What primary condition must be met for effective risk assessment in an IS audit?

For effective risk assessment in an IS audit, establishing a clear purpose and objective for the audit is critical. This clarity ensures that the audit team understands the specific risks they need to evaluate and the objectives they are attempting to achieve. By defining these goals, auditors can focus their efforts on relevant areas, gather pertinent data, and engage in meaningful analysis.

Having a clear purpose allows for the prioritization of risks based on their potential impact on the organization, guiding the audit process effectively. It also streamlines communication among stakeholders, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned on what the audit seeks to accomplish. Without this fundamental condition, risk assessment might lack direction, leading to inefficient use of resources and potentially overlooking significant risks.