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.