What type of security threat involves monitoring transmissions?

• A. Active Threat
• B. Passive Threat
• C. Residual Threat
• D. Potential Threat

Answer: (B)

Monitoring transmissions is characteristic of a passive threat because it involves unauthorized observation or interception of data as it is being transmitted, without actively altering or disrupting it. In a passive threat, the attacker seeks to gain access to sensitive information while remaining undetected.

This type of threat can often be carried out through techniques like eavesdropping or using sniffing tools, which allow the attacker to capture data in transit such as passwords, personal information, or confidential communications. By its nature, passive threats do not impact the integrity or availability of the data; they solely focus on confidentiality breaches.

In contrast, the other types of threats involve different mechanisms: active threats aim to alter or disrupt data integrity or availability; residual threats relate to leftover vulnerabilities after security measures have been implemented; potential threats signify risks that could emerge in the future but are not currently active. Understanding these distinctions is key to effectively managing information security risks.