Detection, correlation, identification, and characterization of intentional unauthorized activity with notification to decision makers so that an appropriate response can be developed.
What does AS&W mean?
The term Attack Sensing and Warning (AS&W) refers to capabilities and processes used to detect attacks or indicators of attack and provide timely warning so defenders can assess, respond, and protect affected systems. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is attack sensing and warning (AS&W) used in cybersecurity?
In practice, Attack Sensing and Warning (AS&W) is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: capabilities and processes used to detect attacks or indicators of attack and provide timely warning so defenders can assess, respond, and protect affected systems. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does attack sensing and warning (AS&W) matter for election security?
Understanding Attack Sensing and Warning (AS&W) matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to capabilities and processes used to detect attacks or indicators of attack and provide timely warning so defenders can assess, respond, and protect affected systems.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Detection, correlation, identification, and characterization of intentional unauthorized activity with notification to decision makers so that an appropriate response can be developed.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Attack Sensing And Warning (as&w). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/attack-sensing-and-warning-as-w
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.