Packet Sniffing

Definition:

Packet sniffing is the practice of capturing and analyzing data packets transmitted over a network. It can be used by network administrators for legitimate purposes or by attackers to intercept sensitive information.

Use Cases:

  • Used by network administrators to monitor traffic for troubleshooting or security analysis.
  • Employed by attackers to capture sensitive data, such as login credentials, in unencrypted network communications.

Related Terms:

Questions and Answers:

  • How does packet sniffing work?
    Packet sniffing tools capture data packets traveling across a network, allowing the user to analyze their contents for troubleshooting or security purposes.

  • What are the risks of packet sniffing?
    Attackers can use packet sniffing to intercept unencrypted communications, potentially stealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.

  • How can packet sniffing be prevented?
    Packet sniffing can be mitigated by using encryption (such as HTTPS), securing wireless networks, and using VPNs to protect data in transit.
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