What approach does counterintelligence use to prioritize security countermeasures?

The risk-based management approach is essential in counterintelligence as it emphasizes the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of risks to an organization's sensitive information and assets. By assessing potential threats and vulnerabilities, this approach allows organizations to allocate resources effectively and implement security measures where they are most needed.

In a risk-based framework, security countermeasures are driven by the likelihood and impact of different threats. This ensures that the most critical risks receive attention and that security investments provide maximum benefit relative to the threats faced. Organizations can create tailored strategies that address their unique risk profiles, ensuring that counterintelligence efforts are not just reactive but proactive.

Moreover, the other approaches mentioned, such as incident-based or compliance approaches, lack the comprehensive focus on risk assessment that is vital to mitigating insider threats. While cost-benefit analysis is important for determining the financial viability of security measures, it does not inherently prioritize based on risk, making it less effective in the context of counterintelligence.