Which of the following is an outcome of effective risk assessment practices?

An outcome of effective risk assessment practices is the improved understanding of security posture. This entails a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s existing security measures, vulnerabilities, threats, and the overall risk landscape. By systematically identifying and addressing potential risks, organizations can gain valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses regarding cybersecurity.

With a better understanding of their security posture, organizations can prioritize their security initiatives, allocate resources efficiently, and make informed decisions about risk management. This proactive approach enables them to enhance their defenses against cyber threats and align their cybersecurity strategies with their business objectives.

In contrast, an increase in unauthorized access events and a rise in operational costs would typically suggest that risk assessment practices are either ineffective or inadequately implemented. Furthermore, a decrease in regulatory compliance would reflect a failure to meet necessary security standards, which is not a desirable outcome of thorough risk assessments. Therefore, the only outcome that aligns with effective risk assessment practices is the improvement in understanding the organization's security posture.