Practical Prioritization Frameworks

Several frameworks provide structured approaches to threat prioritization. DREAD (Damage, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected users, Discoverability) offers a simple scoring system that teams can quickly apply. While criticized for subjectivity, DREAD provides consistency within organizations that define clear scoring criteria.

CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) provides industry-standard vulnerability scoring but requires adaptation for threat modeling. CVSS base scores reflect technical severity, while environmental scores adjust for your specific context. Temporal scores account for exploit availability and control effectiveness. This multi-dimensional scoring enables nuanced prioritization.

Risk-based approaches like FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) provide quantitative frameworks for organizations needing financial risk modeling. These approaches require more effort but enable precise comparison of different risks and clear ROI calculations for security investments. They work best in mature organizations with established risk management processes.

Choose frameworks that match your organization's culture and needs. Technical teams might prefer STRIDE-based analysis. Business-focused organizations might need financial risk quantification. Agile teams benefit from lightweight scoring that integrates with sprint planning. The best framework is one your organization will actually use consistently.

Effective threat identification and prioritization transforms security from reactive patching to proactive risk management. By systematically identifying relevant threats and prioritizing based on real risk to your organization, you ensure limited security resources address the most important issues. This chapter's techniques provide the foundation for making informed security decisions that balance comprehensive protection with practical constraints. Master these skills, and you'll be able to navigate the complex landscape of modern threats while maintaining focus on what truly matters for your organization's security.## Common Threat Modeling Tools and Software

The evolution of threat modeling from whiteboard exercises to sophisticated software-supported processes has made this critical security practice more accessible and scalable. Modern threat modeling tools range from simple diagramming applications to comprehensive platforms that automate threat identification and track mitigation progress. This chapter provides a practical guide to the threat modeling tool landscape, helping you select and implement tools that enhance your security analysis without overwhelming your process.