The latter unfortunately also allows for cybercrime instances. To speed these transfers along their route, networks use packets of data-chunks of data that are broken down and then reassembled after transmission is complete-to help avoid network congestion.īy using network sniffers to “sniff” the packets en route, a user can analyze the traffic via “passive sniffing” (i.e., snooping in on the inflight data) or “active sniffing” (i.e., directly interacting by sending packets and receiving responses from the target devices). Networks function as a collection of “nodes,” such as your smartphone, laptop, server, etc., which transfer information over a networked connection. To best explain how network packet sniffers work, let’s take a step back to review what makes a network work. Acquiring statistical data on network bandwidth, availability, etc.Testing firewalls for network security efficacy.Tracking down network traffic bottlenecks.Other positive uses of network sniffers include: Network packet sniffing can help enhance your security, performing network penetration testing by monitoring the data and ensuring it is encrypted. This can give network sniffing tools a bad reputation however, there are still many legitimate uses for network sniffers. In the wrong hands, network sniffing tools can allow anyone with little to no hacking skills to monitor network traffic over unsecured WiFi networks in order to steal passwords and other private information.
However, a common use for them today lies in black hat hacking.
These are all legitimate uses for a network sniffer. You can also use them to help find security holes in your environment.
What are example uses for network sniffers?įor example, a network sniffer can monitor network usage and track down someone using excessive bandwidth at a university or business organization. Network administrators can use this information to help optimize their environment. A network sniffer “sniffs” or monitors network traffic for information (e.g., where it’s coming from, which device, the protocol used, etc.).
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