Lecture Notes: Eavesdropping in Computer Security What is Eavesdropping? Eavesdropping is the unauthorized interception of communications between two or more parties. It involves listening to or recording conversations, data transmissions, or other forms of communication without the consent of the parties involved. Types of Eavesdropping ● Passive Eavesdropping: Listening to communications without interfering with the transmission. ● Active Eavesdropping: Interfering with the communication process to capture or modify data. Common Eavesdropping Techniques ● ● ● ● Wiretapping: Interception of communications over physical wires or cables. Radio Frequency (RF) Monitoring: Intercepting wireless communications. Phishing: Tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information. Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals to gain unauthorized access to information. ● Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Intermediating communications between two parties to capture or modify data. Impact of Eavesdropping ● Data Theft: Eavesdropping can lead to the theft of sensitive information, such as personal data, financial data, or trade secrets. ● Privacy Violations: Eavesdropping can violate individuals' privacy rights and erode trust. ● Operational Disruption: Eavesdropping can disrupt business operations and lead to financial losses. Prevention and Mitigation Techniques ● Encryption: Encrypting data to make it unreadable to unauthorized parties. ● Secure Communication Protocols: Using secure protocols like HTTPS and VPNs to protect communications. ● Physical Security: Implementing physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to communication equipment. ● Awareness Training: Educating employees about the risks of eavesdropping and how to prevent it. ● Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitoring networks and systems for signs of eavesdropping activity. Conclusion Eavesdropping is a serious threat to the security and privacy of communications. By understanding the different types of eavesdropping and implementing effective prevention and mitigation techniques, organizations can protect their sensitive information and maintain the confidentiality of their communications.