Jericho Security | Glossary

Jericho's Cybersecurity Glossary | Eavesdropping Attacks

Written by Jericho Security Team | September 27, 2024

Definition:

Eavesdropping attacks, also known as sniffing or wiretapping, involve intercepting and monitoring communications between two parties without their knowledge or consent, often to steal sensitive information.

Use Cases:

  • Used by attackers to intercept unencrypted communication, such as email or VoIP, to steal login credentials or financial data.
  • Employed in man-in-the-middle attacks to capture data as it is transmitted across a network.

Related Terms:

Questions and Answers:

  • How do eavesdropping attacks work?
    Attackers use tools to intercept network traffic, capturing data that is transmitted in plaintext between devices, such as passwords or personal information.

  • What are the risks of eavesdropping attacks?
    Eavesdropping attacks can lead to the compromise of sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal data, or financial transactions.

  • How can organizations protect against eavesdropping?
    Organizations can protect against eavesdropping by using strong encryption (e.g., HTTPS, VPNs), securing wireless networks, and monitoring network traffic for anomalies.