What does a threat model assess?

A threat model is primarily focused on identifying and evaluating potential threats and vulnerabilities that an organization may face. This process involves analyzing the assets that need protection, understanding the potential adversaries and their capabilities, and determining the ways these adversaries could exploit vulnerabilities in a system. By establishing a clear picture of threats, organizations can prioritize their security efforts, design defensive measures, and enhance their overall security posture.

In contrast, assessing potential software updates focuses on evaluating new software changes for risks, browser vulnerabilities specifically target weaknesses in web browsers, and user training effectiveness evaluates how well users understand and adhere to security protocols. While each of these areas is important for a comprehensive security strategy, they do not capture the broader assessment that a threat model provides.