OCTAVE® (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation)

OCTAVE® is an acronym for "Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation," a comprehensive framework designed for assessing and managing information security risks. Developed initially at Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute, OCTAVE® is tailored to organizations needing to evaluate their information security infrastructure and practices strategically.

The OCTAVE® approach is particularly noted for its adaptability and focus on organizational risk rather than purely technical aspects. It enables organizations to identify, prioritize, and manage information security risks based on their unique operational landscape and business objectives. This method involves a series of workshops and interviews with various organizational stakeholders to capture a broad range of insights on potential security threats and vulnerabilities.

The OCTAVE® framework is divided into three key phases:

OCTAVE® is versatile, supporting entities from small businesses to large enterprises and government agencies. The framework’s tools, techniques, and methods are designed for self-directed assessment, giving organizations the flexibility to apply the OCTAVE® principles internally without the need for external consultants. This self-assessment capability makes OCTAVE® a cost-effective solution for strategic information security planning, allowing organizations to strengthen their security posture in alignment with their strategic goals and risk tolerance levels.