Primary definition
The ability of malware (malicious software) to maintain access to a compromised system even after mitigation steps have been taken. Achieving some degree of persistence eliminates the need to reinfect a machine.
Also known aspersistence mechanism · survivability · maintaining access · reinfection avoidance
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— ODNI Cyber Threats to Elections LexiconView source
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Free. One useful email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.Learn more about the ESG newsletter →
ODNI
The ability of malware (malicious software) to maintain access to a compromised system even after mitigation steps have been taken. Achieving some degree of persistence eliminates the need to reinfect a machine.
ODNI Cyber Threats to Elections Lexicon · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Persistence. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/persistence
Sources
1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
ODNI Cyber Threats to Elections Lexicon
ODNI Cyber Threats to Elections Lexicon
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.
Get election terms explained weekly →
Free · Nonpartisan · Unsubscribe anytime.