Computer Network Attack (cna)

Primary definition

Actions taken through the use of computer networks to disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy information resident in computers and computer networks, or the computers and networks themselves. Note: Within DoD, Joint Publication 3-13, "Information Operations, " 27 November 2012 approved the removal the terms and definitions of computer network attack (CNA), computer network defense (CND), computer network exploitation, and computer network operations (CNO) from JP -1-02, "Department of Defense Dictionary of Military Terms and Associated Terms." This term and definition is no longer published in JP 1-02. This publication is the primary terminology source when preparing correspondence, to include policy, strategy, doctrine, and planning documents. The terms are no longer used in issuances being updated within DoD. JP 1-02, following publication of JP 3-12, "Cyberspace Operations" provides new terms and definitions such as cyberspace, cyberspace operations, cyberspace superiority, defensive cyberspace operation response action, defensive cyberspace operations, Department of Defense information network operations, and offensive cyberspace operations.

Also known asCNA · cyber attack · network attack · digital attack · cyber offensive
3 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source

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CNSSGC

Actions taken through the use of computer networks to disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy information resident in computers and computer networks, or the computers and networks themselves. Note: Within DoD, Joint Publication 3-13, "Information Operations, " 27 November 2012 approved the removal the terms and definitions of computer network attack (CNA), computer network defense (CND), computer network exploitation, and computer network operations (CNO) from JP -1-02, "Department of Defense Dictionary of Military Terms and Associated Terms." This term and definition is no longer published in JP 1-02. This publication is the primary terminology source when preparing correspondence, to include policy, strategy, doctrine, and planning documents. The terms are no longer used in issuances being updated within DoD. JP 1-02, following publication of JP 3-12, "Cyberspace Operations" provides new terms and definitions such as cyberspace, cyberspace operations, cyberspace superiority, defensive cyberspace operation response action, defensive cyberspace operations, Department of Defense information network operations, and offensive cyberspace operations.

Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Computer Network Attack (cna). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/computer-network-attack-cna

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

View source

02

March 2020 CSC Report
March 2020 CSC Report

Multi-source

View source

03

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

Multi-source

View source

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