What does an Unmitigated Threat Likelihood (UTL) signify?

An Unmitigated Threat Likelihood (UTL) signifies the baseline risk without countermeasures in place. It provides a measure of how likely a threat is to exploit a vulnerability in an industrial automation and control system (IACS) environment when no existing security controls or mitigation strategies are applied. This baseline assessment is critical because it allows organizations to understand the inherent risk posed by threats in their environment, making it possible to prioritize actions for improvement and implement effective security measures to reduce risk.

By identifying UTL, organizations can take into account the potential impact of various threats and vulnerabilities, leading to informed decision-making regarding risk management strategies. This understanding is vital for developing a comprehensive security plan that adequately addresses those inherent risks before any controls are applied.