Angriffsart

Angriffsart is a German term meaning the manner or mode of attack. In risk assessment, security engineering, military doctrine and competitive contexts, the concept refers to how an adversary carries out an attack, as opposed to its objective or target. Identifying the Angriffsart helps analysts evaluate vulnerabilities, required defenses, and potential consequences. Common dimensions include the vector (physical, digital, social), the tempo (swift or slow), the degree of stealth, and the scale (targeted or mass).

In cybersecurity and information security, Angriffsarten describe the different methods by which systems can be breached or disrupted. Typical examples include phishing and other social engineering techniques, malware delivery, credential stuffing, brute-force attempts, ransomware, DoS/DDoS, and supply-chain compromises. Each art uses distinct vectors and requires different defenses, such as user education, patch management, multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, anomaly detection, and incident response planning. The concept supports threat modeling by linking attacker behavior to potential risks.

In military and security doctrine, Angriffsarten cover tactics such as direct assault, flanking, ambush, raid, siege, and more contemporary forms like hybrid or asymmetric strategies and electronic warfare. How an attack is carried out informs decisions about deterrence, force posture, and protective measures.

In sports and competitive activities, the term can describe offensive strategies or styles, such as aggressive pressing, rapid counterattacks, or sustained positional pressure aimed at breaking through resistance.

Classification systems for Angriffsarten vary by organization and domain, but they generally group attacks by vector, objective, tempo, and level of stealth. Understanding the Angriffsart aids in risk assessment, defensive design, and incident response, and supports consistent communication about threat types.