Passive Attacks

In these attacks, an unauthorized user acquires access to your network
data sources. There is no alteration of message content, but it is possible
to eavesdrop on the transmission. Passive attacks are meant not to disrupt,
but to acquire information flowing across your wireless network.

Replay In this type of passive attack, the hacker intercepts or eavesdrops
on your data channel. The hacker does not do anything to compromise
your systems at first, but can resend altered messages to an
authorized user pretending to be the system host.

Eavesdropping This is a passive attack in which the hacker listens
to all your network transmissions in an effort to acquire information
flowing from one wireless workstation to the access point.
Traffic analysis The hacker analyzes your traffic pattern through
this type of passive attack to determine what network patterns exist. He
can then use all the information acquired to gain information about the
traffic from each user on your wireless network.