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A covert cell structure is a method for organizing a group in such a way that it can more effectively resist penetration by an opposing organization. If the covert cell is part of a resistance movement it can also be called a resistance cell, and if it's part of a terrorist organization it can be called a terrorist cell. It is also a method used by criminal organizations, undercover operatives, and special forces. Some cells may lie dormant for years until needed - see sleeper cell.

Typical structure of a covert cell.

The organizational structure of covert cells is intended to limit the harm that can be done if members are captured and interrogated. Most members will only know the identities of other people in their own cell; only the leader of a cell will know the identities of leaders of other cells and communicate with them. By keeping cell size small, captives or double agents will have a very limited knowledge of the organization as a whole.

This approach, also known as compartmentalization, seeks to protect the larger organization from being compromised. By dividing the organization into many smaller groups, each of which is compartmentalized and only knows what it needs to know for its individual tasks, the damage that can be caused by outside penetration can be greatly reduced. Other cells can continue to operate independently.

The use of covert cells was pioneered in the 19th century by revolutionaries in France such as the political activist Louis Auguste Blanqui. Other revolutionary and anarchist groups soon adopted a similar organizational approach, as did the communist movement in the late 19th century. A cellular model of organization was used by many covert organizations in the 20th century, ranging from the French Resistance in World War II, to the Vietcong and the Provisional IRA and Al Qaeda. Organized crime groups, such as drug smuggling networks, also use similar methods.

Robert A. Heinlein, in his novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, describes ways in which cells can be organized using anonymous communication to report capture or death.