What is the purpose of continuous assessment in information systems?

Continuous assessment in information systems plays a crucial role in monitoring the ongoing security posture of an organization's systems and ensuring that any changes do not compromise security measures. This process involves regularly evaluating the systems for vulnerabilities, compliance with established security policies, and effectiveness of security controls.

By focusing on initial security accreditation for changes, continuous assessment ensures that any modifications made to the system or environment are scrutinized for their impact on overall security. This is essential as IT environments are dynamic and can be sensitive to changes—neglecting this aspect could lead to potential security breaches or undermine system integrity.

Utilizing continuous assessment allows organizations to proactively manage risks and maintain compliance with industry regulations or standards, which are often critical in information systems management. This also helps in adapting to new threats or vulnerabilities as they emerge, thereby supporting ongoing security management within the organization.