Define Eavesdropping Attack with Examples and Type

 An eavesdropping attack, also known as a "sniffing" or "sniffer" attack, is a type of cyber attack in which an attacker intercepts and listens to network traffic in order to gather sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information. Eavesdropping attacks can occur on wired or wireless networks and can be conducted by attackers who are physically close to the network or by attackers who have gained remote access to the network.

There are several types of eavesdropping attacks, including:

1. Passive eavesdropping: This type of attack involves the attacker simply listening to network traffic without interfering with it. This can be done using a packet sniffer, a tool that can capture and analyse network packets. For example, an attacker may use a packet sniffer to capture login credentials as they are transmitted over a network.

2. Active eavesdropping: This type of attack involves the attacker intercepting and altering network traffic in order to gather sensitive information. For example, an attacker may use a man-in-the-middle attack to intercept and redirect network traffic, allowing them to capture login credentials as they are transmitted.

3. Wireless eavesdropping: This type of attack involves the attacker intercepting and listening to wireless network traffic. This can be done using a wireless sniffer, a tool that can capture and analyse wireless packets. For example, an attacker may use a wireless sniffer to capture login credentials as they are transmitted over a wireless network.

An example of passive eavesdropping is an attacker who is connected to a public Wi-Fi network and uses a packet sniffer to capture login credentials as they are transmitted over the network. The attacker can then use the captured login credentials to gain unauthorized access to the victim's account.

An example of active eavesdropping is an attacker who intercepts and alters network traffic between a client and a server in order to steal sensitive information such as login credentials. The attacker can then use the captured login credentials to gain unauthorized access to the victim's account.

An example of wireless eavesdropping is an attacker who uses a wireless sniffer to capture login credentials as they are transmitted over a wireless network. The attacker can then use the captured login credentials to gain unauthorized access to the victim's account.

In conclusion, an eavesdropping attack is a type of cyberattack in which an attacker intercepts and listens to network traffic in order to gather sensitive information. There are several types of eavesdropping attacks, including passive eavesdropping, active eavesdropping, and wireless eavesdropping. Passive eavesdropping involves the attacker simply listening to network traffic without interfering with it. Active eavesdropping involves the attacker intercepting and altering network traffic in order to gather sensitive information. Wireless eavesdropping involves the attacker intercepting and listening to wireless network traffic. These attacks can be conducted by attackers who are physically close to the network or by attackers who have gained remote access to the network. To protect against eavesdropping attacks, it's important to use encryption, use a VPN, and be aware of the network you're connected to.