Chart shows five components used to judge a threat: existence, capability, history, intentions, and targeting. Targeting is a “special form” of intentions, meaning current intelligence suggests plans for imminent attack against specific targets. As an enemy meets more of the criteria, the threat rating increases from “low” to “severe” The choice of words “severe, high” doesn’t fit with any threat model I’ve used in the military, including “normal, alpha, bravo,” etc.”]
Source: https://taosecurity.blogspot.com/2003/11/threat-matrix-chart-clarifies.html