Which of the following is the GREATEST impact of implementing a risk mitigation strategy?

Improved alignment with business goals is an *indirect* benefit of effective risk management, but not the direct and primary *impact* of a specific mitigation strategy.

Risk mitigation strategies involve implementing controls and countermeasures to lessen the likelihood or impact of identified risks. The primary objective and direct outcome of successfully applying these strategies is to reduce the initial inherent risk down to an acceptable level of residual risk, which is the risk that remains even after mitigation efforts.

Increased costs due to control implementation are an *effect* or consequence of mitigation, often a trade-off, but not the *greatest impact* in terms of achieving the risk management objective itself.

Decreased overall risk appetite is a *strategic decision* made by management, not a direct impact of implementing a *mitigation strategy*.