The scenario describes Paola tampering with new hardware while it was in transit to make it vulnerable to attacks. This type of attack is known as a distribution attack. Distribution attacks involve the interception and manipulation of products during their delivery process1. By accessing and tampering with the hardware before it reaches its final destination, the attacker can introduce vulnerabilities or backdoors that can be exploited later.

This method is distinct from an insider attack, which would involve someone within the organization facilitating the breach. A passive attack refers to monitoring and capturing data without altering the system, and an active attack involves direct engagement with the system to disrupt or manipulate operations. Since Paola’s actions involve tampering with hardware during distribution, the correct classification is a distribution attack.