Which question is most helpful when interviewing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) about undesirable events?

Interviewing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) about undesirable events is crucial for effective risk management, particularly in a defense context where understanding potential threats and vulnerabilities can directly impact operational integrity.

When focusing on undesirable events, the most relevant question to ask is about the specific concerns that asset owners have regarding undesirable events related to their assets. This question prompts SMEs to share insights about potential risks, vulnerabilities, and incidents that could adversely affect those assets. By discussing their concerns, SMEs can illuminate critical threats, operational disruptions, or security breaches they foresee, which helps in identifying risk factors that need to be addressed in security planning and risk assessments.

Understanding these undesirable events directly informs the development of mitigation strategies and risk management plans tailored to protect the assets in question. This approach prioritizes the perspectives of those who have the most direct knowledge of the assets and their operational contexts, making it a vital aspect of a comprehensive risk management strategy.