In relation to the risk of a terrorist attack, PST has four threat levels: low, moderate, high and extreme.
- Low: The likelihood of a terrorist attack is low. One or more parties may have the intention of, but are not thought to have the capacity to strike at specific interests.
- Moderate: The likelihood of a terrorist attack is moderate. One or more parties may have the intention of and capacity to strike at specific interests.
- High: The likelihood of a terrorist attack is significant. One or more parties have the intention and capacity to strike at specific interests. There is an unspecified threat.
- Extreme: The likelihood of a terrorist strike is extremely high. One or more parties have the intention to strike at specific interests. There is a specific threat. No further warnings are to be expected before a strike is carried out.
Only in very rare cases will we be able to disclose publicly all the information and analysis we use in arriving at a threat level. This is because the basis for our decision will primarily be material that is classified pursuant to the Security Act and regulations. PST’s staff members are legally obliged to observe strict secrecy rules, and to protect the security of information to which they gains access.