Which formula accurately represents the determination of risk?

The formula that accurately represents the determination of risk in the context of cybersecurity and risk management is represented as Risk = Threat * Vulnerability. This relationship highlights the interplay between threats and vulnerabilities in assessing risk levels.

A threat refers to any potential danger that can exploit a vulnerability, leading to a loss or damage of an asset. Vulnerabilities are weaknesses or gaps in a system’s security that can be exploited by threats. Multiplying these two components together provides a comprehensive measure of risk because it acknowledges that the overall risk level increases with either a greater threat or a higher vulnerability.

For instance, if an organization has a highly vulnerable system, even a low level of threat can result in significant risk. Conversely, a very high threat against a well-secured system will still yield a high risk if vulnerabilities are present. Hence, this formula is foundational in risk management, allowing organizations to prioritize their risk mitigation efforts based on identified threats and existing vulnerabilities.