---
type: "term"
title: "Physical Attack (#8)"
description: "A threat cluster where an attacker gains unauthorized physical interaction with or causes physical interference to hardware, devices, facilities, or data transmission media (including wireless signals)."
resource: "tlctc:term:physical-attack-8"
tags:
  - "glossary"
---
# Physical Attack (#8)

A threat cluster where an attacker gains unauthorized physical interaction with or causes physical interference to hardware, devices, facilities, or data transmission media (including wireless signals). The generic vulnerability is the physical accessibility of infrastructure and the exploitability of physical-layer properties. Encompasses two sub-cluster vectors:

- **Mechanical vector (#8.1, contact):** Requires physical touch or direct interaction (tampering, theft, physical intrusion, unauthorized device connection)
- **Signal vector (#8.2, no contact):** Exploits physical properties without direct contact (TEMPEST, signal jamming, acoustic attacks, environmental disruption)

**Related reading:** [CWE-514 (covert channel) → TLCTC #8](https://www.tlctc.net/blog-cwe-514-covert-channel-mapping.html), [Topology of cyber attacks — Bridge vs Internal](https://www.tlctc.net/tlctc-topology-of-cyber-attacks.html)
