Three Threats

I thought three examples of threats, with corresponding vulnerabilities, etc., might help convince those who doubt the proper use of these terms. Let's start with a mythical example: Achilles. I'll use Achilles' point of view.

• Risk: Death of Achilles.


• Asset: Achilles' life.


• Vulnerability: Achilles' heel. (Achilles was invulnerable, save the portion of his heel where his mother held while dipping him in the River Styx. This is the most popular version of the myth.)


• Threat: Paris, who shot Achilles in the heel with an arrow.


• Exploit: The arrow show by Paris.

Let's now look at an example from one of the best movies of all time: The Karate Kid. I'll use Daniel's point of view.

• Risk: Loss of tournament, thereby letting Johnny Lawrence win.


• Asset: Daniel LaRusso's fighting ability.


• Vulnerability: Leg injured in previous fight.


• Threat: Johnny Lawrence.


• Exploit: Strike to the injured leg.

Man, that was funny. Here is the third example, from Star Wars. (Don't make me quote the episode -- this is geeky enough already.) I'll use the Empire's point of view.

• Risk: Loss of the Death Star and Imperial prestige.


• Asset: The Death Star.


• Vulnerability: "An analysis of the plans provided by Princess Leia has demonstrated a weakness in the battle station... It's a small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station."


• Threat: X-Wings, e.g: "[T]he Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to be any threat, or they'd have a tighter defense." (Bravo Lucas!)


• Exploit: "The shaft is ray-shielded, so you'll have to use proton torpedoes."

Getting the hang of it? Try representing the Star Wars example from the Rebellion's point of view. It's fun, really.