Information Security Risk Assessment

Learn how to conduct an effective information security risk assessment to protect your business from cyber threats.

Think You Can't be Breached? Challenge Accepted.

In today’s digital world, an information security risk assessment is no longer optional. Businesses of all sizes face growing cyber threats that can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage reputations. At Point Solutions Security, we help organizations identify vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and impact of threats, and implement strategies to reduce risk. This article explains what an information security risk assessment is, why it matters, and how your organization can benefit from making it a core part of your cybersecurity strategy.

What Is an Information Security Risk Assessment?

An information security risk assessment is a structured process used to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks to an organization’s digital assets. These assets include hardware, software, data, networks, and users. The goal is to understand where vulnerabilities exist, how they might be exploited, and what the potential consequences would be.

Unlike a simple vulnerability scan or penetration test, a complete risk assessment goes beyond technical checks. It includes an evaluation of policies, procedures, human behavior, and the business context in which your IT systems operate.

At Point Solutions Security, our risk assessments are tailored to your business and aligned with recognized cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls.

Why Risk Assessments Matter in Cybersecurity

Cyber threats evolve constantly. From phishing attacks and ransomware to insider threats and third-party vulnerabilities, new risks emerge every day. Conducting regular information security risk assessments ensures your business stays ahead of these risks and remains in compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, CMMC, and GDPR.

The benefits of conducting a risk assessment include:

Identifying weaknesses before they are exploited
Prioritizing remediation based on business impact
Meeting industry compliance standards
Building stakeholder confidence
Improving incident response readiness

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue. It is a business risk that impacts your operations, finances, and customer trust. A thorough assessment enables leadership to make informed decisions about where to allocate resources for optimal protection.

Core Components of a Risk Assessment

Our process at Point Solutions Security includes several key components to ensure a complete understanding of your security posture.

Asset Identification

We begin by cataloging your assets. This includes physical devices, applications, cloud services, data repositories, and critical business processes.

Threat Identification

We identify potential threats relevant to your environment. These may include cybercriminals, rogue insiders, natural disasters, or accidental data leaks.

Vulnerability Analysis

We evaluate weaknesses in your systems and controls that could be exploited. This involves technical testing, policy reviews, and interviews with key personnel.

Risk Determination

Using a combination of likelihood and impact, we assign risk levels to each identified vulnerability. This helps prioritize which issues to address first.

Mitigation Recommendations

We provide clear, actionable strategies to reduce or eliminate risk. This may include patching systems, implementing access controls, updating policies, or improving employee training.

Documentation and Reporting

A comprehensive report is provided, outlining all findings, risk ratings, and recommendations. This report supports compliance audits and board-level reporting.

Common Cybersecurity Risks for Modern Businesses

Each business has a unique threat landscape, but some risks are universally common:

Phishing attacks that steal credentials and install malware
Ransomware that locks systems until a payment is made
Insider threats from employees or contractors misusing access
Weak passwords or poor identity management practices
Cloud misconfigurations are exposing sensitive data.
Unpatched software creates entry points for attackers.
Third-party vendor risks introduced through integrations

At Point Solutions Security, we help you map these risks to your specific environment and identify where your most significant exposures lie.

Our Approach to Information Security Risk Assessments

What sets Point Solutions Security apart is our hands-on, collaborative approach. We do not just hand over a generic report. We embed ourselves into your environment, get to know your systems and staff, and deliver a strategic risk assessment that drives real-world improvements.

Here is what you can expect when working with us:

A dedicated team of cybersecurity experts
Use of industry-standard frameworks customized to your needs
Workshops and stakeholder interviews to understand your workflows
Technical scanning and controls testing
Executive summaries and board-ready reports
A prioritized roadmap for remediation
Ongoing support for implementation and reevaluation

When Should You Conduct a Risk Assessment?

Performing a risk assessment should not be a one-time event. We recommend scheduling an evaluation under the following conditions:

Annually, as part of your security program
After major infrastructure changes
Following a security breach or near miss
Before adopting new technologies
When pursuing compliance certifications
During mergers, acquisitions, or expansions

Staying proactive is key. Regular assessments allow you to track progress, measure improvements, and remain resilient in the face of new threats.

Integrating Risk Assessments into Your Broader Cybersecurity Strategy

A risk assessment is not a standalone activity. It forms the foundation for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. The results of an assessment feed directly into other essential services, such as:

vCISO leadership
Security awareness training
Penetration testing
Cloud security reviews
Incident response planning
Compliance audits

At Point Solutions Security, we help you build a unified strategy that connects these pieces and keeps your business protected from every angle.

Why Businesses Trust Point Solutions Security

Our clients choose us because we combine technical depth with practical insight. We serve a wide range of industries, including SaaS, manufacturing, local government, and aerospace. Whether you are a startup scaling fast or an established enterprise modernizing your defenses, our team brings the experience and structure you need.

We are not just consultants. We are partners in your cybersecurity journey. We meet you where you are and help you get where you need to be.

Make Risk Assessment a Business Imperative

Cybersecurity risk is no longer a theoretical concern. It is a day-to-day reality that can disrupt your business, damage your reputation, and result in millions of dollars in losses. A proactive information security risk assessment helps you understand your vulnerabilities and take control before attackers do.

Let Point Solutions Security guide you through a comprehensive, customized assessment that protects your business today and prepares you for tomorrow.

About the Author

Paige Goss

Founder

Paige is a fixer of fixers, orchestrating a collection of highly adept tech and engineering all-stars. She founded Point Solutions Group to address the dire need for diversity in information technology, engineering, and professional services in government and commercial organizations. And the looks she gets when she walks into some meetings exemplifies that. She not only talks the talk, but her extensive background in the information security, healthcare IT, and Department of Defense industries gives her the cred to strut the strut. As well as to pirouette between highly classified government projects and the demands of an ever-changing commercial landscape.