Sniffing is a technique used to intercept and analyze network traffic. It involves capturing packets of data as they travel over a network, usually without the knowledge or consent of the sender or receiver.
Sniffing is often used in ethical hacking to identify security vulnerabilities in a network. By analyzing the packets of data that are captured, an attacker can gain insight into the structure of the network, the types of devices and applications that are being used, and the data that is being transmitted. This information can then be used to identify potential security weaknesses and plan further attacks.
If you're interested in learning more about ethical hacking and how it can help protect businesses and individuals from cyber threats, be sure to check out our in-depth video on the Ethical Hacking Course. You'll learn about the different types of hacking, the tools and techniques used by ethical hackers, and the steps you can take to secure your own systems.
However, sniffing can also be used for malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. Attackers can use a variety of tools and techniques to sniff network traffic, including network analyzers, packet sniffers, and even malware designed specifically for this purpose.
To protect against sniffing attacks, network administrators can use a variety of security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, best practices such as regularly changing passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and keeping software up-to-date can help to prevent sniffing attacks.
