Which document serves as a guide for conducting risk assessments?

The document that serves as a guide for conducting risk assessments is SP 800-30, Rev. 1. This publication, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically outlines a structured process for assessing risks to organizational operations, assets, individuals, and other missions. It provides extensive guidance on identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and the potential impact on operations, as well as outlining a methodology for performing risk assessments. This makes it an essential resource for organizations looking to systematically understand and manage their risks.

While other documents mentioned have their own specific purposes—such as FIPS 199 which relates to security categorization of information systems, and FIPS 200 which addresses minimum security requirements for federal information and information systems—the primary focus of SP 800-30, Rev. 1 is on the risk assessment process itself. The NIST Risk Management Framework also provides a broader organizational approach to managing risk, but it does not offer the same detailed directives for conducting risk assessments as SP 800-30 does. Thus, it is clear why SP 800-30, Rev. 1 is recognized as the authoritative guide for risk assessments.