Single Point of Failure
Also known as: spof
Definition
A single point of failure is any component, path, service, or dependency whose failure can bring down the larger system because no equivalent fallback exists.
Key Points
- It marks a structural weakness in an architecture.
- The risk increases when no redundant path or alternate component exists.
- Single points of failure matter in both IT and OT systems.
- Eliminating them is a core resilience design objective.
Concept
It describes an architectural condition, not a failed device or a momentary outage.
Explainer
The term is used when availability depends on one critical element. Redundancy, failover, and fault-tolerance reduce or remove the condition.