What should management do regarding the risks of information systems?

Management should conduct regular risk assessments to effectively identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with information systems. This proactive approach allows organizations to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and threats that could impact their operations and data security. Regular assessments help in understanding how risks evolve over time, especially in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

By consistently reviewing and updating risk management practices, management can better allocate resources, implement necessary controls, and prepare for incidents that could negatively affect the organization. Conducting these assessments fosters a culture of awareness and response, ensuring that staff are trained and systems remain secure against emerging threats.

Other choices, while valid in certain contexts, do not comprehensively address the need for a systematic approach to risk management in information systems. Ignoring past incidents undermines valuable learning opportunities from previous failures or breaches. Focusing solely on financial risks limits the understanding of a broader range of potential threats, which can include operational, legal, and reputational risks. Limiting IT staff access to systems may mitigate some risks but is not a substitute for thorough risk assessments that can provide a complete picture of an organization’s vulnerabilities and necessary safeguards.