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Application & OT Security · Intermediate

DREAD

A threat risk-rating model scoring Damage, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected users and Discoverability.

Definition

Each DREAD factor is rated (often 1-10) and averaged to prioritize threats. Microsoft stopped using it internally because scores were subjective and inconsistent, especially Discoverability, which rewards obscurity. It still appears on exams as a threat prioritization model.

Example

A threat scored D=8, R=10, E=7, A=10, D=9 averages 8.8 and is prioritized for the next sprint.

Exam tip

DREAD rates risk; STRIDE classifies threats. Microsoft deprecated DREAD due to subjectivity.

Don't confuse it with

Related terms