Primary definition
Individual, group, organization, or government that conducts or has the intent to conduct detrimental activities. Source: NIST SP 800-30 Rev 1
Also known asattacker · malicious actor · threat actor · threat agent · opponent · enemy
3 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
Individual, group, organization, or government that conducts or has the intent to conduct detrimental activities. Source: NIST SP 800-30 Rev 1
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Adversary. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/adversary
Sources
3 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary
Multi-source
03
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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