Assessing Information Security Risk Using the OCTAVE Approach

In this three-day course, participants learn to perform information security risk assessments using the Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation (OCTAVE) approach.

The OCTAVE approach provides organizations a comprehensive methodology that focuses on information assets in their operational contexts. Risks are identified and analyzed based on where they originate, at the points where information is stored, transported, and processed. By focusing on operational risks to information, participants learn to view risk assessment in the context the organization's strategic objectives and risk tolerances.

Through lectures, class exercises, and discussions, the course covers the OCTAVE-prescribed activities for risk identification, analysis, and mitigation. Elements of the various OCTAVE methods - OCTAVE, OCTAVE-S, and OCTAVE Allegro - are addressed to provide a broad toolkit for students. After completing the course, attendees will be able to use OCTAVE to

• gather and organize risk information via interviews, documentation reviews, and technical analysis
• create risk evaluation criteria to assess risk commensurate with the organization's risk appetite
• identify, analyze, and prioritize information security risks
• improve vulnerability management activities by viewing them in a risk context
• position information security risks to explain the sources of operational risk and why managing operational risk is important to managing enterprise risk
• develop risk mitigation strategies that reflect improvements in controls to prevent risk where information lives

Who should attend?

• Individuals who would like an in-depth understanding of the OCTAVE Risk Assessment Methodology
• Security professionals, business continuity planners, compliance personnel, risk managers, and other professionals requiring the knowledge and skills to understand operational risk and perform risk assessments

What will you learn?

This course will help participants to

• understand the purpose of the OCTAVE Method and the key characteristics of the process
• be ready to use the OCTAVE Method, OCTAVE-S, and OCTAVE Allegro
• understand how to get started and when to tailor the process and artifacts to meet their unique organizational needs