Covert Channel

nouncandidate·updated May 12, 2026

GlossaryL1 — what DictionaryL2 — how used ThesaurusL3 — relations Universaleverything

An unauthorized communication path that manipulates a communications medium in an unexpected, unconventional, or unforeseen way in order to transmit information without detection by anyone other than the entities operating the covert channel.

Framework senses

3 senses across 3 frameworks

SANS Glossary of Security Terms1 senseview framework →

§1: Covert Channels are the means by which information can be communicated between two parties in a covert fashion using normal system operations. For example by changing the amount of hard drive space that is available on a file server can be used to communicate information.

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 21 senseview framework →

§1: An unauthorized communication path that manipulates a communications medium in an unexpected, unconventional, or unforeseen way in order to transmit information without detection by anyone other than the entities operating the covert channel.

CNSSI-4009 (Glossary of Information Assurance Terms)1 senseview framework →

§1: An unauthorized communication path that manipulates a communications medium in an unexpected, unconventional, or unforeseen way in order to transmit information without detection by anyone other than the entities operating the covert channel.