What is the first step in the ICS Threat-Based Risk Assessment Model?

The first step in the ICS Threat-Based Risk Assessment Model is to characterize the product or system. This foundational step involves understanding the specific details and functionalities of the industrial control system (ICS) being assessed. By characterizing the system, you gather essential information about its architecture, components, and operational processes, which is critical for identifying how potential threats could impact it.

This understanding sets the stage for all subsequent steps in the risk assessment process. It ensures that the assessment is accurately focused on the right aspects of the system, allowing for a clearer identification of potential threats and vulnerabilities. Without thoroughly characterizing the product or system, any later analyses could be misaligned, leading to ineffective risk management decisions.

A comprehensive characterization also helps in identifying critical assets and potential consequences more accurately, which is crucial for effective risk assessment. With a solid grasp of the system's details, the next phases—such as identifying threats and analyzing them—can follow more logically and effectively.