies to mitigate or manage these risks effectively. It is not merely to examine a problem and its possible solutions or to recommend a specific solution, but to provide a comprehensive understanding of the IT risk landscape to inform decision-making processes.
A qualitative risk assessment is particularly focused on the non-numerical aspects of risks – such as their nature, the context within which they occur, and the subjective experience of those who might be affected by them. This contrasts with a quantitative risk assessment, which would aim to assign numerical values to the probability and impact of risks. Both assessments are critical for creating a well-informed risk management strategy.