Consequences of Bugs

Impact LevelEffect
MildMisspelled output.
ModerateAffects system performance.
AnnoyingAlters system behavior.
DisturbingRefuses to handle legal transactions.
SeriousLoses track of transactions.
Very SeriousCauses incorrect transactions.
ExtremeAffects multiple users or systems.
IntolerableCauses data corruption, making detection/correction difficult.
CatastrophicLeads to total system failure.
InfectiousCorrupts the entire system, leading to environmental failure.