Final answer:
An encrypted connection helps secure against On-Path Attacks by scrambling data so it is unreadable to anyone without the decryption key, making data interception by attackers ineffective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using an encrypted connection from the outset is a fundamental security measure to protect against On-Path Attacks (formerly known as Man-in-the-Middle attacks).
When a connection is encrypted, data transferred between the user's computer and the server is scrambled into a format that is unintelligible without the proper decryption key.
This means that even if an attacker is able to intercept the data (which is what happens during an On-Path Attack), they will not be able to understand or manipulate it without the corresponding encryption key. Encryption methods, such as TLS (Transport Layer Security), establish a secure connection where both parties can verify each other's identity and exchange data safely.
For example, when you access a website using HTTPS instead of HTTP, TLS helps to ensure that your communications are secure and the website is authentic.