In the context of security assessments, how does stakeholder resistance affect the process?

Stakeholder resistance complicates and can delay assessments primarily because it introduces obstacles in communication, collaboration, and information sharing. When stakeholders are resistant to the assessment process, they might withhold necessary data or not fully participate in interviews and discussions. This lack of engagement can lead to incomplete information, ultimately hindering the assessment's thoroughness and accuracy.

Furthermore, resistance can foster a negative atmosphere, where stakeholders may feel defensive or unwilling to acknowledge vulnerabilities within their systems. This defensive posture can extend the timeline of the assessment as assessors may need to spend additional time addressing concerns and building trust before they can effectively carry out their evaluations. Thus, stakeholder resistance can significantly disrupt the flow of the security assessment, requiring more time and resources to overcome these barriers and complete the process comprehensively.