Asset management is the systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, and disposing of assets in a secure manner. Assets include intellectual property, hardware, software, and data. Effective asset management ensures that all assets are properly inventoried, protected, and utilized throughout their lifecycle. It involves identifying and classifying assets, assessing their value, implementing security controls, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proper asset management enables organizations to optimize resource use, reduce risks, and enhance their overall security posture.