[EL] The terror of James O'Keefe

[Hess, Doug]

As a follow up on Justin's excellent comments on this, here is a good explanation of the differences between, and debates about definitions of, Vulnerability, Threat, and Risk: http://www.digitalthreat.net/2009/06/threat-vs-vulnerability-vs-risk/ 

Another useful review: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/it-security/understanding-risk-threat-and-vulnerability/  

Note: Some professionals also use the term Hazard (more like Vulnerability or Threat in that it's about the possibility, or potential, for something will happen, not the probability that it will). 

Of course, there are all kinds materials on college campuses in the physical science buildings that are hazardous. We don't ban them, we reduce the risk of harm through policies (both to prevent the undesired event and deal with it if it occurs). The same is true of chemicals and tools (and guns) in our homes. (Tip I learned from the last time my basement flooded: Do not use, or pour down the drain, both ammonia and bleach! You may die: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/cehsweb/bleach_fs.pdf ) 

Doug

Douglas R. Hess
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Grinnell College
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http://www.grinnell.edu/users/hessdoug 
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