Is wiretapping classified as a passive network attack?

Wiretapping is classified as a passive network attack because it involves intercepting data transmission without the knowledge or consent of the parties involved. In this type of attack, the attacker does not alter or disrupt the communication but simply listens to or captures the data as it is being transmitted. This aligns with the characteristics of a passive attack, where the objective is to gain information without being detected, which allows the communication processes to continue unaffected.

In contrast, active attacks would involve altering or interfering with the communication, which is not the case here. Thus, wiretapping, by nature, fits neatly into the definition of a passive network attack, making the classification accurate.