Why do attackers use active interception techniques?

Attackers use active interception techniques primarily to capture or manipulate data traffic for malicious purposes. Active interception involves directly manipulating the communication between two parties, which allows an attacker to not only eavesdrop on the data being transmitted but also to alter it in real-time. This could involve capturing sensitive information such as authentication credentials, financial data, or personal details, or injecting false data into a communication stream to mislead one of the parties involved.

Such techniques pose significant risks to the confidentiality and integrity of data, making them appealing to attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in communication channels. Unlike passive eavesdropping, which simply monitors data without alteration, active interception enables attackers to influence the data flow, making it a more aggressive approach to data breaches and cyber attacks.