What type of attack is referred to when an attacker impersonates another computer by spoofing the IP address?

The type of attack where an attacker impersonates another computer by spoofing the IP address is known as a Man-in-the-Middle Attack. In this scenario, the attacker intercepts communication between two parties, effectively masquerading as one of them. By spoofing the IP address, the attacker can redirect network traffic, making it appear as though the data is being sent to the legitimate recipient when, in fact, it is being captured or modified by the attacker.

This attack is particularly effective because it exploits the trust that entities have in each other during communication. Since the attacker appears to be part of the legitimate network, they can access sensitive information and perform malicious actions without raising immediate suspicion.

Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing potential vulnerabilities in network communications and implementing appropriate security measures, such as encryption and traffic monitoring, to mitigate the risk of such attacks.