countermeasure
Action against threats
A countermeasure is an action or device designed to prevent or neutralize something undesirable—typically a threat, attack, or unwanted effect.
Military countermeasures defeat enemy weapons: The aircraft deployed countermeasures against the incoming missiles.
The term extends to any defensive response: Masks and ventilation are countermeasures against airborne viruses.
Security countermeasures protect against hacking; medical countermeasures combat disease outbreaks.
Handheld defensive armor
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- armorProtective combat covering
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
bastion · bunker · blockade · rampart · safeguard · buffer · hardening · reinforcement
False target for misdirection
- diversionRedirection of attention
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- jammingBlocking or wedging forcefully
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
evasion · interception · spoofing · chaff · flare · smoke screen · electronic warfare · radar jamming
Arranging for future events
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- mitigationReduction of severity
- contingencyUncertain possible event
preparation · foresight · adaptation · neutralization · interdiction · counterattack · disruption · intelligence gathering
Punitive international restrictions
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- threatIndication of potential harm
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
warning · intimidation · coercion · ultimatum · pressure · dissuasion · prevention · deterrence
Converting data into code
- firewallNetwork access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- biometricsBody-based identity verification
access control · intrusion detection · penetration testing · patch · malware removal · sandboxing · two-factor authentication · VPN
shield
Handheld defensive armor
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- armorProtective combat covering
bulwark · bastion · bunker · blockade · rampart · safeguard · buffer · hardening · reinforcement · containment
decoy
False target for misdirection
camouflage · evasion · interception · spoofing · chaff · flare · smoke screen · electronic warfare · radar jamming · stealth
planning
Arranging for future events
- preemptionActing to prevent another's action
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- mitigationReduction of severity
contingency · preparation · foresight · adaptation · neutralization · interdiction · counterattack · disruption · intelligence gathering · risk assessment
sanctions
Punitive international restrictions
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- threatIndication of potential harm
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
reprisal · warning · intimidation · coercion · ultimatum · pressure · dissuasion · prevention · deterrence · nonproliferation
encryption
Converting data into code
- firewallNetwork access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
biometrics · access control · intrusion detection · penetration testing · patch · malware removal · sandboxing · two-factor authentication · VPN · honeypot
- defensedefense, defending, protecting, protection, security
- counteractionscountermove, counterattack, counterblow, counterstrike, counterpunch
- defenseswall, walls, fence, gate, barrier
- deterrentsguard dog, warning, security camera, penalty, padlock
- countercountertop, counterattack, counterpart, counteroffer, counterclaim
- counteragentsantidote, antitoxin, antivenom, antiserum, counteractant
countermeasurefirst strike
Initiating combat unprovoked
attack · offensive · preemptive strike · assault · aggression
countermeasurethreat
Indication of potential harm
attack vector · hazard · danger · harm · menace
countermeasureproblem
Matter requiring resolution
obstacle · blockage · challenge · impediment · complication
- mine countermeasuresActions defeating underwater explosives