India's higher education system faces several key challenges, including a…

Question

Antra MaddheshiyaBegginer

Asked: July 18, 20242024-07-18T17:30:17+05:30 2024-07-18T17:30:17+05:30In: Cyber Security, Developing New Technology

What is the difference between active and passive cyber attack?

What is the difference between active and passive cyber attack?

You must login to add an answer.

or use

Need An Account,

Rishi Nagwekar (Aren) · Answer 1 · 2024-07-18T18:34:48+05:30

Active and passive cyber attacks differ mainly in their methods and objectives:

Active Cyber Attack: In an active attack, the attacker actively interacts with the target system to disrupt operations, steal data, or cause damage. This type of attack often involves direct actions such as deploying malware, launching denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, or exploiting system vulnerabilities. The goal is to alter, delete, or corrupt data, or to gain unauthorized control over systems. Examples include ransomware attacks, data breaches, and network intrusions.
Passive Cyber Attack: A passive attack involves eavesdropping or monitoring the target system without altering its data or operations. The attacker aims to gather information stealthily, such as capturing network traffic or intercepting communications. This type of attack is typically harder to detect because it doesn’t interfere with normal operations. Examples include traffic analysis, sniffing unencrypted data, and collecting metadata.

In summary, active attacks involve direct interaction and disruption, while passive attacks focus on covertly gathering information.

P. Dharshini · Answer 2 · 2024-07-18T20:05:44+05:30

Active Cyber Attack: Direct, proactive, and intrusive attempts to compromise a system, network, or data.E
xamples include: Exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
Launching malware or ransomware attacks.
Conducting Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.
Using social engineering tactics to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
Aims to disrupt, destroy, or steal sensitive information.

Passive Cyber Attack: Indirect, covert, and non-intrusive methods to gather information or eavesdrop on sensitive data.
Examples include: Sniffing or eavesdropping on network traffic.
Intercepting sensitive data in transit (e.g., man-in-the-middle attacks).
Conducting reconnaissance or surveillance on a target.
Using malware to spy on users or gather sensitive information.
Aims to gather intelligence, monitor activities, or steal sensitive information without being detected.

To illustrate the difference: Active cyber attacks are like a burglar breaking into a house to steal valuables.
Passive cyber attacks are like a spy listening in on conversations from a distance, trying not to be detected.

Both types of attacks can be damaging, and understanding the differences is crucial for effective cybersecurity measures.