Which of the following steps is involved in cybersecurity risk analysis?

Estimating the likelihood of occurrence of threats is a fundamental step in cybersecurity risk analysis. This process involves assessing how probable it is that certain security threats could exploit vulnerabilities within an organization's systems and data. By quantifying these risks, organizations can prioritize their security measures and allocate resources effectively to mitigate the most significant threats.

Understanding the likelihood helps in forming a comprehensive risk profile, guiding decision-making around which security controls to implement. It lays the foundation for further analysis, such as evaluating potential impacts and developing strategies to manage the identified risks effectively. This is vital for creating a robust cybersecurity framework tailored to the specific vulnerabilities and threat landscape of the organization.

The other choices, while related to an organization’s overall security posture, do not directly pertain to the risk analysis process. Conducting employee performance reviews, for example, pertains to workforce management rather than evaluating cybersecurity threats. Publishing security guidelines serves to communicate best practices but does not involve the analytical assessment of risks. Implementing software patch updates is a crucial operational task for maintaining security but does not encompass the evaluative nature of risk analysis.