NORMAL This alert state represents the normal level of security with minimal activity relating to the product.  The next stage above this level is 2, however falling alerts will go through 1 when returning to normal.

LOW This alert state indicates that an alert has been recognised for this product within the last few days but it is now returning to normal.  Inclusion of this level is for viewers that don't monitor this alert system regularly.

INCREASED This alert state indicates a need to increase the security posture due to an emerging threat for which there is currently no exploit, or you are witnessing the reduction in alert state after being at level 3 for more than 1 working day.

HIGH This alert state indicates a significant threat to the product, where exploits exist or where the vulnerability is potentially devastating.
 

PATCHES This alert state indicates that patches are available for vulnerabilities that had previously resulted in a need for the alert state to increase and subsequently fall. The level of 2 or 3 indicates the urgency to patch.

EXPLOIT This alert state indicates that exploit code is available for vulnerabilities that had previously resulted in a need for the alert state to increase and subsequently fall. The level of 2 or 3 indicates the threat of the exploit.