active attack

An active attack is a type of cyber attack in which an unauthorized entity or malicious actor actively intervenes and alters data, disrupts communication, or gains unauthorized access to a system or network. In active attacks, the attacker takes deliberate action to manipulate or modify the target system’s data or behavior to achieve their malicious objectives.

Unlike passive attacks, where attackers only observe data without making changes, active attacks involve direct interference with the target. Active attacks can be more dangerous and potentially destructive, as they can cause immediate harm or compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the targeted system.

There are various types of active attacks, including:

1. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack: In MITM attacks, the attacker intercepts and relays communication between two parties, making it appear as though they are communicating directly. The attacker can eavesdrop on sensitive information, modify the data being exchanged, or even inject malicious content into the communication.
2. Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: These attacks overwhelm a system or network with an excessive amount of traffic or requests, causing it to become unavailable to legitimate users. DoS and DDoS attacks aim to disrupt services and render the target inaccessible.
3. Session Hijacking: In session hijacking attacks, the attacker takes control of an ongoing session between a user and a system. By doing so, they can impersonate the legitimate user and gain unauthorized access to the system or perform actions on the user’s behalf.
4. Data Modification: Active attacks may involve modifying data transmitted between systems to alter its content, leading to potential information integrity breaches or false data being processed.
5. Spoofing and Tampering: Spoofing involves falsifying the source of data or communication to appear legitimate, while tampering involves altering data in transit or at rest to deceive or harm the recipient.
6. Malware and Exploits: Active attacks can include the deployment of malware, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, or Trojans, to compromise a system’s security or gain unauthorized access.

Protecting against active attacks requires robust security measures, such as encryption, strong authentication, intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and regular security updates. Staying vigilant and keeping up with the latest security practices can help defend against these malicious activities and maintain the integrity and availability of systems and data.