01642 06 11 11 Arrange Call

Threat Modelling

Glossary / T

Threat Modelling Definition:

Threat Modelling is a structured approach used to identify, evaluate, and address potential security threats to a system, application, or organisation. It helps security teams anticipate and mitigate risks by understanding how attackers might Exploit vulnerabilities within a given environment.

What is Threat Modelling?

Threat Modelling involves analysing a system's design, identifying potential threats, and evaluating their impact and likelihood. By simulating an attacker’s perspective, Threat Modelling allows organisations to proactively address security weaknesses, focusing on areas most likely to be targeted.

Why is Threat Modelling important?

The purpose of Threat Modelling is to strengthen security by pre-emptively identifying and addressing threats before they can be Exploited. It enables organisations to make informed decisions on risk mitigation, allocate security resources effectively, and design systems with robust security measures in place.

How does Threat Modelling work?

Threat Modelling typically follows a process that includes identifying assets, defining potential threats, determining vulnerabilities, and assessing the impact of each threat. Methodologies like STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege) and DREAD (Damage, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected Users, Discoverability) provide structured approaches to Threat Modelling. The output of a threat model often includes mitigation strategies and prioritised action plans to address identified risks.

Threat Modelling Examples:

Examples of Threat Modelling include analysing a web application to identify potential SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, or assessing an enterprise network for risks associated with unauthorised access and data exfiltration. Using a structured model, security teams can determine which threats are most critical and devise targeted mitigation strategies.

Threat Modelling Issues:

Threat Modelling requires a comprehensive understanding of the system and potential threat landscape, making it complex and time-consuming. Without regular updates, models can become outdated as systems evolve. Additionally, Threat Modelling depends on the availability of accurate data and can be challenging if resources or expertise are limited.

Our Services