Developing a Realistic and Useful Threat Estimate Profile

This chapter addresses the urgency for developing a realistic and useful threat estimate profile that has value and meaning to chief executives. The discussion focuses on identifying the range and levels of threats against specific assets and modes of attack; characterizing assets, facilities, and processes; and translating these elements into an understandable forecast that enables action. Metrics are introduced to identify threats and hazards, and suggestions are put forth to determine the rank order of assets, loss, consequences, and the probability of an event occurring. Without a completed and up-to-date threat estimate profile, an organization will never know where to effectively allocate resources and funding to protect those assets that need it the most.