Traffic Analysis
Traffic Analysis: (TA) Gaining knowledge of information by inference from observable characteristics of a data flow, even if the information is not directly…
Definition
(TA) Gaining knowledge of information by inference from observable characteristics of a data flow, even if the information is not directly available (e.g., when the data is encrypted). These characteristics include the identities and locations of the source(s) and destination(s) of the flow, and the flow's presence, amount, frequency, and duration of occurrence.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
A form of passive attack in which an intruder observes information about calls (although not necessarily the contents of the messages) and makes inferences, e.g., from the source and destination numbers, or frequency and length of the messages. SOURCE: SP 800-24