Information Security Risk Assessment Questionnaire

Free IT Security Risk Assessment Questionnaire

Every business faces cyber risks. A single data breach can cause financial loss, expose sensitive data, and damage customer trust. To reduce these risks, businesses need a structured way to check their defenses.

An information security risk assessment questionnaire is one of the most effective tools. It asks clear questions about policies, systems, and processes. The answers reveal threats and vulnerabilities, highlight weak access controls, and show where you need to make fixes.

At Cyber Security Assessment.help, we provide free NIST-based questionnaires. Our assessments help small and medium sized businesses build stronger security programs without unnecessary complexity.

We offer two versions:

  • Beginner (High – Level) – An in depth audit using simple terminology.
  • Advanced (Technical) – A deeper review for IT and security teams.
DOWNLOAD BEGINNER AUDIT DOWNLOAD ADVANCED AUDIT

Why Use a Risk Assessment Questionnaire?

Completing a structured questionnaire delivers clear value:

  • Identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
  • Prevent data breaches by closing common gaps.
  • Show compliance with frameworks such as NIST
  • Strengthen continuity by testing incident response and recovery

Without a questionnaire, risks often remain hidden. With one, you create proof of risk evaluations and identified risks that guide lasting improvements.

Beginner Questionnaire (High – Level)

The beginner information security risk assessment questionnaire version provides a simple, non-technical review. It focuses on policies, access, data, incident response, and vendors.

Policies and Governance

  • Do we have a written security policy?
  • Is the policy reviewed each year?
  • Do staff complete security awareness training?

Access Controls

  • Are strong passwords enforced (min. 25 alpha numeric characters)
  • Is multi-factor authentication used for all systems?
  • Are accounted reviewed when employees leave?

Data Security

  • Is sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?
  • Are backups tested regularly?
  • Do we have a data retention and disposal policy?

Physical Security

  • Are visitor logs maintained?
  • Are laptops encrypted?

Incident Response and Recovery

  • Do we have a written incident response plan?
  • Has the plan been tested in the last year?
  • Can we restore systems from backups quickly?

Vendor and Third-Party Risk

  • Do we review party vendors before granting data access?
  • Do contracts include security obligations?
  • Are vendor practices reviewed regularly?

Advanced Questionnaire (Technical)

The advanced version is designed for IT and security teams. It covers detailed controls across systems, networks and vendors.

Endpoint and Network Security

  • Are endpoints hardened with a secure baseline?
  • Are patches applied within service levels?
  • Do firewalls block unused ports and services?
  • Are intrusion detection systems in place?

Identity and Access Management

  • Is multi factor authentication enforced in all areas applicable?
  • Are privileged accounts monitored?
  • Are joiner, mover, and leaver processes automated?

Logging and Monitoring

  • Are logs centralized and retained?
  • Are alerts created for unusual activity?
  • Are logs reviewed weekly?

Why Is an information Security risk assessment Questionnaire important?

Understand Security Weaknesses

Insurance Requirements

Cyber Security Risk Prioritization

Company Compliance

Third Party Compliance

Why Follow The NIST Framework?

Many businesses ask why our questionnaire follows the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The answer is simple. NIST provides a flexible framework that any business can adopt. It organizes activities into five core areas: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.

Best Practices For Information Risk Assessment Processes

  • Repeat assessments at least twice a year
  • Gather evidence for each answer
  • Engage all teams – not just IT
  • Check vendors – supply chain attacks happen
  • Maintain and track progress
BEGINNER AUDIT ADVANCED AUDIT

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Risk Assessment Questionnaire

  • Choose your version – Small business for leadership, medium business for IT.
  • Assign roles – Include managers, technical staff, and compliance.
  • Collect information – policies, vendor contracts, and system inventories.
  • Answer questions honestly – Yes, or No answers.
  • Score risks – Calculate likelihood and impact.
  • Analyze patterns – Group risks by priority.
  • Create an action plan – Assign owners and due dates.
  • Review progress – Repeat every 6 months, or after major changes.

Risk Analysis

Risk analysis is about quantifying risks in terms of potential financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruption. This is often done using qualitative or quantitative methods, or a combination of both to prioritize risks based on their severity and the likelihood of occurrence.

Risk Evaluation

After analyzing the risks, the next step is to evaluate them against your organization’s risk appetite and tolerance levels. This helps in determining which risks require immediate attention and which can be mitigated through existing security protocols.

Developing a Risk Management Plan

A risk management plan outlines the strategies and measures your organization will employ to manage and mitigate identified risks. This plan should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of cyber security, from technical controls to employee training.

Implementing Cyber Security Controls

Effective risk management involves implementing security controls that can prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. These controls may include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Regular reviewing and updating these controls is essential to maintaining a strong security posture.

Monitoring and Reviewing

Continuous monitoring and regular reviews are crucial components of a successful risk management plan. This involves keeping track of changes in the cyber security landscape, testing the effectiveness of security controls, and making necessary adjustments to the risk management strategies.

SMALL BUSINESS AUDIT MEDIUM BUSINESS AUDIT

Cyber Security Assessment Checklist Example Questions:

  1. Do you enforce multi factor authentication is set up properly for every device?
  2. Do you have a business continuity plan set up in the event a disaster takes place? Is it accessible for everyone?
  3. Do you centrally manage and monitor all user accounts and login events on your network?
  4. Do you require staff to partake in monthly cyber security training campaigns and phishing simulation tests?
SMALL BUSINESS AUDIT MEDIUM BUSINESS AUDIT

Who Is The Cyber Security Assessment Checklist For?

Our cyber security risk assessment report is for any small or medium sized business looking to learn more about their current cyber security stance. Our free cyber security risk assessment adheres to the NIST framework for the security of your company’s data. In today’s digital landscape, failing to address security risks can lead to devastating consequences. Our cyber security risk assessment questionnaire is more than just a tool, it’s a strategic partner that helps you implement robust cyber security. Don’t wait for a breach to take action – start your free cyber security risk report, or contact us today with any questions or for assistance to secure your organization’s future.

Need Assistance With The Cyber Security Assessment?

Contact our team of cyber security professionals to get a free 30 minute cyber security audit walk through.