diff --git a/status/mitigation.go b/status/mitigation.go
index 5d103eb4..bafb66d4 100644
--- a/status/mitigation.go
+++ b/status/mitigation.go
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ func getHighestMitigationLevel() uint8 {
 	threats.RLock()
 	defer threats.RUnlock()
 
-	var level uint8
+	var level uint8 = SecurityLevelNormal
 	for _, lvl := range threats.list {
 		if lvl > level {
 			level = lvl