Why is Internet e-mail harder to intercept than regular telephone conversations?

Question

A-it's broken up into packets,which are routed randomly and separately
B-it's digital,and therefore can't be intercepted
C-it can't be listened to while in transit

Answer 1

a - which was the entire premise behind the design of the internet by the military.

Answer 2

When you speak on the phone, you use the entire line. This makes it easy for low-tech monitors to tap the line and record the results. When you send an email, it puts the signal in the space of other phone traffic. There is no single transmission to tap into.

Keep in mind, that while your transmission can't be intercepted, they can just ask your server for a copy of your emails. If AOL or whoever your ISP gets a request for your emails from a government agency, AOL is likely to pass them over without asking why (or even if it's legal). The Department of Defense now admits to doing this with banking records, and it's a safe bet that this is done with emails as well. Your ISP does have a copy of your emails- that's how they can retransmit them if there's an issue with the sending. The inability to tap the phone line really only stops private investigators.

And yes, you can have email without it going over the Internet. If you work in a business, and send an email to a coworker, it can be set up to use the LAN and not even be connected to the Internet.

Answer 3

D. in fact with a warrant it is easier because it can be duplicated and sent to multiple users !

but you are looking for A.

and in fact since the whole thing is software and not real time it can be done without leaving any trace ( the trace is wiped as soon as the operation is completed ) all you need to know to intercept is the source or the receiver ( and the cooperation of the provider )

now that should make us all think ! ( only the sheer volume makes it secure plus easily available high level encryption )

Answer 4

First, what kind of email is there if it's not internet email. Second What makes you think one is easier than the other. If big brother wants to intercept communications niether one will be a problem.