Which of the following is critical for maintaining cybersecurity during system changes?

Risk Assessment is critical for maintaining cybersecurity during system changes because it involves systematically identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks associated with potential alterations to the system. This process helps organizations understand the potential vulnerabilities that could arise from the changes and the impact these vulnerabilities might have on the overall security posture. By performing a risk assessment, organizations can implement appropriate controls and mitigation strategies to address identified risks, ensuring that the system remains secure throughout the change process.

Conducting a thorough risk assessment allows for informed decision-making regarding which changes can be safely implemented and which may require additional safeguards or even reconsideration. In the context of cybersecurity, this proactive approach is essential in adapting to new threats that may emerge as systems evolve over time.

While employee training, firewall management, and data encryption are all important components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, they are not as directly tied to the specific context of managing risk during system changes as risk assessment is. Employee training ensures personnel are aware of security practices, but it does not identify risks related to changes. Firewall management is essential for monitoring and protecting the network, but its effectiveness heavily depends on an understanding of the risks posed by changes. Data encryption is vital for protecting data integrity and confidentiality, yet it does not address the proactive identification of risks associated