Abstract

In sociology the understanding of the essence of operation security’s concept is inextricably linked with the concepts of «uncertainty», «risk», «challenge», «threat», «danger». The logical ordering of these concepts will allow characterizing the layered structure of the phenomenon of operating security, revealing the specific state of the object of operating security and evaluating the degree of influence of destabilizing factors. Uncertainty should be viewed as trends in the state of an object over time. Uncertainty as such is closely linked with the concept of risk. Reduction of the risk is necessary for minimization of the ignorance and uncertainty. The risk determines the probability of damage to the operating security object, which is in a state of dynamic equilibrium and is constantly changing. The challenge is a minimal risk, it is distinguished by the presence of the imaginary readiness to prevent the damage of the security object. The threat is characterized by realism, a focus on a high degree of readiness to prevent the damage of the security object. Danger is the combination of factors that can have a negative impact on nature, human society, technological systems. The risk is characterized by the hypothetical absence of the addressee, which is aimed at its impact. The differences between the concepts of «uncertainty», «risk», «challenge», «threat», «danger» have been revealed through the subjective intention and objective capabilities, which characterize objects’ and subjects’ security. The greatest risk is associated with the presence of threats, which are characterized by the presence of two components at one time. A high or medium level of risk is determined by the presence of at least one component. Whereas minimal risk is the absence of a component in a specific point in time, but with the possibility of one of them in future. Analysis of the concepts led to the conclusion that all these concepts are related to one another by the degree of damage to the individual, society and state. The use of these categories will allow ranking the range of possible threats to the security of life and will contribute to the development of adequate, appropriate technologies to combat it, to minimize their negative effects and, consequently, will improve the current system of ensuring safety of personality, society and state.