What should a threat model ideally include?

A threat model is a systematic process used to identify, assess, and prioritize potential threats to an organization's assets, data, and operations. The inclusion of identification of potential threats and risks is essential for developing an effective security strategy. By comprehensively analyzing potential vulnerabilities and the various types of threats that could exploit them, organizations can better prepare and implement security measures tailored to address those risks. This proactive approach allows organizations to anticipate attacks and mitigate their impact by establishing appropriate defenses, thus enhancing overall security posture.

In contrast, focusing solely on past incidents and outcomes would limit the model’s effectiveness in anticipating future threats. Evaluating current security tools is important but may not encompass the full spectrum of threats that could emerge. Listing all employees could help in understanding human factors in security but does not directly contribute to identifying and managing potential security threats. Thus, identifying potential threats and risks is the cornerstone of a threat model, enabling a holistic view of the security landscape.