In which situation would an eMASS user need to initiate a risk assessment?

The necessity to initiate a risk assessment in the context of eMASS primarily arises when significant changes are made to an information system or when new vulnerabilities are discovered. This is because such circumstances can directly impact the security posture of the information system and may introduce additional risks that were not previously accounted for.

When significant changes occur, like the implementation of new software, changes to hardware, or updates to system configurations, these can alter how the system operates and may affect its vulnerabilities. Similarly, the discovery of new vulnerabilities, especially those that can be exploited or are particularly severe, necessitates a fresh assessment to evaluate how these vulnerabilities impact the existing risk landscape.

Initiating a risk assessment in these scenarios enables organizations to proactively identify potential security weaknesses, assess their implications, and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. This practice aligns with the overall risk management framework and ensures that the organization maintains an effective security posture as its systems and threats evolve.