An interception path is a diverted network route that lets an attacker observe, redirect, or interfere with traffic. It may involve control of a relay or router, manipulation of routing, or steering a connection toward an attacker-controlled destination. The term describes the route traffic takes; it does not necessarily mean that encryption has been broken.
In cyber attacks, an interception path can expose users to fake services or credential theft, particularly if they fail to verify the destination or accept an unexpected connection. For example, a diverted SSH connection may lead a user to a server that collects a password. Defenses include verifying server identities, using strong authentication such as SSH keys, and investigating unexpected routing or connection changes. Encryption protects data in transit, but it cannot by itself ensure that a user has reached the intended endpoint.