Final answer:
A threat to an asset becomes real only when there is an exploitable vulnerability. In risk management, this is related to the concept of asymmetric risk where a more conservative approach (mitigation) can prevent catastrophic outcomes even if it may mean unnecessary effort if the threat does not materialize.
Step-by-step explanation:
A threat to an asset occurs only when an attacker can exploit a vulnerability. This concept is foundational in the field of cybersecurity and risk management. When discussing how to handle potential threats, it's important to consider the concept of asymmetric risk. As outlined, an asymmetric risk situation involves a potentially devastating threat wherein the response measures have a different impact based on whether the threat is real or not.
In this context, if a threat is not believed to be real, the natural response, or Plan A, might be no action, whereas Plan B would be the implementation of mitigation strategies. The harm of executing Plan B unnecessarily is usually considered minor in comparison to the catastrophic consequences of failing to act if the threat were real and devastating. This is akin to buying insurance; it's a way to prepare for low-probability but high-impact events.