Information risk management (IRM) is the process of identifying and assessing risk, reducing it to an acceptable level, and implementing the right mechanisms to maintain that level. What are the diffe

System interaction itself is not a distinct category of risk but rather a context within which other risks, like system malfunction or attacks, might manifest.

Human interaction is a key risk category as human errors, negligence, or malicious intent can directly compromise information security, leading to breaches or system failures.

Equipment malfunction poses a significant risk due to hardware failures or software bugs that can lead to system unavailability, data corruption, or operational disruptions.

Inside and outside attacks are critical risk categories, representing both internal threats (insiders) and external threats (cyberattacks, espionage) aiming to exploit vulnerabilities for unauthorized access or disruption.

Social status, often referring to social engineering, is a common risk category where attackers manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

Physical damage, such as natural disasters, accidents, or deliberate sabotage, directly threatens the physical infrastructure supporting information systems and data, leading to loss or unavailability.