What process is used to compare an organization's current security performance to its desired security goals?

The process of gap analysis is specifically designed to identify the differences between an organization's current security performance and its desired security goals. In this context, gap analysis involves measuring the existing security posture against established standards or benchmarks to uncover any deficiencies or areas needing improvement.

This method allows organizations to create a roadmap for enhancing their security practices by pinpointing specific gaps that must be addressed in order to achieve the desired state of security. It emphasizes understanding the 'as-is' state of security measures compared to the 'to-be' state, which can facilitate informed decision-making and strategic planning.

While risk assessments focus on identifying vulnerabilities and threats, and security audits involve systematic evaluations of the adequacy and effectiveness of security controls, and threat evaluation looks at potential threats and their impact, gap analysis is unique in its approach of directly comparing current capabilities with targeted objectives, making it the correct choice for this question.