CIPP/US Study Guide
Chapter 3: Introduction to Technological Aspects of Privacy

Wireless Eavesdropping and Defenses

On unencrypted Wi-Fi, packet sniffing can capture traffic, a risk in shared public hotspots. Defenses include encrypted Wi-Fi (per-user keys), VPNs (which also protect against the local ISP), and HTTPS.

  • Encrypted Wi-Fi: any password on a modern encrypted network forces a per-user key, making eavesdropping nearly impossible - though the router itself can still monitor.
  • VPN: encrypts from the device to the VPN server, protecting against the wireless access point AND the local ISP, especially important when traveling internationally.
  • HTTPS: encrypts web requests so eavesdroppers cannot intercept passwords, though misconfiguration can still leak data.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Packet sniffing”?
Capturing packets sent over a wireless network in the absence of effective encryption, a risk in shared public Wi-Fi hotspots.