Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which act best describes the unauthorized interception of communication to gain sensitive information?

1. Eavesdropping

2. Shoulder Surfing

3. Impersonation

4. Phishing

The correct answer is: Eavesdropping

Eavesdropping is defined as the unauthorized interception of communication, which often involves listening to or capturing data transmitted over networks without the consent of the parties involved. This technique allows an attacker to gain access to sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or private messages. Eavesdropping can occur through various methods, including wiretapping, sniffing unencrypted network traffic, or even physically overhearing conversations. It is a common tactic used in information systems security breaches and highlights the vulnerabilities in communication channels. Understanding this concept is crucial for ethical hackers as it underlines the importance of implementing strong security measures, such as encryption and secure communication protocols, to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Shoulder surfing, impersonation, and phishing are all different techniques that do not primarily focus on the interception of communication. Shoulder surfing involves observing someone directly to gain information, while impersonation and phishing relate to deceptive practices aimed at tricking individuals into revealing personal data. These distinctions underscore why eavesdropping specifically pertains to the unauthorized interception of communication.