What Is Wiretapping?

Date First Published: 10th March 2024

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Threats To Systems, Data & Information

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn more about what wiretapping is in this article.

Wiretapping is the practice of attaching a listening device to a telephone line to secretly listen to conversations. Wiretapping can be done physically by accessing the communication infrastructure or digitally by exploiting vulnerabilities in networks or devices. In most cases, wiretapping is done without permission and has privacy and security risks. Therefore, measures are used to prevent wiretapping, such as end-to-end encryption and updating devices with the latest security patches.

The term "wiretapping" comes from the original process of actually using an electrical tap on the telephone line, which started first with telegraphs in the mid-1800s.

Types Of Wiretapping

Wiretapping can happen in different forms, including physical, network-based and digital wiretapping.

• Physical wiretapping - Physically accessing the communication infrastructure, such as telephone lines or network cables by attaching monitoring devices to intercept and record the transmitted data.
• Network-based wiretapping - Exploits vulnerabilities in network infrastructure or devices to intercept and monitor data traffic. This wiretapping is typically done by gaining unauthorised access to network routers, switches, or servers.
• Digital wiretapping - Attackers use malware, spyware, or advanced hacking methods to gain unauthorised access to someone's device and monitor their digital communications.

Uses Of Wiretapping

Some of the ways wiretapping is used include:

• Law enforcement - The police and other law enforcement agencies can use wiretapping to collect information about illegal activities. In order for law enforcement to wiretap someone that they find suspicious, they must obtain a warrant.
• Threat actors - Wiretapping can be used to gather information about an individual or organisation without permission to do harm in various ways. They may attempt to intercept phone calls using spyware or modified devices.
• Commercial espionage - Businesses can use wiretapping to obtain information about competitors. However, privacy laws protect an individual's right to privacy and may require businesses to obtain explicit consent from competitors before engaging in any wiretapping activities.

How To Prevent Wiretapping?

Wiretapping can be prevented by:

• Encryption - Encryption converts data into an unreadable form, which can only be decrypted with the appropriate cryptographic keys.
• Network monitoring tools - Use network monitoring tools, like intrusion detection systems to identify any wiretapping attempts.
• Regular software updates - Keep devices and software up to date with the most recent security patches to reduce any vulnerabilities that could be used for wiretapping.

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