Packet Sniffing Definition:
Packet Sniffing is a network monitoring technique used to capture and analyse data packets as they travel through a network. Packet Sniffing can be used by network administrators to diagnose issues or by attackers to intercept sensitive information, such as login credentials and personal data.
What is Packet Sniffing?
Packet Sniffing involves capturing packets, which are units of data transmitted over a network. By examining packet contents, a sniffer can view details like IP addresses, protocols, and potentially sensitive information contained in unencrypted traffic. Packet Sniffing tools can operate in promiscuous mode, capturing all packets on a network segment, or be configured to monitor specific traffic.
Why is Packet Sniffing important?
The purpose of Packet Sniffing varies depending on the user. Network administrators use Packet Sniffing to monitor network health, diagnose issues, and ensure data flows efficiently. Attackers, however, use Packet Sniffing to intercept and capture sensitive information, Exploiting unsecured networks or unencrypted communications.
How does Packet Sniffing work?
Packet Sniffing is conducted using specialised software, like Wireshark or tcpdump, which captures and displays network traffic. By analysing packet headers and payloads, sniffers can extract valuable information. Packet Sniffing can be performed on local networks or remotely, depending on access levels, and is most effective on unsecured networks or networks with weak Encryption.
Packet Sniffing Examples:
Examples of Packet Sniffing include a network administrator using Wireshark to diagnose a connectivity issue or an attacker capturing packets on a public Wi-Fi network to intercept unencrypted passwords. Some Packet Sniffing attacks specifically target HTTP traffic to capture login credentials or credit card information.
Packet Sniffing Issues:
Packet Sniffing raises significant Privacy and security concerns, especially on unsecured networks. To protect against unauthorised Packet Sniffing, organisations should use Encryption (such as HTTPS or VPNs) to secure data in transit, employ network segmentation, and monitor for unusual activity. Regular training can also help users avoid connecting to untrusted networks, reducing the risk of interception.
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