Eavesdropping is secretly listening to a conversation you shouldn’t be part of. Most of the time, it isn't so sinister in nature, but it certainly can be. Eavesdropping is as common in the digital world as in the real world and often leads to severe consequences. While new communication channels (like emails, telephone lines, instant messaging, and more) arise, methods of eavesdropping also continue to evolve. Businesses and individuals who want to protect their conversations should actively look to improve their security. Knowing how eavesdropping works and where the potential loopholes are can effectively decrease your chance of becoming a victim. Let's learn about eavesdropping attack and how does it work.
What is an eavesdropping attack in cybersecurity?
Eavesdropping and cybersecurity are closely intertwined. Eavesdropping attacks in the cybersecurity world are when the perpetrator “listens” to and records data that is transmitted between two devices. In simple terms, the hacker reads messages sent via, for example, an open and unsecured network. This information varies but can be anything from private financial details such as credit card information to other sensitive personal or business information. This knowledge can then be used later for a wide range of purposes, such as demanding a ransom, disrupting operational activity, or selling it to competitors.
How do eavesdropping attacks work?
There are various methods for a hacker to perform an eavesdropping attack. However, all of these methods involve a communication channel and listening in on transmitted information.
Despite efforts to make communication channels more secure, hackers are constantly finding loopholes and ways of eavesdropping. One basic yet common and effective type of eavesdropping has become somewhat of a caricature in popular culture: a small microphone bug secretly planted within a room or phone that records conversations undetected. Let’s look at some of the ways these attacks take place.
Methods of eavesdropping
Physical, on-premise eavesdropping devices & transmission links
As mentioned above, this is one of the more well-known ways of an eavesdropping attack. Physical, on-premise devices can be anything from secret microphones placed inside a telephone receiver to recording devices hidden within the room. To get these devices in place, the hacker must have physical access to the premises to install them. Most, if not all, on-premise eavesdropping devices rely on being extremely small or camouflaged to stay hidden and unnoticed. Criminals will install these in unsuspecting areas such as inside a book on a bookcase, behind a picture frame, inside phone handsets, or other inconspicuous locations.
These devices record information constantly or when activated by noise/movement. Depending on the complexity of the device and its setup, criminals can store the information and collect them later or use the device as a listening post and eavesdrop remotely in real-time.
Other devices, known as transmission links, operate on a similar basis. However, they utilize existing communication channels instead. Instead of installing the device or bug itself, the hacker will intercept telephone lines and other links to listen in on conversations.
Listening posts
Eavesdropping attacks may also make use of something called a listening post. These stations are placed near the victim (potentially a room away or even a few blocks away) to monitor and process the information collected through eavesdropping devices and transmission links.
Weak security systems
Sometimes, hackers do not need any physical, on-premise device to carry out an eavesdropping attack. The cybersecurity world is a hugely interconnected space, especially now that so much has been digitalized. Any weaknesses in the security systems surrounding this can be a route for the hacker. Phishing attacks, weak password security, application-layer loopholes, etc., are all ways for a hacker to gain access to sensitive information inconspicuously. At this point, the hacker can listen in on various communication channels, steal data, and much more.
Hackers may go unnoticed for quite some time if they do not immediately make any changes or attacks which will cause noticeable impact. Once they have accrued enough sensitive information, the business or individual will face the consequences.
Unsecured networks
Alternatively, cybersecurity hackers can carry out an eavesdropping attack if a user has connected to an unsecured network. These networks are usually public in cafes, public transport, and other communal places. The hacker is free to monitor any information passed through communication channels over the unsecured network.
How can an eavesdropping attack hurt your business?
Eavesdropping attacks can spell disaster for businesses. Cyber-attacks can have a wide range of motives - read more about this here. Often, the impacts for businesses are related to financial losses or a severely damaged reputation.
Leaking sensitive business information
Businesses of all types have sensitive information. Whether this be client-data, application login information, or anything else, normal operations will be disrupted.
Financial losses
The information extracted may be used in ways that incur financial losses for the victim business. This could mean the opportunity cost of disrupted normal operating hours or via ransoms demanded according to the terms of the cybercriminal.
A damaged reputation
This holds especially true if an eavesdropping attack includes the leaking of client-sensitive data, the victim business will suffer a severely damaged reputation. This is often very hard to recover from, as fewer customers are willing to trust a business with weaknesses in their cybersecurity - even if these problems are now resolved.
How can you prevent an eavesdropping cybersecurity attack?
There are several steps businesses can take to prevent an eavesdropping attack. Some are relatively simple and can be enacted immediately, while others may require the advice and help of a trusted cybersecurity solutions vendor like Sangfor.
Cyber security solutions
Since eavesdropping attacks can have varied approaches, there is no all-encompassing cybersecurity solution to prevent them. Instead, you will need a comprehensive range of solutions that will also be able to protect your business from other forms of cyber-attacks. Start with access control like Sangfor IAG to authenticate any incoming packets and prevent hackers from gaining access. Endpoint security solutions like Sangfor Endpoint Secure are also crucial for spotting anomalous behavior. Lastly, firewalls, incident response teams, and more can further enhance your security.
Encryption
Tech-savvy businesses use encryption to prevent hackers from eavesdropping on their communications. Encryption helps ensure data is safe as it is transmitted from one endpoint to another through a digital communication channel. By scrambling up the information into unintelligible strings of numbers, the hacker is unable to understand what the information is without the decryption key, even if they can intercept it.
Firewalls
Firewalls are another tried-and-tested method of reducing your chance of becoming the victim of an eavesdropping attack. Both personal firewalls installed on employee endpoints and next-generation firewalls like Sangfor NGAF can help monitor both incoming and outgoing traffic for malware and network intruders. Next-generation firewalls incorporate other cybersecurity solutions such as a deep-packet inspection to look through and potentially identify an eavesdropping attack.
Access control systems
Access control systems are a great way to ensure that only those with predetermined authorization can access business applications and communication channels. A well-designed access control system like Sangfor SASE works by identifying and authorizing before granting an appropriate level of access. Access control systems make it more difficult for hackers to find their way into communication channels and carry out an eavesdropping attack on your business.
Endpoint detection & network monitoring
When it comes to eavesdropping attacks, your business and networks are only as secure as the weakest link. Normally, this weak spot is found with the endpoints connected to your network and the users that operate them. Sangfor Endpoint Secure can help analyze and monitor endpoints. It detects any malware that the eavesdropping attacker may have installed to record data or any other threats within your network.
Network segmentation
Network segmentation is the process of dividing up your network into sub-networks. These sub-networks can then be used for specific purposes and given unique security settings and protocols, making it much more difficult for a hacker to gain complete access through the entire network.
Educate your employees
Your employees are your greatest strength but sometimes also your greatest weakness. If even one of your employees fails to spot a phishing email, for example, an eavesdropping attacker could easily access your business' communication channels.
You can start by organizing training sessions with your employees that help them understand how these attacks work. With adequate knowledge, they will be better equipped to spot and mitigate an attack promptly and prevent further damages.
Ensure you have proper physical security
Because so many eavesdropping attacks are carried out using physical on-premise devices, physical security remains an effective preventative measure. This may be trickier in today's largely work-from-home-dominated environment, but for businesses that have offices, physical security can make a huge difference.
Beware of phishing attempts
Phishing attempts are one of the most common cyber-attacks out there. They pave the way for eavesdropping attacks by giving hackers important login details and free access to your communication channels and business applications.
It will pay dividends to take all necessary measures in filtering out any phishing attempts or simply educate your employees on how to spot and avoid them.
Get in touch with Sangfor for more
To learn more about eavesdropping attacks and how you can protect your business from them, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.
