wiretapper
Covert phone monitor
A wiretapper is someone who intercepts communications by connecting to telephone lines or other transmission channels.
The term comes from the original method of physically tapping into wires.
Now it covers anyone who secretly monitors calls or data traffic, whether through hardware, software, or legal surveillance: The FBI deployed wiretappers to monitor the suspect's calls.
One who listens secretly
- spyCovert information gatherer
- snoopOne who pries
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
- informantOne who provides intelligence
operative · agent · investigator · listener · intruder · infiltrator · sleuth · detective
Crawling creature or defect
- transmitterSignal-emitting device
- microphoneAudio input device
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- spywareHidden surveillance program
recording device · listening device · headphones · antenna · amplifier · decoder
Concealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- covertIntentionally concealed
hidden · undetected · furtive · cloak-and-dagger · secretive · discreet · shadowy · incognito
Formal authorization document
- FISAIntelligence surveillance legislation
- court orderBinding judicial directive
- probable causeLegal threshold for searches
- Fourth AmendmentSearch and seizure protection
prosecution · evidence · subpoena · authorized · illegal · federal · FBI · NSA
Secretly listening to others
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- buggingSecretly recording conversations
listening · snooping · recording · spying · intelligence gathering · phone hacking · tracking · shadowing
eavesdropper
One who listens secretly
- spyCovert information gatherer
- snoopOne who pries
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
informant · operative · agent · investigator · listener · intruder · infiltrator · sleuth · detective · mole
bug
Crawling creature or defect
- transmitterSignal-emitting device
- microphoneAudio input device
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
recording device · spyware · listening device · headphones · antenna · amplifier · decoder
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
covert · hidden · undetected · furtive · cloak-and-dagger · secretive · discreet · shadowy · incognito · concealed
warrant
Formal authorization document
- FISAIntelligence surveillance legislation
- court orderBinding judicial directive
- probable causeLegal threshold for searches
Fourth Amendment · prosecution · evidence · subpoena · authorized · illegal · federal · FBI · NSA · law enforcement
eavesdropping
Secretly listening to others
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
bugging · listening · snooping · recording · spying · intelligence gathering · phone hacking · tracking · shadowing · reconnaissance
- defendersdefender, guard, protector, guardian, keeper
- investigatorsdetective, investigator, inspector, sleuth, gumshoe
- spiesJames Bond, spy, Jason Bourne, secret agent, Ethan Hunt
- watcherswatcher, birdwatchers, watchman, lookout, sports fans
- intrudersintruder, trespasser, invader, burglar, prowler
- nosy peoplebusybody, snoop, snooper, meddler, eavesdropper