countermeasures
Retaliatory tactical actions
Countermeasures are actions or devices designed to neutralize threats or attacks.
Military countermeasures include electronic jamming and decoy flares to confuse missiles.
The term extends to any defensive response: The company implemented countermeasures against cyberattacks.
Security countermeasures protect against espionage or theft.
The word implies a reactive posture—you deploy countermeasures after identifying a specific threat.
Protective seed coverings
- flaresPyrotechnic distress signals
- jammingBlocking or wedging forcefully
- decoysObjects meant to mislead
- stealthSecret, undetected movement
evasion · interception · anti-missile · camouflage · counterbattery · spoofing
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- antivirusMalware detection program
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- honeypotsBait systems catching attackers
Protecting from harm
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- hardeningBecoming less soft
bunker · containment · decontamination · reinforcement · fireproofing · soundproofing
Punitive international restrictions
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
de-escalation · containment · coercion · brinkmanship · tripwire
Crash-activated vehicle cushions
- seatbeltVehicle passenger restraint
- guardrailsProtective edge barriers
- failsafeAutomatic protective default
chaff
Protective seed coverings
- flaresPyrotechnic distress signals
- jammingBlocking or wedging forcefully
- decoysObjects meant to mislead
stealth · evasion · interception · anti-missile · camouflage · counterbattery · spoofing
firewall
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- antivirusMalware detection program
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
shielding
Protecting from harm
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
hardening · bunker · containment · decontamination · reinforcement · fireproofing · soundproofing
sanctions
Punitive international restrictions
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
escalation · de-escalation · containment · coercion · brinkmanship · tripwire
airbags
Crash-activated vehicle cushions
- seatbeltVehicle passenger restraint
- guardrailsProtective edge barriers
- failsafeAutomatic protective default
- defensedefense, defending, protecting, protection, security
- safeguardssafeguards, safety valve, protections, kill switch, defenses
- international lawinternational law, treaty, treaties, conventions, protocols
- naval warfarenaval battles, naval battle, battleship, destroyer, sea battles
- submarinessub, subs, torpedo, submarines, hull
- air warfareair strike, airstrike, bombing runs, air raid, dive bombing
countermeasuresaggression
Hostile or attacking behavior
offensive operations · first strike · preemptive strike · attack · attacks
countermeasuresfirst move
first strike · unprovoked attack · provocation · opening gambit · catalyst
countermeasuresvulnerabilities
Exploitable weak points
exposures · weaknesses · openings · defenselessness · susceptibilities
- mine countermeasuresActions defeating underwater explosives