Information Technology (IT) Risk

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An Information Technology (IT) Risk is a technology risk that involves information technology.



References

2024

  • Perplexity
    • An Information Technology (IT) risk is a type of technology risk specifically related to the use, management, and security of information technology systems. IT risks can have significant impacts on business operations, regulatory compliance, and overall organizational resilience. Here is a detailed overview of IT risks, their types, and the systematic approach required to manage them:
    • Types of IT Risks
      1. Cybersecurity Risks, such as:
        1. Phishing Attacks: These involve deceptive emails or messages designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information[2][10].
        2. Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software that can exfiltrate data, lock systems until a ransom is paid, or cause other types of damage[2][10].
        3. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Overwhelming a service with traffic to make it unavailable to users[2].
      2. Operational IT Risks, such as:
        1. System Failures: Failures in hardware or software that can disrupt business operations. This includes server crashes, network outages, and software bugs[1][4][6].
        2. Human Error: Mistakes made by employees, such as misconfigurations, accidental data deletions, or falling for phishing scams[4][6][18].
      3. Data Privacy Risks, such as:
        1. Non-Compliance with Privacy Laws: Failing to adhere to regulations like GDPR can result in data breaches and significant fines[16][19].
        2. Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive information, which can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences[8][10].
      4. Software Vulnerability Risks, such as:
        1. Outdated Software: Using outdated software that is no longer supported can leave systems vulnerable to exploits and attacks[4][14].
        2. Unpatched Systems: Failing to apply security patches can expose systems to known vulnerabilities[8][13].
      5. Business Continuity Risks, such as:
        1. Natural Disasters: Events like floods, fires, and earthquakes that can disrupt IT infrastructure and business operations[5][9][18].
        2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Interruptions in the supply chain that can affect the availability of critical IT components and services[18].
    • Systematic Approach to IT Risk Management
      1. Identify the Risks
        1. Conduct regular IT audits and risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities within the IT environment[1][2][11].
        2. Use historical data and industry trends to anticipate new risks[2][6].
      2. Analyze the Risks
        1. Assess the likelihood and potential impact of each identified risk. This involves understanding how a risk could affect IT infrastructure and business operations[1][8][11].
        2. Document these findings in an IT risk assessment report[1][11].
      3. Evaluate and Rank the Risks
        1. Prioritize risks based on their potential impact and likelihood of occurrence. This helps in focusing resources on the most critical risks[1][2][11].
      4. Develop a Risk Management Plan
        1. Create a comprehensive IT risk management plan that outlines strategies for mitigating identified risks. This includes implementing security controls, developing incident response plans, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations[1][4][11].
      5. Implement and Monitor Controls
        1. Deploy the necessary tools and technologies to mitigate risks, such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems[1][11][13].
        2. Continuously monitor the IT environment for new threats and vulnerabilities, and update the risk management plan as needed[11][13].
      6. Respond to Incidents
        1. Have a clear incident response plan in place to address IT risks that materialize. This includes steps for containment, eradication, recovery, and communication[1][4][11].
      7. Review and Improve
        1. Regularly review and test the IT risk management plan to ensure its effectiveness. Conduct drills and simulations to prepare for potential incidents[1][9][11].
    • Citations:
[1] https://www.projectmanager.com/training/it-risk-management-strategies
[2] https://www.auditboard.com/blog/it-risk-management/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IT_risk
[4] https://www.upguard.com/blog/it-risk-management-vs-cybersecurity
[5] https://www.rockdovesolutions.com/blog/risk-costs-of-not-having-a-business-continuity-management-program
[6] https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/digital-business/online-risk-security/risk
[7] https://simplicable.com/IT/it-risks
[8] https://reciprocity.com/resources/what-is-technology-risk/
[9] https://www.techtarget.com/searchdisasterrecovery/definition/business-continuity
[10] https://reciprocity.com/blog/common-types-of-digital-risks/
[11] https://securityscorecard.com/blog/what-is-information-risk-management/
[12] https://invenioit.com/bcp-risk-management/
[13] https://www.solarwinds.com/resources/it-glossary/it-risk-management
[14] https://www.leanix.net/en/wiki/trm/what-is-technology-risk
[15] https://www.comptia.org/content/guides/what-is-information-technology-risk-management
[16] https://dpnetwork.org.uk/data-protection-risks/
[17] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/business-continuity-planning.asp
[18] https://bitnerhenry.com/10-business-continuity-risks-you-shouldnt-forget/
[19] https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2023/may/data-privacy-risks-for-the-next-five-years.html
[20] https://www.proactive-info.com/blog/risk-assessment-in-business-continuity-planning

2023

  • (Wikipedia, 2023) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IT_risk Retrieved:2023-8-14.
    • Information technology risk, IT risk, IT-related risk, or cyber risk is any risk relating to information technology. While information has long been appreciated as a valuable and important asset, the rise of the knowledge economy and the Digital Revolution has led to organizations becoming increasingly dependent on information, information processing and especially IT. Various events or incidents that compromise IT in some way can therefore cause adverse impacts on the organization's business processes or mission, ranging from inconsequential to catastrophic in scale. Assessing the probability or likelihood of various types of event/incident with their predicted impacts or consequences, should they occur, is a common way to assess and measure IT risks. [1] Alternative methods of measuring IT risk typically involve assessing other contributory factors such as the threats, vulnerabilities, exposures, and asset values.
  1. "Risk is a combination of the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event or exposure(s) and the severity of injury or ill health that can be caused by the event or exposure(s)" (OHSAS 18001:2007)