What is an Eavesdropping Attack?

An eavesdropping attack, or sniffing or spying attack, involves stealing information. At the same time, it is transmitted across a network by a computer, smartphone, or other connected device.

The attack exploits unsecured network communications to obtain access to data while it is being sent or received by the user.

Simple descriptions and solutions of an eavesdropping attack

1. An eavesdropping attack is stealing data from a smartphone or other device while the user sends or receives data over a network.
2. Eavesdropping attacks are preventable by adopting a personal firewall, employing the latest antivirus software, and using a virtual private network (VPN).
3. Avoiding open or public Wi-Fi networks and adopting strong passwords are other methods to prevent eavesdropping attacks.

Eavesdropping is a misleadingly benign term. These attacks typically target sensitive financial and corporate information that can be sold for monetary gains or other illegal reasons.

Moreover, there is a trending new commerce for this attack called spouseware. This new method enables its operators to eavesdrop on a targeted individual’s loved ones by tracking their smartphone activity.

Understanding the Eavesdropping attack

An eavesdropping attack can be challenging to identify since network transmissions appear to function normally.

Moreover, this threat campaign exploits a weakened connection between a client and a server, which the attacker can use to reroute network traffic. Subsequently, the attacker installs network monitoring software, often known as a “sniffer,” on a computer or server to intercept information as it is transmitted.

Any gadget or device in the network between the transmitting and receiving machines, including the initial and terminal devices, is a source of flaws.

Various methods that can cause Eavesdropping attacks

Threat actors use multiple methods or techniques to listen or eavesdrop on conversations or to review network activity by using:

1. Pickup devices capture sounds or images from attached microphones and video cameras, which threat actors can subsequently transform into an electrical format to eavesdrop on targets. Attackers may also employ miniature amplifiers to reduce background noise.
2. Eavesdropping could also involve tapping a transmission link between a sender and a recipient. Attackers can accomplish this technique through radiofrequency transmission via a wire, such as active or unused telephone lines, wires, or ungrounded electrical conduits. Some transmitters can run continuously, but another option is remote activation.
3. A listening post is another method where attackers place bugs on telephones to record conversations. It employs triggers to record when a phone is picked up to make or take a call and switches off automatically when the call is completed. Listening posts are secure facilities where threat actors monitor audio recordings. It might be anywhere, and they have voice-activated devices to observe and record any action.
4. Weak passwords could also make it easier for threat actors to acquire unauthorised access to user accounts. It enables them to breach company systems and networks. Cybercriminals take advantage of this weakness by acquiring access to confidential communication channels, intercepting activity, and listening in on talks among coworkers to steal sensitive corporate data.
5. Users who connect to open and public networks that do not require a password and do not use encryption for data transfer provide an ideal pathway for attackers to eavesdrop. Hence, they can easily monitor user activities and intercept network connections.

Eavesdropping attacks have become vital for various cybercriminals worldwide, mainly for cyberespionage groups. Its elusiveness has allowed these malicious entities to execute illicit activities that compromised numerous organisations. Still, these attacks are not entirely invincible to proper cybersecurity practices.

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation?

Find out how iZOOlogic can prevent these Eavesdropping attacks through our Third Party Vulnerability Assessment solutions.

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.