Which term is used for individuals or entities that have something to lose in a risk scenario?

The term "stakeholders" is used to describe individuals or entities that have an interest or investment in a particular scenario, which includes having something to lose. In the context of risk analysis, stakeholders are affected by the outcomes of risk events, and their interests may include financial loss, reputational damage, or operational impact among others. They have a vested interest in how risks are managed and mitigated.

In a risk scenario, stakeholders play a crucial role as they are typically the ones who must make decisions regarding risk tolerance and resource allocation for risk mitigation strategies. Their perspectives and priorities can heavily influence the approach taken to address potential risks.

While threat agents refer to the sources of risk (such as hackers or natural disasters), and vulnerable targets denote the systems or individuals that are at risk, risk bearers specifically refer to those who absorb the consequences of risks. Stakeholders, however, encompass a broader range of individuals or entities with vested interests in mitigating or managing the risks. This makes the concept of stakeholders the most appropriate term to capture those with something to lose in a risk scenario.