What does the term 'threat landscape' refer to?

The term 'threat landscape' refers to the current environment of potential threats and adversaries facing an organization. This encompasses an overview of the various risks, including cyber threats, malicious actors, emerging vulnerabilities, and other factors that could impact the security posture of an organization. By understanding the threat landscape, organizations can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities within their systems, thereby enhancing their overall cybersecurity strategy.

Recognizing the dynamics of this environment allows organizations to prepare for and respond to threats in a more informed manner. It involves constant vigilance since the landscape can shift due to evolving technologies, changing attack techniques, and new threat actors. This continuous monitoring is critical for ensuring that necessary defenses are in place and can adapt to the shifting nature of cyber threats.

In contrast, historical data on past attacks focuses on events that have already occurred, rather than the current state. A database of known vulnerabilities specifically catalogs weaknesses but does not encapsulate the broader threat context. The design specifications of an IACS system pertain to the architecture of the system itself and do not directly relate to the landscape of threats it may face. Understanding the current threat landscape is essential for effective risk assessment and management in cybersecurity efforts.