What is the purpose of a security assessment?

The purpose of a security assessment is fundamentally to identify vulnerabilities within a given environment—such as a facility, organization, or system—and to develop effective mitigation strategies to address those vulnerabilities. This process involves systematically analyzing potential security risks, assessing current security measures, and determining their effectiveness. By identifying weaknesses, security assessments help organizations establish a comprehensive security plan that protects assets, personnel, and sensitive information. The insights gained from a security assessment are critical for making informed decisions to enhance security protocols and reduce the likelihood of incidents that could lead to harm or loss.

While aspects like evaluating personnel or increasing workforce numbers can be part of broader security management, they do not define the primary objective of a security assessment, which remains focused on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities. Similarly, collecting data for marketing purposes does not align with the critical security objectives of safeguarding and mitigating risks.