1.4.10

Methods of Data Interception

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Methods of Data Interception

There are three main methods of data interception: insider attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and packet sniffing.

Illustrative background for Insider attacksIllustrative background for Insider attacks ?? "content

Insider attacks

  • An insider attack is where someone with privileged access to information (e.g. an employee) uses their access to steal information from the company, and gives it to others.
  • Attackers often have financial or ethical motivations.
  • The risk of insider attacks can be reduced using:
    • Firewalls.
    • User access levels.
Illustrative background for Man-in-the-middle attacksIllustrative background for Man-in-the-middle attacks ?? "content

Man-in-the-middle attacks

  • A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is where an attacker will intercept a device's connection to the Internet.
  • This is often done by tricking users into signing into a fake WiFi hotspot.
  • The man-in-the-middle can then see all of the victim's traffic, such as personal information.
  • This is one of the reasons why users should be very careful if they join a public WiFi network.
Illustrative background for Packet sniffingIllustrative background for Packet sniffing ?? "content

Packet sniffing

  • Packet sniffing is where a hacker will intercept data as it is being transmitted across a network.
  • Sniffing software reads and displays the content of all packets being sent on a network.
  • Packet sniffing is a form of passive attack.
  • One of the best ways to protect against packet sniffing is to use encryption so that packets cannot be decoded.

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1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.5Systems Software

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

2.1Algorithms

2.2Programming Fundamentals

2.3Producing Robust Programs

2.4Boolean Logic

2.5Programming Languages & IDEs

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