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Threats
A threat is generally defined as a potential danger or communicated intent to cause harm, loss, or negative consequences to a person, property, system, or organization.
Here are key aspects of the concept of threat from different contexts:
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General/Legal Definition: A threat is a communicated intent to harm or cause loss to another person or their property, which may restrict their freedom or consent. For example, threatening to harm someone if they do not give money is a threat. Threats can also be made to cause fear or panic, such as bomb threats leading to evacuations. Sometimes, a threat can be a potential danger even without a specific communicated intent, like a wild animal known to attack humans being considered a threat to people nearby. Threats can have serious legal consequences, including charges like extortion or terrorism.
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Linguistic Definition: A threat can be a statement by someone indicating they will hurt another person if demands are not met. It can also mean a danger that something bad might happen to a person or thing. For example, single people might be seen as a threat to some relationships. The word "threat" can also refer to the person or thing that poses the danger.
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Computer Security Definition: In cybersecurity, a threat is a potential negative action or event enabled by a vulnerability that results in an unwanted impact on a computer system or application. Threats can be intentional (e.g., hacking by criminals) or accidental (e.g., natural disasters or system malfunctions). A threat actor is an individual or group capable of exploiting vulnerabilities to cause harm. Threat consequences include disclosure, deception, disruption, and usurpation of system resources.
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Information Security Definition: A threat is any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely impact organizational operations, assets, or individuals through unauthorized access, destruction, disclosure, modification of information, or denial of service. It involves the potential for a threat source to exploit vulnerabilities in information systems.
Summary Table:
| Context | Definition Summary | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| General/Legal | Communicated intent to harm or cause loss; can cause fear or restrict freedom | Threatening harm for money; bomb threat |
| Linguistic | Statement of intent to hurt or danger of harm | Threat to resign; danger to relationships |
| Computer Security | Potential negative event exploiting vulnerabilities causing harm to systems | Hacking, natural disasters |
| Information Security | Circumstance/event potentially impacting operations/assets via unauthorized access or damage | Data breach, denial of service |
In essence, a threat is any indication or potential for harm or negative impact, whether communicated or inherent, intentional or accidental, across various domains.