Difference between Active Attack and Passive Attack

In the field of cybersecurity, attacks on networks and systems are broadly classified into two categories: Active and Passive attacks. It is, therefore, important to understand the differences between these two types of attacks so that adequate security measures can be formulated. Active attacks call for the attacker to be involved in other actions with a view of interfering, modifying, or deleting the systems or data. On the other hand, Passive means the attack is going on silently without interfering with the system and the chief aim is to gather as much information as possible. In this context, this article aims to provide an analysis of Active and Passive attacks and the consequences they can provoke as well as measures that should be adopted to prevent them.

What is Active Attacks?

Active attacks are the type of attacks in which, The attacker efforts to change or modify the content of messages. Active Attack is dangerous to Integrity as well as availability. Due to active attack system is always damaged and System resources can be changed. The most important thing is that, In an active attack, Victim gets informed about the attack.

Advantages of Active Attack (during the process by the attacker)

• Immediate Impact: By definition, active attacks are also much quicker in that they can immediately and visibly bring about conditions such as system halts, loss of data, and the like.
• Potential for Data Manipulation: Hackers may corrupt or compromise data, and data integrity problems may arise that may cause significant and prolonged implications for organizations.
• Disruption of Services: Active attacks, again, can be a great threat to services as they intend at attacking key systems or networks.

Disadvantages of Active Attack

• Higher Risk of Detection: Based on the fact that active attacks imply the wavelength or disruption, it is easier for them to be identified by security systems and administrators.
• Legal Consequences: There is only passive attack and it is unlawful and if the attacker is apprehended, he will face legal repercussions.
• Resource Intensive: An active attack is normally more resourceful, technical and needs more tools and skills than those typical of passive attacks.

What is Passive Attacks?

Passive Attacks are the type of attacks in which, The attacker observes the content of messages or copies the content of messages. Passive Attack is a danger to Confidentiality. Due to passive attack, there is no harm to the system. The most important thing is that In a passive attack, Victim does not get informed about the attack. 

Advantages of Passive Attack (from the attacker's perspective)

• Low Risk of Detection: Passive attack are hidden in the sense that they do not attempt to modify or destroy the data or the systems and as such, they are more difficult to recognize.
• Information Gathering: Such attacks make it possible for the attackers to obtain useful information which can be useful in future active attacks or other vices.
• Minimal Resources Required: Passive attack types can be accomplished using less means, and less skills, and are therefore available to a larger set of potential attackers.

Disadvantages of Passive Attack (from the attacker's perspective)

• No Immediate Impact: Compared to active attacks passive attacks are not able to directly effect system resources, this may reduce their applicability in some cases.
• Reliance on Future Actions: The information obtained in passive attacks have to be utilized at some point in time to fulfill the attacker’s goals – and this entails additional measures.
• Limited to Information Gathering: Passive attacks do not let the attacker to manipulate or destroy data and is usually confined to the collection of data.

Difference Between Active Attack and Passive Attack

Conclusion

Active and Passive attacks are in fact two classes of attacks which differ significantly in their modus operandi. Active attacks include, where direct action is taken in a hostile mode to bring changes to the system, while inactive attacks are on the secret accrual of data and information without being detected. All sorts of attacks are useful and disadvantageous based on the side of the attacker. It is therefore important that these differences be well understood in order to create elaborate defense mechanisms that can effectively protect organizations against both forms of threats.

Difference Between Active Attack and Passive Attack -FQAs

What is the main difference between Active and Passive attacks?

The main difference lies in the attacker's approach: Active attacks are those which are performed in a way that component or the whole system is tampered with while passive attack is performed without changing the state of the system.

Can Passive attacks lead to Active attacks?

Indeed, the information that may have been gained in a Passive attack may well be used in planning and subsequent Active attacks; therefore, Passive attacks remain a major threat.

Which is more dangerous: Active or Passive attacks?

Both types are very dangerous at their own form. Active type of attacks results in direct destruction or disruption and Passive attacks can result in more severe effects if the collected information is later employed in other malicious techniques.

How can organizations protect against Passive attacks?

Passive attacks can be prevented by the use of secure transmissions with heavy encryption, use of network monitoring tools and the periodic updating of security measures to encompass any Passive attacks made.