What is the main goal of risk management in federal security programs?

The primary goal of risk management in federal security programs is to manage and mitigate risks to acceptable levels. This approach recognizes that it is impossible to completely eliminate all risks, as doing so would be impractical and can lead to excessive costs or hinder operational effectiveness. Instead, risk management focuses on understanding potential risks, assessing their likelihood and impact, and implementing strategies to reduce them to levels that the organization deems acceptable.

By doing this, organizations can ensure that they protect their assets, personnel, and mission-critical operations while still maintaining a balance between security and functional needs. This process is continuous and evolves as new threats emerge and as the operational environment changes, making it essential for organizations to remain adaptable and vigilant in their security practices.

While identifying threats and complying with regulations are important aspects of a comprehensive security strategy, they are not the overarching goal of risk management itself. Rather, they serve as components that contribute to effectively managing risk within the framework of an organization's overall risk management process.