What is the purpose of a misuse case in system design?

The purpose of a misuse case in system design is to represent attacks against the system. Misuse cases are specifically designed to identify and visualize potential threats and vulnerabilities by modeling how an attacker might exploit the system. This is an important aspect of threat modeling, as it allows developers and security professionals to anticipate and understand the various ways an adversary could compromise the system. By outlining these potential attacks, the design team can implement adequate security measures to mitigate these risks before the system is deployed, enhancing its overall security posture.

Misuse cases complement traditional use cases, which focus on how legitimate users interact with the system, by providing a contrasting view that highlights what malicious users might attempt. This dual perspective aids in creating a more resilient system that not only meets user needs but also defends against possible misuse.