Which term describes the thorough performance of necessary actions for a responsible investigation?

The term that best describes the thorough performance of necessary actions for a responsible investigation is due diligence. This concept refers to the level of care and attention that one is expected to take when investigating facts or engaging in a process to ensure that all relevant aspects are considered and addressed. In the context of cybersecurity or any investigative process, due diligence implies that proper steps are undertaken to gather evidence, assess risks, and ultimately make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation. This rigorous approach enhances accountability and reliability in investigations, helping to ensure that outcomes are just and well-founded.

In contrast, due process refers specifically to the legal requirement that an individual's rights are respected throughout legal proceedings, focusing more on the fairness of those processes than on the actions taken in an investigation. Best practices are general guidelines or principles that are widely accepted as being the most effective way to achieve a particular outcome, but they don’t specifically entail the thoroughness of actions as emphasized by due diligence. Risk assessment involves identifying and analyzing potential issues that could negatively impact key business initiatives or projects, which is a distinct process from the investigative actions warranted by due diligence.