active attack
An attack on a secure communication protocol where the attacker transmits data to the claimant, Credential Service Provider (CSP), verifier, or Relying Party (RP). Examples of active attacks include man-in- the middle (MitM), impersonation, and session hijacking.
Senses
Sense 1
An attack on a secure communication protocol where the attacker transmits data to the claimant, Credential Service Provider (CSP), verifier, or Relying Party (RP). Examples of active attacks include man-in- the middle (MitM), impersonation, and session hijacking.
References
- NIST CSRC GlossaryJan 05, 2026active attackhttps://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/active_attackNIST states most site information is public information and may be distributed or copied, except material marked as copyrighted; attribution requested. Verify per-document markings before quoting.Source: NIST CSRC Glossary (csrc.nist.gov).
Sense 2
An actual assault perpetrated by an intentional threat source that attempts to alter a system, its resources, its data, or its operations.
References
- NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity VocabularyJan 06, 2026NICCS glossary export (CSV)https://niccs.cisa.gov/rest/vocab/export-csvNICCS is a CISA (DHS) program. Individual glossary entries include a "From" attribution (e.g., CNSSI 4009, NIST SPs, NICE Framework). Treat "From" values as upstream provenance and verify before quoting large portions of text.Source: NICCS (CISA) Cybersecurity Vocabulary (niccs.cisa.gov).
(I)
See: secondary definition under "attack".
References
- IETF RFC 4949 (Internet Security Glossary)Jan 06, 2026RFC 4949 — Internet Security Glossary (Version 2)https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4949.txtRFC 4949 is published by the IETF Trust and marked as "Distribution of this memo is unlimited". Verify IETF Trust copyright/licensing terms for reuse.Source: IETF RFC 4949 (rfc-editor.org).