The answer just might surprise you. There is certainly nothing new about eavesdropping. In fact it's probably as old as the history of man, and certainly as old as his secrets. As far back as Roman Times spies would hide in the valleys to hear Caesar's criers shout information from one hilltop to the other. The spies even had holes drilled in the walls of castles to use as their favorite listening posts.
Information is a very valuable commodity.
Imagine knowing tomorrow's news today. News such as tomorrow's ad campaigns, court decisions, formulas, or mergers and bankruptcies. The possibilities are endless. You may not even know it's occurring. You just start losing profits, bids, customers, etc.