Whether in finance, in the energy sector or in a KRITIS company: Anyone who wants to systematically assess and prioritize risks cannot ignore the risk matrix. It is at the heart of an effective risk management and provides decision makers such as information security officers, risk managers or compliance officers with the necessary transparency to react appropriately. It is a central tool, particularly when implementing regulatory requirements such as MaRisk, ISO 31000 or NIS-2.
The risk matrix is a key risk assessment tool that visualizes qualitative or quantitative assessments of the risk dimensions of probability of occurrence and extent of damage in a two-dimensional matrix. The aim is to make risks comparable, assess their criticality objectively, and derive priorities for their treatment.
Typically, the matrix consists of a coordinate system with a horizontal axis for the probability of occurrence (e.g. very low to very high) and a vertical axis for the potential impact (e.g. low, medium, high, catastrophic). Each combination of these two dimensions results in a cell within the matrix, which is assigned to a risk class, shown in color in traffic light colors ranging from green to yellow and orange to red.
The color scheme allows an intuitive visual interpretation:
The evaluation can be based on various scales (e.g. 3×3, 5×5 or 7×7 fields) and be either subjective (based on expert assessments) or based on data (e.g. historical incidence rates, claims amounts). In modern GRC systems such as Aeneis, a distinction is also made between gross risk (before measures) and net risk (after risk treatment measures). Both states are visualized in separate matrices and make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.
The risk matrix is a standards-compliant tool in accordance with ISO 31000, ISO 27005, MaRisk, DORA, or NIS-2 and helps to assess risks comprehensibly and consistently, both in operational processes and at company level.
In the Aeneis software, the risk matrix is presented as an interactive heat map, which is integrated in risk management and in the ISMS app. This representation makes it possible to assess risks in the process model, in the organization or at object level, i.e. where they actually arise.
The heat map in Aeneis visualizes all assessed risks at a glance based on their probability of occurrence and impact. A distinction is made between two states:
Both risk states are presented in separate heat maps, which makes it possible to directly check the effectiveness of the measures. Color scales can be determined individually, but range as standard from green (low risk) to red (critical risk) and are based on common risk classes from ISO 31000 or BSI IT basic protection.
The heat maps in Aeneis are completely dynamic:
In addition, Aeneis supports the documentation and evaluation of risks by:
The presentation of the risk matrix in Aeneis thus meets not only internal corporate management requirements, but also external reporting requirements within the framework of legal regulations such as MaRisk AT 2.2, ISO 27005 or NIS-2.
It is therefore more than a visualization tool; it is a central control mechanism for continuous digital risk management, integrated into the Aeneis process management system.
You can find out how to create a risk matrix in Aeneis in the online help.
The risk matrix offers a high level of practical added value for effective, rule-compliant risk management. It enables specialists and managers to analyse risks in a structured manner and to evaluate them in a targeted manner, while prioritizing both operational and strategic risks.
Through the visual presentation as a heat map, the risk matrix supports a rapid risk analysis and creates a common understanding of the risk situation in the company, across divisions, comprehensible and audit-proof.
Whether as part of an information security management system (ISMS), an internal control system (ICS) or in the context of regulatory requirements such as MaRisk or ISO 31000: The risk matrix helps to transparently document risks, systematically evaluate them and make well-founded decisions on risk treatment.
In combination with action tracking, responsibility allocation and reporting options — such as those available in Aeneis — an assessment tool becomes a central control element for a digital and resilient risk management system.
The risk matrix is often confused with the risk control matrix, and both instruments fulfill different functions in the risk management process.
The risk matrix is primarily used for evaluation and prioritization: It shows how dangerous a risk is based on the probability of occurrence and impact. It answers the question: “How critical is this risk for our company? ”
The risk control matrix, on the other hand, is used for documentation and management: It combines every risk with the corresponding controls, measures, responsibilities and evidence. It answers the question: “What controls have we established to manage risks and who is responsible for them? ”
In Aeneis, the risk control matrix is displayed in the risk management app. There, the risks can be viewed with their associated tasks, controls, responsible persons and processes. This creates an overview that is particularly essential for audits and verification requirements as part of an internal control system (ICS).
The risk matrix is a key tool for structured, comprehensible and visually supported risk assessment. It enables companies not only to identify risks, but also to evaluate, prioritize and manage them in a targeted manner based on uniform criteria. The color-coded representation of complex risk portfolios provides a clear picture of the situation that is convincing both in operational management and to auditors and supervisory authorities. In Aeneis, the risk matrix is implemented as an interactive heat map, directly linked to the risks and thus forms the basis for holistic, standard-compliant risk management in digital process environments.
