A risk analysis is a process of identifying and assessing the potential threats and vulnerabilities that

could affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. A SaaS-based human

resources portal is a cloud service that provides access to human resources applications and data

over the internet. The human resources department should consider the following requirements

when conducting a risk analysis for this service:

Threats: These are the sources or events that could exploit the vulnerabilities of the service and

cause harm to the data or systems. For example, malicious actors, natural disasters, power outages,

network failures, etc. The human resources department should identify the possible threats that

could affect the SaaS service and evaluate their likelihood and impact.

Vulnerabilities: These are the weaknesses or gaps in the security of the service that could be

exploited by the threats. For example, misconfigurations, outdated software, lack of encryption,

insufficient authentication, etc. The human resources department should identify the existing and

potential vulnerabilities of the SaaS service and evaluate their severity and exposure.

The other options are not relevant for a risk analysis:

Support: This is the assistance or guidance provided by the SaaS provider or a third party to the

customers of the service. Support is not a requirement for a risk analysis, but rather a factor to

consider when selecting or evaluating a SaaS provider.

Chargebacks: These are the fees or penalties imposed by the SaaS provider to the customers for

exceeding the agreed-upon service levels or usage limits. Chargebacks are not a requirement for a

risk analysis, but rather a factor to consider when negotiating or reviewing the service level

agreement (SLA) with the SaaS provider.

Maintenance: This is the process of updating, repairing, or improving the service to ensure its

functionality and performance. Maintenance is not a requirement for a risk analysis, but rather a

responsibility of the SaaS provider that should be specified in the SLA.

Gap analysis: This is a process of comparing the current state and the desired state of a system or a

process and identifying the gaps or differences between them. Gap analysis is not a requirement for

a risk analysis, but rather a tool to use for planning or implementing improvements or changes.

Reference:

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Cloud Concepts and Models, Section

2.3: Cloud Security Concepts, p. 54-55

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Cloud Business Principles, Section 4.1:

Cloud Service Agreements, p. 116-117