Cable Tapping
Cable tapping is unauthorized physical access to a network or communications cable to observe or alter signals.
Mechanism
An attacker gains physical access to copper, fiber, or associated equipment. The risk depends on the medium, environment, and whether higher-layer encryption is used.
Indicators to watch
Unexpected physical access, cable-route changes, new inline hardware, optical anomalies, or unexplained link behavior.
Concept diagram
Defensive controls
Restrict cable routes, lock cabinets, use tamper controls, protect conduits, inventory infrastructure, and encrypt sensitive traffic end-to-end.
Recommended security control
Physical security monitoring
Do not modify live infrastructure; use training samples or lab equipment.
Defense tool
The administrator has not attached a tool yet. This slot will show “Build Soon” until a link or file is configured.
All attack descriptions are for defensive education. Test scanning, traffic generation, interception, wireless testing, and vulnerable applications only on systems and networks you own or are explicitly authorized to assess.