Glossary

The principle of proactively implementing a spectrum of security measures to strengthen a network or system to make it more robust against attack. Active defence is separate from offensive cyber operations, passive defence or network hardening. Note that some references to active defence focus on employing limited offensive action and counterattacks – commonly referred to as ‘hacking back’. The term 'active defence' is not synonymous with ‘hacking back’, so these terms should not be used interchangeably.

Software that prevents advertisements from appearing with the content the user is intentionally viewing.

See definition of malicious actor.

An ASD ACSC publication that provides timely information and advice about current security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits.

An application that displays advertisements that can be installed legitimately as  part of another application or service, or illegitimately without the consent of the system user or owner.

Advanced Encryption Standard

A secondary market of an industry, concerned with the manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution, retailing, and installation of all parts, equipment, and accessories, after the sale of the device by the original equipment manufacturer to the consumer.

A network security measure designed to ensure that a network is physically isolated from other networks. This intends to make the isolated network secure by ensuring it does not connect to other less secure networks, such as the internet.

An ASD ACSC publication that provides timely notification concerning threats or activities that have the potential to impact individuals, businesses, organisations, government, devices, peripherals, networks or infrastructure.

Software that is designed to detect, stop and remove viruses and other kinds of malicious software.