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:

• Network Monitoring
• Eavesdropping Attack
• Man-in-the-Middle Attack
• Wi-Fi Sniffing
  
  

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.