exfiltration
eks-fil-TRAY-shun
/ˌɛksfɪlˈtreɪʃən/
The unauthorized transfer of data from a computer or other device.
Specifically refers to the removal of data, often after a breach has occurred.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from military terminology, where 'exfiltration' refers to the process of moving troops out of a hostile area. In cybersecurity, it describes 'filtering' data out of a network, often piece by piece to avoid detection by security software.
Word relationships
- data theft: Data theft is the crime; exfiltration is the technical process of moving the data.
- extraction: Extraction is more general; exfiltration implies a stealthy, 'filtered' removal.
- infiltration: The act of entering a system (the opposite of leaving it).
Word family
- exfiltrate (verb): To move data or people out of a location secretly.
Collocations
- data exfiltration
- detect exfiltration
- prevent exfiltration
Example sentences
- "The attackers spent weeks on the network before beginning the exfiltration of sensitive customer records." A technical analysis of a data leak.
- "The exfiltration of classified documents was achieved through an encrypted tunnel to an offshore server." A government report on espionage.
Memory hook
EX-filtration = EX-iting the system with the data. Filtering data out.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple data transfer; it implies the data is being taken out of a secure environment without permission.
Fun facts
- Hackers sometimes use 'slow exfiltration'—sending data out in tiny chunks over months—to avoid triggering alarms.
Explore more words
cybersecurity, excavation, exodus, malware, abduct, Denial-of-Service
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