A Practical Guide to Risk Assessments with NIST SP 800-30

Defining Risk Categories and Impact Thresholds

Risk assessments are a cornerstone of an effective cybersecurity strategy. Organizations across various industries rely on structured methodologies to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks.

One of the most widely adopted frameworks for conducting risk assessments is NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-30, Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments.

A crucial aspect of risk assessment is defining risk categories and impact thresholds, which allow organizations to prioritize risks effectively.

In this article, we break down these components with practical insights and real-world examples.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding NIST SP 800-30 Risk Assessment Methodology

2. Step 1: Prepare for Risk Assessment

3. Step 2: Conduct Risk Assessment

4. Step 3: Communicate and Share Risk Assessment Results

5. Step 4: Maintain Risk Assessment

6. The Role of Risk Categories and Impact Thresholds

7. Conclusion and Key Takeaways