According to NIST, how often should organizations conduct risk assessments?

Organizations should conduct risk assessments at least annually or whenever there are significant changes in the risk environment to ensure that they have an up-to-date understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities they face. This approach is critical for effective risk management, as it allows organizations to identify new risks that may not have been present in previous assessments and to evaluate the effectiveness of their current controls.

Regular risk assessments help assure that organizational policies and procedures adapt to evolving threats, technologies, and regulatory requirements. By adhering to this recommendation from NIST, organizations can better maintain their security posture and responsiveness to dynamic risks, thereby protecting their assets, operations, and reputation.