In this class, Alejandro Orrego, CEO at Pirani, introduces us to the Bowtie Method is a risk management technique originally developed in high-risk industries—like aviation and oil & gas—to visualize how a threat can evolve into a consequence.
Unlike traditional approaches, Bowtie maps the entire trajectory of risk. It starts from a Hazard and its Top Event (the moment when control is lost) and connects both through Causes and Consequences.
What makes it truly powerful is its focus on Barriers—the controls that make the real difference:
Preventive barriers stop causes before they trigger the event.
Mitigating barriers reduce the impact once the event has already occurred.
With relatable examples like a car accident or a data breach, the Bowtie Method shows how to integrate cause analysis with control analysis, helping organizations understand their risks and act before they escalate.
In short, it’s a visual tool that enhances communication, aligns teams, and fosters a proactive risk mindset.
The first big advantage of the Bowtie Method is that it turns risk into a visual narrative. Instead of viewing it as an isolated event, it breaks it down into a logical sequence of causes, consequences, and controls.
Here are the five key elements:
Hazard: the source of potential harm. Example: driving a car.
Causes (or Threats): triggers that could start the problem—driver distraction, a flat tire, or alcohol use.
Top Event: the moment when control is lost, for example losing control of the car.
Consequences: the negative outcomes, such as hitting a pedestrian or rolling over.
Barriers: the controls we use to prevent or mitigate those scenarios.
This structure transforms risk management from a compliance checklist into a strategic conversation. Everyone—from analysts to executives—can visualize the risk and make smarter decisions.
One of the Bowtie’s greatest strengths is how clearly it separates controls into two functional groups:
Preventive barriers (left side): designed to stop the event from happening. Example: driver training or a designated driver.
Mitigating barriers (right side): meant to reduce the impact once the event has occurred. Example: seatbelts or airbags.
This visual distinction forces teams to think before and after the event. It helps them invest resources not just in recovery, but in strong defenses that keep incidents from happening in the first place.
And the best part: this logic applies to every type of risk—from physical safety to cybersecurity.
Although the Bowtie Method was born in sectors like aviation and oil & gas, its logic is universally applicable.
Today, it’s used across safety, cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, education, and any field where understanding risk is essential.
Take a data breach scenario, for example:
The Hazard is sensitive customer data.
Causes might include phishing or weak passwords.
Preventive barriers are firewalls or multi-factor authentication.
Mitigating barriers include incident response plans or client communication procedures.
With this view, a CISO or compliance leader can present the board with a complete, strategic picture of risk, not just a technical checklist.
The same logic applies to universities handling student data or companies protecting their brand reputation.
The Bowtie isn’t just for engineers—it’s a strategic way of thinking about risk.
The Bowtie Method is much more than a diagram—it’s a mindset shift.
It pushes us to constantly ask:
“What could go wrong… and how do we stop it or reduce its impact?”
This simple question moves organizations from reaction to prevention, and from compliance to strategy.