What is a primary purpose of risk assessment?

The primary purpose of risk assessment is to identify areas presenting the highest risk for management focus. This process involves analyzing potential risks that could affect an organization's operations, assets, or individuals and prioritizing them based on their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact. By highlighting the highest risk areas, management can allocate resources and design strategies to mitigate these risks effectively. This proactive approach helps ensure that the most significant threats are addressed promptly, ultimately enhancing the organization's overall security and resilience.

The other options, while related to risk management, do not capture the primary goal of a risk assessment. For instance, while eliminating all potential risks is an ideal scenario, it is often impractical and unnecessary, as some risks can be accepted or transferred. Additionally, developing protective technology is a broader initiative that can stem from insights gained during a risk assessment but is not the focus of the assessment itself. Compliance with regulatory standards is also important, yet it represents more of an outcome or requirement rather than the primary aim of carrying out a risk assessment.