
An Attack is an attempt to gain unauthorized access to system services, resources, or information, or an attempt to compromise system integrity. In other words, the intentional act of attempting to bypass one or more security services or controls of an information system.
Related Term: Attacker, Active Attacker, Exploit. Passive Attacker, Risk, Risk Management, Threat, Vulnerability
Source: NCSD Glossary. NTSSI 4009 (2000), CNSSI 4009