What does the criticality of an asset concern?

The criticality of an asset primarily concerns the impact of non-availability of that asset. This concept is pivotal in cybersecurity and asset management because it involves understanding how crucial an asset is to the overall functionality and operations of an organization. If an asset is deemed critical, its unavailability could lead to significant disruptions, financial losses, reputational damage, or legal ramifications. Therefore, assessing criticality involves evaluating the consequences that arise if the asset is compromised or becomes unavailable.

While other factors such as security features, performance speed, and maintenance costs are important in their own right, they do not directly address the significance of an asset's availability in relation to the overall risk management and continuity of business operations. Understanding the criticality of assets allows organizations to prioritize their protection and allocation of resources effectively.