Primary definition
Analyzing characteristics of packets sent by a target, such as packet headers or listening ports, to identify the operating system in use on the target. (SP 800-115) (NISTIR)
Also known asOS Fingerprinting · TCP/IP Fingerprinting · Stack Fingerprinting · Passive OS Fingerprinting · Active OS Fingerprinting
— The Cyber GlossaryView source
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TCG
Analyzing characteristics of packets sent by a target, such as packet headers or listening ports, to identify the operating system in use on the target. (SP 800-115) (NISTIR)
The Cyber Glossary · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Operating System (OS) Fingerprinting. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 2, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/operating-system-os-fingerprinting
Sources
1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Single-source
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