What defines a 'soft target'?

A 'soft target' is defined as a person or thing that is relatively unprotected. This term is often used in the context of security and risk assessment to refer to those individuals, locations, or infrastructures that do not have heavy security measures in place, making them more vulnerable to threats or attacks.

Soft targets are generally easier for an attacker to exploit due to their lack of significant protection or defense systems. Examples of soft targets can include public spaces such as parks, schools, or malls where individuals are gathered but are not heavily monitored or defended.

In contrast, options that involve being heavily fortified, difficult to access, or armored describe hard targets, which are typically fortified against potential threats and are therefore not considered 'soft targets.' Understanding this distinction is critical for evaluating security vulnerabilities and effectively mitigating risks associated with various environments.