ABSTRACT

Communications take place in forms that range from simple voice conversations to complicated manipulations of light. Each type of communication is based on two basic principles: wave theory and particle theory. In essence, communication can be established by the use of either, frequently in concert with a carrier or medium to provide transmission. An example is the human voice. The result of wave communications using the air as the signal-carrying medium is that two people can talk to each other. However, the atmosphere is a common medium, and anyone close enough to receive the same waves can intercept and surreptitiously listen to the discussion. For computer communications, the process is exponentially more complicated; the medium and type may change several times as the data is moved from one point to another. Nevertheless, computer communications are vulnerable in the same way that a conversation can be overheard. As communications are established, several vulnerabilities in the accessibility of the communication will exist in some form or another. The ability to intercept communications is governed by the type of communication and the medium that is employed. Given the proper time, resources, and environmental conditions, any communication-regardless of the type or medium employed-can be intercepted.