Receiver overload is a condition in which incoming signal power is so strong that a radio receiver is pushed beyond its normal operating range. The problem often starts in the front end, where the first amplifiers and filters have limited headroom. When that happens, the receiver may become desensitized, distort signals, or miss the intended transmission entirely, even if the unwanted energy is on a different frequency.
In cyber security and RF defense, overload matters because a nearby high-power transmitter can act like a practical denial-of-service condition for wireless equipment. Attackers can exploit this by placing strong emitters close enough to swamp a target receiver, while defenders reduce the risk with front-end filtering, careful placement, shielding, and receivers with better dynamic range. A bandpass filter is a common fix because it limits out-of-band energy before it reaches vulnerable circuitry.