The terms “threat” and “risk” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings, especially in fields such as cybersecurity, project management, and risk assessment.

**Threat** refers to any potential cause of an unwanted impact or harm. It is an expression of danger that could exploit a vulnerability to harm assets, individuals, or organizations. Threats can be intentional, like cyber-attacks or fraud, or unintentional, like natural disasters or accidents. Essentially, a threat is a possible source of harm.

**Risk**, on the other hand, quantifies the potential impact and likelihood of a threat materializing. It is the combination of the probability of an event occurring and the consequences if it does. Risk considers both the frequency and severity of the threat, often expressed in terms of potential loss or damage. Managing risk involves identifying threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing measures to mitigate the impact.

In summary, while a threat is a possible danger, risk measures the likelihood and potential impact of that threat. Understanding both concepts is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect against potential dangers and minimize adverse outcomes.