What term refers to unauthorized access to transmitted data?

The term that refers to unauthorized access to transmitted data is Interception. This concept specifically involves the unauthorized acquisition of data while it is being transmitted over a network, typically through methods such as eavesdropping, packet sniffing, or man-in-the-middle attacks. Interception is a critical concern in cybersecurity because it threatens the confidentiality and integrity of data as it travels between devices.

In this context, interception can enable an attacker to gain sensitive information like passwords, personal identification numbers, or proprietary business data. Recognizing and understanding the risks associated with interception helps individuals and organizations implement stronger security measures, such as encryption and secure communication protocols, to protect data during transmission.

Other terms like infiltration, interference, and unauthorized access pertain to different aspects of security breaches and access control mechanisms, but they do not specifically describe the unauthorized gathering of data in transit as precisely as interception does. Thus, the accuracy of labeling unauthorized access to transmitted data as interception highlights its relevance in the realm of data security and emphasizes the necessity for preventative measures.