Primary definition
A system feature that enables one system entity to signal information to another by modulating its own use of a system resource in such a way as to affect system response time observed by the second entity. See: covert channel. Source: IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2
Also known astiming channel · covert timing · CTC · timing covert channel · covert temporal channel
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
A system feature that enables one system entity to signal information to another by modulating its own use of a system resource in such a way as to affect system response time observed by the second entity. See: covert channel. Source: IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Covert Timing Channel. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/covert-timing-channel
Sources
2 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
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Disputed
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