What does the DREAD threat model assess?

The DREAD threat model is specifically designed to help assess and prioritize security threats based on five key factors: Damage potential, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected users, and Discoverability. Each factor contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the threat’s impact and likelihood, allowing security professionals to prioritize which threats need immediate attention.

By evaluating these dimensions, an organization can systematically determine which vulnerabilities pose the greatest risk and allocate resources effectively to address them. This model is particularly useful for prioritization within risk management frameworks, as it enables decision-makers to focus on the most critical threats based on a structured analysis rather than relying solely on subjective judgment or anecdotal evidence.

The other options do not accurately represent the focus or functionality of the DREAD threat model. The cost efficiency of security measures, technical skills of personnel, and compliance status are related to overall security strategy but do not pertain directly to the DREAD model's specific purpose of threat assessment and prioritization.