// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping is the act of secretly listening to or intercepting private digital communications, like emails or network traffic, without the consent of the parties involved. It's the digital equivalent of someone secretly listening in on a private phone call to steal information.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Eavesdropping is a passive network security attack involving the unauthorized interception of data in transit, where an attacker secretly monitors communications between two parties to capture sensitive information, credentials, or confidential data, often using packet sniffing tools on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi.
BACKGROUND
Computer security is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It focuses on protecting computer software, systems, and networks from threats that can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as to the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- sniffing
- wiretapping
- passive interception
- listening attack
- traffic analysis
- e-snooping
USAGE NOTE
This term describes a passive attack focused on information gathering and is often a precursor to more active attacks like Man-in-the-Middle (MitM).
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Eavesdropping.
A major US defense contractor that develops advanced systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), including signals intelligence (SIGINT) technologies used for electronic eavesdropping and communications monitoring.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company that produces technology for signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity, which includes capabilities for intercepting and analyzing electronic communications.
Formerly Raytheon Technologies, this company develops sophisticated intelligence and cyber solutions for government agencies, including technologies for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and surveillance used to monitor and intercept adversary communications.
A leading global security company involved in creating advanced systems for intelligence gathering. They develop surveillance platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with payloads for electronic eavesdropping and signals interception.
An Israeli technology firm known for developing spyware, such as Pegasus, which can be covertly installed on mobile phones to perform surveillance, intercept communications, and eavesdrop on conversations by remotely activating the device's microphone and camera.
A government contractor providing expertise in signals intelligence and electronic warfare. CACI develops and deploys technologies for intercepting, collecting, and analyzing foreign signals for U.S. defense and intelligence agencies.
This division of General Dynamics builds secure communication systems and C4ISR solutions. Their portfolio includes products for signals intelligence and surveillance, designed to intercept and analyze electronic signals over a wide spectrum.
A U.S. intelligence agency responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT). It is a primary developer and user of advanced eavesdropping techniques and technologies.