What is the second step in the 5 Step OPSEC Process?

What is the second step in the 5 Step OPSEC Process?

• A. Identify critical information
• B. Analyze threats
• C. Analyze vulnerabilities
• D. Assess risks

Answer: (B)

Analyzing threats is about identifying who might threaten the critical information, what they can do, and why they would do it. After you pin down what information needs protecting, you must look at potential adversaries—their capabilities, resources, and intent. This step sets the context for everything that follows, because only by understanding who could act and how likely they are to act can you prioritize defenses and focus on the vulnerabilities that those threats are most likely to exploit. If you know the main threats, you can tailor vulnerabilities assessment to address the real risks, and then determine the overall risk and appropriate countermeasures. In short, threat analysis answers the question: “Who could go after this information and how motivated are they to do so?”

Analyzing threats is about identifying who might threaten the critical information, what they can do, and why they would do it. After you pin down what information needs protecting, you must look at potential adversaries—their capabilities, resources, and intent. This step sets the context for everything that follows, because only by understanding who could act and how likely they are to act can you prioritize defenses and focus on the vulnerabilities that those threats are most likely to exploit.

If you know the main threats, you can tailor vulnerabilities assessment to address the real risks, and then determine the overall risk and appropriate countermeasures. In short, threat analysis answers the question: “Who could go after this information and how motivated are they to do so?”