Calculation of Risk
In the OWASP risk assessment model, the levels of probability and impact are categorized on a scale of 0 to 3, 3 to 6, and 6 to 9. Each level represents a different degree of probability and impact associated with a security vulnerability. Here’s a brief description of each level:
- Low (0-3): A low likelihood of exploitation and a low impact if the vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability is difficult to exploit or has minimal consequences.
- Medium (3-6): A medium likelihood of exploitation and moderate impact if the vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability may require some effort to exploit or has moderate consequences.
- High (6-9): A high likelihood of exploitation and severe impact if the vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability is easy to exploit or has serious consequences for security or operations.
By combining the probability and impact levels, we can determine the overall risk rating of a vulnerability. The risk rating helps prioritize vulnerabilities that require immediate attention and remediation efforts to effectively manage security risks. It enables organizations to allocate resources efficiently and focus on addressing the most critical security concerns.
| Probability and impact levels | |
|---|---|
| 0 to < 3 | Low |
| 3 to < 6 | Medium |
| 6 to 9 | High |
The overall risk score is a crucial concept in risk assessment, calculated by multiplying the probability and impact levels of a security vulnerability. This simple mathematical calculation provides a numerical representation of the potential risk associated with the vulnerability.
The probability level, measured on a scale of 0 to 9, represents the likelihood that the vulnerability will be successfully exploited by malicious actors. A higher probability score indicates a greater chance of exploitation.
The impact level, also on a scale of 0 to 9, quantifies the potential consequences of exploiting the vulnerability. A higher impact score indicates more severe and significant consequences.
To calculate the overall risk score, we multiply the probability by the impact. The resulting product provides a numerical value that reflects the risk level of the vulnerability. A higher overall risk score indicates a more critical and urgent security concern that requires immediate attention and mitigation efforts.
By utilizing the calculation of the overall risk score, organizations can prioritize their efforts, focus on vulnerabilities that pose the greatest danger, and ensure that limited resources are allocated efficiently to address high-risk areas effectively. This approach enables a proactive, risk-based security strategy to protect against potential threats and safeguard sensitive data and systems from exploitation.
