TechnologyAugust 30, 2026
exfiltrate
EKS-fil-trayt
Definition
To illegally move or copy sensitive data out of a computer network or system to an external, unauthorized location.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'ex-' (out) and 'filtratus' (filtered), the term originally referred to the slow removal of liquid. In a modern cybersecurity context, it describes the clandestine 'filtering' or pulling of data out of a protected network.
In the news
In the article, Rhysida's ransomware playbook involves gaining network access to exfiltrate sensitive files, which they then use to pressure the city of Berlin into paying a ransom.
Rhysida Claims Berlin Hack: 5.79 TB, 30 BTC Demand [2026]
Read the full article ↗tech-insider.org