Active Attack

Active Attack Definition

An active attack is a type of cyberattack where the attacker doesn’t just observe traffic; they change, block, or inject data into it in real time. This can lead to data loss, compromised accounts, or network shutdowns.

What Happens In an Active Attack

In an active attack, the attacker interferes directly with a live system or communication channel. They might change or block data, insert false information, or overwhelm the system with traffic. This typically means active attacks leave visible signs, like unusual account activity, errors, or service slowdowns.

These attacks often appear on public Wi-Fi, business networks, cloud apps, or during online banking or shopping. This is because these networks may have unencrypted traffic, weak system security, and sensitive data such as account details.

Active Attack Examples

Active Attacks vs Passive Attacks

Active attacks intercept data, modify it, inject malicious code into it, or block the traffic completely while it’s moving. A passive attack only watches or intercepts traffic without altering it. Since active attacks often lead to errors or stolen accounts, they can be easier to spot. Passive attacks are harder to detect because they can leave systems running normally while collecting information in the background.

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FAQ

Active attacks interfere with traffic during transfer, while passive attacks only collect information. The main difference is that active attacks can alter data, which can also make them easier to spot.

Active attacks involve direct interaction with communication or systems, such as online transactions or cloud apps. These attacks can change data and inject it with false information, so accounts might behave strangely or connections may slow down. In some cases, an active attack can shut down entire networks.

Active attacks are harmful because they can put sensitive data and accounts at risk, or stop people from using services. Man-in-the-middle and session hijacking are all examples of active attacks that can expose data and give people control of someone’s account. Denial-of-service (DoS) are also active attacks that can flood and overload a server, network, or website with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users.

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