Security assessments must be planned thoroughly to be effective, safe, and actionable. This episode walks through the planning phase of an assessment project, including goal setting, scope definition, timeline management, and stakeholder communication. We explain how to assess organizational readiness, gain necessary approvals, and avoid disrupting operations. You’ll also learn about risk categorization, asset selection, test environment configuration, and the importance of documentation. CISSPs often serve as project leads or advisors for assessments, making this planning knowledge essential for both technical and governance roles.