RE: Fiber optic vampire taps

[Alvey Robert W KPWA <AlveyRW () kpt nuwc navy mil>]

In order to tap into a fiber line you have to break the sheath.  The signal
is entirely optic, if you don't break the sheath you can't even see the
signal.  However, even if someone does decide to break into it then they've
got another problem, exactly how to do it, it's extremely difficult because
any sort of tapping into the signal seriously degrades the link, that's if
it doesn't go down entirely, and it would be immediately noticeable if
someone was tapping into your fiber line.

-----Original Message-----
From: Nick Iglehart [mailto:nick () systemsecuritysolutions com] 
Sent: Friday, December 20, 2002 3:41 PM
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Fiber optic vampire taps


 
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I have a client who has a fiber optic line between two buildings. 
There is no physical security and so they are concerned about someone
tapping into the fiber line and capturing data.  

I read something a while back about tapping fiber optic lines without
breaking the sheathing and now I can't seem to find anything but vague
references to it.  I have googled for hours and checked the sf archives with
no luck.  Anyone have any references to this?  Any help is appreciated.

Nick

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