Index
Overview
The Mitigations component is a critical part of the Risk Management module, designed to help organizations plan, implement, and track specific actions to reduce identified security risks. This component provides a structured approach to risk treatment, enabling you to document, assign, and monitor mitigation activities.
Effective risk mitigation is essential for reducing your organization's security exposure and demonstrating due diligence in addressing identified risks. The Mitigations component integrates with the Risks component and other elements of the Risk & Compliance Suite to provide a comprehensive approach to risk management.
Key Features
Mitigation Planning
Task Definition - Create detailed plans for addressing identified risks
Resource Allocation - Assign personnel and resources to mitigation activities
Timeline Management - Set realistic deadlines for implementation
Priority Setting - Determine the relative importance of different mitigation tasks
Mitigation Strategy - Document the approach for reducing risk exposure
Mitigation Assignment
Owner Designation - Assign responsibility for implementing mitigation tasks
Stakeholder Involvement - Identify all parties affected by or contributing to the mitigation
Notification System - Alert relevant personnel about assignments and deadlines
Accountability Tracking - Monitor ownership and responsibility for each task
Escalation Procedures - Address delays or implementation challenges
Mitigation Monitoring
Status Tracking - Monitor the current state of each mitigation task
Progress Updates - Record incremental steps toward implementation
Due Date Management - Track deadlines and identify overdue tasks
Dependency Management - Handle relationships between related mitigation activities
Implementation Evidence - Document proof of completed activities
Mitigation Effectiveness
Effectiveness Assessment - Evaluate how well the mitigation reduces the associated risk
Residual Risk Update - Reflect changes in risk levels after mitigation
Verification Process - Confirm that mitigations are implemented correctly and are effective
Lessons Learned - Capture insights for future mitigation efforts
Continuous Improvement - Refine mitigation strategies based on performance
Getting Started
To begin using the Mitigations component:
Access Mitigations: Navigate to the Risk Management module, then select the Mitigations component. Mitigation plans are often initiated directly from a specific risk record where the treatment decision is "Mitigate."
Create a New Mitigation Plan:
Link the plan to the specific risk(s) it addresses.
Clearly describe the objective of the mitigation.
Outline the overall strategy.
Define Mitigation Tasks: Break down the plan into specific, actionable tasks.
For each task, describe what needs to be done.
Assign an owner responsible for completing the task.
Set a due date.
Estimate resources required if applicable.
Implement Mitigation Tasks: Assigned owners carry out the tasks as planned.
They should update the status of their tasks (e.g., Not Started, In Progress, Completed, Blocked).
Evidence of completion should be uploaded or linked to the task.
Monitor Progress: Regularly review the status of all mitigation tasks. Project managers or risk owners should track overall progress of the mitigation plan.
Verify Effectiveness: Once all tasks in a mitigation plan are reported as complete, a designated party (e.g., risk owner, internal audit) should verify that:
The tasks were completed as specified.
The mitigation, as implemented, effectively reduces the risk to an acceptable level.
The residual risk score for the associated risk(s) should be updated based on this verification.
Close the Mitigation Plan: Once verified, formally close the mitigation plan. The associated risk's status may also be updated (e.g., to "Mitigated" or "Accepted" at the new residual level).
Best Practices
Mitigation Planning
Be Specific and Actionable - Ensure tasks are clearly defined and achievable.
Align with Risk Appetite - Ensure mitigation efforts are proportionate to the risk level and the organization's willingness to accept risk.
Involve Stakeholders - Collaborate with those who will implement or be affected by the mitigations.
Consider Dependencies - Identify any tasks that must be completed before others can start.
Mitigation Implementation
Assign Clear Ownership - Every task needs an accountable owner.
Provide Necessary Resources - Ensure owners have the time, budget, and tools to complete their tasks.
Track Progress Diligently - Use the system to keep status information up-to-date.
Communicate Effectively - Keep stakeholders informed of progress and any roadblocks.
Mitigation Verification
Independent Verification - Ideally, someone other than the task owner should verify completion and effectiveness.
Evidence-Based - Base verification on objective evidence, not just assertions of completion.
Test if Applicable - For technical mitigations, testing may be required to confirm effectiveness.
Document Verification Activities - Keep records of how and when mitigations were verified.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Mitigation Plans Lack Detail: Tasks are too vague to be actionable.
Resources Not Available: Assigned owners lack the capacity to implement tasks.
Tasks Overdue: Mitigations are not being completed in a timely manner.
Ineffective Mitigations: The implemented actions do not sufficiently reduce the risk.
Verification Delays: Completed tasks are not promptly reviewed and verified.
Getting Support
If you encounter issues with the Mitigations component:
Refer to the in-app help documentation for feature-specific guidance.
Consult your organization's internal risk treatment procedures.
Contact your system administrator or the AskInfosec support team for technical assistance.
Conclusion
The Mitigations component is crucial for translating risk treatment decisions into concrete actions. By providing a structured way to plan, assign, track, and verify mitigation efforts, it helps organizations systematically reduce their risk exposure. A well-managed mitigation process is a key indicator of a mature risk management program and contributes significantly to protecting organizational assets and achieving business objectives.
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