What defines a passive attack in cybersecurity?

• A. A direct attempt to alter system functions
• B. An attempt to disrupt system operations
• C. An attempt to learn information without affecting system resources
• D. A method to deploy malware

Answer: (C)

A passive attack in cybersecurity is characterized by the goal of obtaining information without making any changes to the system or its resources. This type of attack is covert, meaning that the attacker does not interact directly with the target system in a way that alters its operation or might be detected. For example, an attacker might intercept data being transmitted over a network to gather sensitive information, such as usernames or passwords, without making any alterations or disruptions to that data flow.

In contrast, other options describe different types of attack behaviors. A direct attempt to alter system functions typically refers to an active attack, where the attacker seeks to modify or disrupt the normal functioning of the system. Similarly, an attempt to disrupt system operations indicates an intention to cause harm or interfere with services, which again aligns with active attacks. Deploying malware is also an active attack method aimed at compromising systems or stealing information, demonstrating a clear and direct engagement with the target environment.