Explain the term "risk assessment" in cybersecurity.

The term "risk assessment" in cybersecurity refers to the systematic process of identifying and analyzing potential risks that could negatively impact an organization. This involves evaluating both the likelihood of various threats occurring and the potential consequences of those threats, allowing organizations to understand their vulnerabilities better.

By conducting a risk assessment, cybersecurity professionals can prioritize risks based on their severity and likelihood, which in turn informs the development of strategic plans to mitigate or manage those risks. This process includes identifying assets that need protection, analyzing the possible threats to these assets, assessing the vulnerabilities that could be exploited by those threats, and estimating the impact of a successful attack. Therefore, proper risk assessment enables organizations to allocate resources more effectively and implement adequate security measures tailored to their specific risk profiles, enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture.