Threat (computer)

In computer security a threat is a possible danger that might exploit a vulnerability to breach security and therefore cause possible harm.

A threat can be either "intentional" (i.e. hacking: an individual cracker or a criminal organization) or "accidental" (e.g. the possibility of a computer malfunctioning, or the possibility of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, a fire, or a tornado) or otherwise a circumstance, capability, action, or event.