Data interception and theft - GCSE Computer Science Definition

Data interception and theft refers to the illegal practice of accessing or capturing data being transmitted over a network without authorisation. In the context of GCSE Computer Science, it involves exploiting vulnerabilities in digital communication to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal messages. Attackers may use various techniques to intercept data, such as packet sniffing or man-in-the-middle attacks, to secretly monitor and extract valuable information during its transit between computers or networks. Understanding data interception and theft is crucial for recognising the importance of secure communication and implementing protective measures like encryption to safeguard data integrity and privacy.