How are risks defined in the context of ISO 27001?

In the context of ISO 27001, risks are defined as unwanted events that can negatively affect information security. This aligns closely with the framework's focus on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Understanding risks as unwanted events highlights the importance of identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to information assets, which is critical for effective risk management.

ISO 27001 emphasizes a systematic approach to managing sensitive information, ensuring that any potential risks that could result in data breaches, loss of data, or unauthorized access are properly identified and mitigated. This approach allows organizations to prioritize their responses based on the severity and likelihood of the risks, fostering a proactive culture of security management.

In contrast, the other options provide different perspectives that do not align with ISO 27001's definition of risk. For instance, viewing risks as potential gains or opportunities for improvement misunderstands the framework's focus on minimizing negative impacts on information systems. Similarly, defining risks as procedural obstacles to compliance does not capture the essence of risk as a threat to the security of data and assets. Hence, recognizing risks in this manner helps organizations maintain a robust information security management system throughout their operations.