How does an organization typically respond to a high-risk assessment outcome?

When an organization receives a high-risk assessment outcome, the typical and most appropriate response involves developing and implementing mitigation strategies. This is a critical step in managing cybersecurity risks, especially in the context of industrial automation and control systems (IACS), as outlined in the ISA/IEC 62443 standards framework.

Mitigation strategies are actionable plans that are put in place to reduce the identified risks to an acceptable level. These may include technical measures such as enhancing security protocols, applying software updates, or implementing new cybersecurity technologies, as well as organizational measures like revising policies, conducting training, or improving incident response plans. By proactively addressing these risks, the organization aims to protect its operations, assets, and sensitive information from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

In contrast, ignoring the report would leave the organization exposed and potentially unprepared for cyber incidents. Increasing spending on marketing does not address the underlying risks and may distract from essential cybersecurity needs. Rearranging employee duties might not effectively mitigate the cybersecurity risks identified during the assessment without clear and targeted strategies to address them. Therefore, developing and implementing mitigation strategies aligns with industry best practices for risk management in the context of cybersecurity.