Proactive cyber defence

Proactive cyber defense is action through cyber and cognitive domains in opposition of an anticipated cyberattack. Proactive cyber defense can be understood as options between offensive and defensive measures. It includes interdicting, disrupting or deterring an attack or a threat's preparation to attack, either preemptively or in self-defence.

Proactive cyber defense differs from active defence in that it is preemptive (not waiting for an attack to occur). Active cyber defense differs from offensive cyber operations (OCO) in that the latter requires legislative exceptions to undertake. Hence, offensive cyber capabilities may be developed in collaboration with industry and facilitated by the private sector; these operations are often led by nation states.