What is done to determine which assets need to be protected?

The process to determine which assets need to be protected is a critical component of security management and is best addressed by conducting a criticality assessment. This assessment focuses on identifying and prioritizing the assets based on their importance to the organization or mission. By evaluating how essential each asset is to operations, a criticality assessment helps in understanding which assets would have the most significant impact if compromised or affected by a threat.

This method not only helps in protecting the most vital resources but also guides resource allocation and security planning. It allows decision-makers to concentrate their efforts on those assets that, if harmed or lost, would cause substantial disruption or damage to the organization. Thus, the prioritization established through a criticality assessment is foundational for developing effective protection strategies and security measures, ensuring that the organization's most important assets receive the attention and resources they require.