What is the first step in the OPSEC process?

What is the first step in the OPSEC process?

• A. Assess Risk
• B. Analyze vulnerabilities
• C. Identify critical information
• D. Apply countermeasures

Answer: (A)

Starting with risk assessment anchors the OPSEC effort in a clear sense of priority. By evaluating how likely a loss is and how severe the impact would be if it occurred, you establish a risk baseline that guides where protection is most needed. This upfront view helps you determine which pieces of information are truly sensitive and deserve protection, and it informs how aggressively you should pursue mitigations. With a risk picture in hand, you then identify what information is critical, examine threats and vulnerabilities, and decide which countermeasures to implement. If you jump straight into listing critical information or analyzing threats without first assessing risk, you risk misallocating resources or over- or under-protecting areas. In this context, assessing risk first provides the framework for prioritizing protection and shaping the rest of the OPSEC steps.

Starting with risk assessment anchors the OPSEC effort in a clear sense of priority. By evaluating how likely a loss is and how severe the impact would be if it occurred, you establish a risk baseline that guides where protection is most needed. This upfront view helps you determine which pieces of information are truly sensitive and deserve protection, and it informs how aggressively you should pursue mitigations.

With a risk picture in hand, you then identify what information is critical, examine threats and vulnerabilities, and decide which countermeasures to implement. If you jump straight into listing critical information or analyzing threats without first assessing risk, you risk misallocating resources or over- or under-protecting areas. In this context, assessing risk first provides the framework for prioritizing protection and shaping the rest of the OPSEC steps.