What is eavesdropping attacks, Eavesdropping definition or Eavesdropping meaning

Eavesdropping attacks is a major concern when it comes to cyber security. What does eavesdropping mean? Eavesdropping typically occurs when a user connects to a network in which traffic is not secured or encrypted and sends sensitive business data to a colleague. Cybercriminals or attackers listen in to network traffic traveling over computers, servers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Eavesdropping, also known as sniffing or espionage, relies on insecure network communications to access data transmitted between devices. Eavesdropping attacks are insidious because it is difficult to know they are happening.

Where does eavesdropping origin

The Eavesdrop scandal began literally? At first, it referred to water falling from the eaves of a house, then to the ground where the water fell. Finally, the eavesdropper describes a man standing behind a house overhearing the conversation of some inside. Over time, the word acquired its current meaning: “overhearing or eavesdropping on what is being said.” This is where the Eavesdrop sound originates.

In the case of the internet, eavesdropping in data exchange through different means is called cyber eavesdropping. When cybercriminals do this for some nefarious purpose, it is called an eavesdropping attack.

What does eavesdropping mean for an organization?

The main target of an eavesdropping attack is organization/company data. Organizations are most at risk. Eavesdropping attacks can cause an organization financial loss, privacy loss and identity theft. Digital services like USA’s Amazon Alexa and Google Home have also been hit by eavesdropping attacks. From these attackers can steal important confidential information.

Eavesdropping attackers can eavesdrop on conversations that users think are secure. This can steal sensitive information without their knowledge. Cyber attackers steal an organization’s important sensitive information, corporate data, business secrets or user passwords for financial gain, then sell the data to third parties or competitors or block data access for ransom as part of a ransomware attack. In this, the organization loses its own customer data. The organization suffers a reputational loss and financial loss.

How do eavesdropping attacks work?

With eavesdropping attacks, your passwords, card details and other sensitive data are easily stolen when it is transferred from one device to another. Eavesdropping attacks are possible when a client and server connection is weak, when encryption is not used when applications or devices are not up to date, or when malware is present and insecure network connections exist. There are different types of eavesdropping attacks.

• Transmission links
• Pickup Device
• Listening posts
• Weak security systems
• Weak Passwords
• Unsecured networks

Eavesdropping Methods

• Pickup devices can take audio from attached microphones and convert it into an electrical format using mini-amplifiers to reduce background noise.
• For sending and receiving messages, a transmission link may be used at both sender and receiver endpoints. 
• A telephone conversation may be recorded or taken for pick-up and automatically ends when the call ends. This is done with the help of listening posts.
• Using weak passwords makes it easy for attackers to gain access to user accounts. Through this, networks can be infiltrated and data can be stolen.
• Using current digital computerized phone systems, it is possible to intercept phones electronically without direct access to the device. For an attack, attackers can send signals down telephone lines and transmit any conversation taking place in the same room, even if the handset is not active.

How to protect your company from eavesdropping attacks

Since organizations and businesses form the main target of cyber eavesdropping attack, it is vital that we are proactive and vigilant to protect them. Detecting eavesdropping attacks is difficult and challenging, and for this reason, a proactive approach is essential to prevent attacks. To safeguard your company from eavesdropping, Aman Solutions For Cyber Security has provided a guideline.

Encryption

The most common way to protect against eavesdropping is to encrypt data. Corporate wireless networks require data to be encrypted. Encrypts data through the use of a virtual private network (VPN). According to the 2021 data breach investigation report, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) is recommended. Organizations that have neglected to implement multi-factor authentication have also been affected. Another way to encrypt data is to use military-grade encryption with 256-digit encryption.

Awareness

To protect against eavesdropping attacks, the organization’s personnel must first ensure awareness of cyber security risks and dangers. Employees should be aware of the methods attackers use to eavesdrop on conversations. The use of various devices/applications or software of the company should be carefully followed and usage guidelines should be followed. Staff must be trained on this attack. Avoid using public Wi-fi networks. Other things to watch out for are avoiding spamming links, clicking on links knowingly and downloading apps from official app stores. Finally, training should be provided on how to recover from this type of attack.

Network segmentation

Network Segmentation is the division of an organization’s network into sub-networks. Sub-networks can be used for specific purposes and given security settings and protocols. This makes it difficult for a hacker to gain complete access through the entire network. 

Network Segmentation allows organizations to restrict resources to ensure only those people who will need access to that network can have access to it. Because of Network Segmentation, computers connected to a network containing important information cannot be reached by people or computers connected to a network with general office data. This helps in keeping data safe and secure.

Authentication

Ensure your IT or security teams use authentication for incoming network packets. Make sure new networks, software and other services are secure before using them. Standard and cryptographic protocols include S/MIME, TLS, IPsec, OpenPGP, etc. you can use to ensure authentication.

Keep update and monitoring

Eavesdropping attacks can also exploit vulnerabilities in an organization’s software and exploit programming vulnerabilities. So it’s important to keep software program automatic updates turned on, program refreshes turned on, and ensure all software is patched as new releases or updates become available.

Monitoring the network for traffic is a cybersecurity best practice and is important. Deploying intrusion detection systems and endpoint detection and response solutions is critical.

Cyber security awareness

Eavesdropping attackers use different methods. There is no one-size-fits-all cybersecurity solution to prevent them. You will need a wide range of solutions that will be able to protect your business from other types of cyber-attacks. Not only eavesdropping, but cyber issues are also growing at an alarming rate these days. Your organization’s network and cyber infrastructure must be kept up-to-date. Your organization’s Cyber Risk Management, Cyber Defense and Cybersecurity Testing must be ensured. Aman Solutions For Cyber Security is ready to provide cyber security for your organization.