What is the primary basis for the selection of controls and countermeasures?

The primary basis for the selection of controls and countermeasures is centered around a cost-benefit balance. This emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the cost of implementing a control or countermeasure does not exceed the potential benefit gained from reducing the risk. An effective risk management strategy requires an assessment of both the financial implications and the expected reduction in risk exposure. Each control or countermeasure should provide a clear return on investment, aligning with the organization’s overall risk management objectives.

Selecting controls purely on the assumption of eliminating IT risk can lead to disproportionate spending and may not be sustainable or practical, as it is often impossible to completely eliminate all risks. Likewise, while resource management is a crucial aspect of implementing controls, it serves more as a supporting role rather than the foundational basis for selection. Additionally, simply considering the number of assets protected does not adequately address the varying levels of risk associated with each asset or control. Instead, a nuanced approach that weighs both costs and benefits ensures that resources are allocated effectively towards the most critical risks, promoting overall organizational resilience.