The difference between “threats” and “threat agents”
Anthrax virus, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Q: I was scanning my laptop for potential threats, and the scan results stated there was a “threat agent” on my laptop. I know what a threat is, but what’s a threat agent. Is there a difference?
A: The word “threat” usually stands for a category of things that pose a potential danger. Viruses, worms, and other types of malware, for example, are threats. A “threat agent,” by contrast, is a specific threat, or a specific type of virus, worm, or other malware. For example, the Blaster Worm is a threat agent.
So, it sounds like your laptop has picked up something nasty, and should be disinfected. I like Microsoft’s free antivirus program.
Posted: January 4th, 2010 under Safety.
Tags: Threat, threat agent
Comments
Comment from Andy Rathbone
Time October 21, 2018 at 8:51 am
Kamaljit: I define “threat agent” above. A “threat vector” is a pathway that leaves your computer open to attacks. Unpatched software, a improperly configured firewall, or even a person with physical access to your computer could all be considered to be “threat vectors.”
Comment from kamaljit kaur
Time October 21, 2018 at 4:50 am
please send me a post diffrence between threat agents and threat vectors