Which type of attack involves trusted individuals abusing their access?

The type of attack that involves trusted individuals abusing their access is an insider attack. This attack is characterized by someone within the organization—such as employees, contractors, or other trusted personnel—exploiting their legitimate credentials and access to systems in ways that compromise the organization's security. Insider attacks can take various forms, including stealing sensitive information, sabotaging systems, or leaking confidential data, which is often enabled by the trust placed in these individuals.

Insider attacks are particularly challenging to prevent and detect because they are executed by individuals who already have permission to access specific resources, making traditional security measures less effective against them. As trusted insiders, these individuals typically understand the organization’s security measures and vulnerabilities, allowing them to manipulate or bypass security protocols without raising immediate suspicion.

The other types of attacks listed do not specifically involve trusted individuals. Passive attacks refer to monitoring or eavesdropping on communications without altering the data, while active attacks involve actively trying to disrupt services or alter data. Close-in attacks typically involve physical proximity to the target or system, emphasizing a physical security aspect rather than insider abuse.