How do cyber criminals typically use wiretapping to steal information?

Wiretapping involves intercepting private communications to gather sensitive information. Cyber criminals often utilize a hardware device placed between two hosts to capture data being transmitted over a network. This method allows them to monitor and record conversations or data transfers without the knowledge of the parties involved.

The effectiveness of this technique lies in its ability to eavesdrop on unencrypted data as it flows between devices, providing criminals with access to important information like passwords, personal data, or financial records. This is distinctly different from methods such as phishing or malware injection, which rely on tricking users or infecting systems rather than directly intercepting ongoing communications.

Using a hardware device for such purposes highlights the vulnerabilities present in network security and emphasizes the importance of encryption and secure communication protocols to protect against potential eavesdropping by malicious actors.