What should a risk practitioner do when an enterprise wants to implement a solution that deviates from its policies?

What should a risk practitioner do when an enterprise wants to implement a solution that deviates from its policies?

• A. Recommend against implementation because it violates company policies
• B. Recommend revision of current policy
• C. Conduct a risk assessment and allow or disallow based on the outcome
• D. Recommend a risk assessment and subsequent implementation only if residual risk is accepted

Answer: (D)

When an enterprise is considering implementing a solution that deviates from existing policies, the most prudent approach is to recommend conducting a risk assessment. This assessment is crucial because it provides a structured analysis of the potential risks associated with the proposed solution. By evaluating the threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts, a risk practitioner can determine the level of risk that would remain after implementing the solution. Once this assessment is completed, the residual risk can be identified—this is the risk that remains after you have taken measures to mitigate the identified risks. If the enterprise is willing to accept this residual risk, the recommendation would then be to proceed with the implementation. This process not only ensures that risks are considered and understood, but also aligns the decision-making process with the organization's overall risk management framework. This approach reflects a balanced consideration of risk-taking and policy compliance, facilitating informed decision-making while allowing for flexibility when appropriate.

When an enterprise is considering implementing a solution that deviates from existing policies, the most prudent approach is to recommend conducting a risk assessment. This assessment is crucial because it provides a structured analysis of the potential risks associated with the proposed solution. By evaluating the threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts, a risk practitioner can determine the level of risk that would remain after implementing the solution.

Once this assessment is completed, the residual risk can be identified—this is the risk that remains after you have taken measures to mitigate the identified risks. If the enterprise is willing to accept this residual risk, the recommendation would then be to proceed with the implementation. This process not only ensures that risks are considered and understood, but also aligns the decision-making process with the organization's overall risk management framework.

This approach reflects a balanced consideration of risk-taking and policy compliance, facilitating informed decision-making while allowing for flexibility when appropriate.