Table I.

A comparison of misuse case models and bow-tie diagrams

Misuse case modelsBow-tie diagrams
[Both] Defined by a simple to understand graphical notation with an open-ended method, allowing for a lot of creativity by the modeller
Originate from computer security and requirements engineering, based on UML use case diagramsOriginate from the safety and reliability domain, related to fault analysis
Developed to identify malicious actions (misuse) for a given systemDeveloped to investigate accident scenarios and define barriers
The misuse activity element represents an unwanted event (something that threatens regular activities)The top event element represents an unwanted event
Broad scope. Suitable for describing many different misuse activities in a single modelNarrow scope. Focus on a single unwanted top event per diagram
Show actors (attackers, misusers, threat agents) related to misuse activitiesDo not represent actors, but in which risky environment (hazard) the top event can occur
Mitigations are modelled as security activitiesMitigations are modelled as barriers, which are clearly defined as either preventive or reactive
Can depict vulnerable activities that a can be exploitedRepresent various threats/causes that can lead to the top event
Consequences are not part of the modelExplicitly depict possible consequences following the top event

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