What is Packet Sniffing ? - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

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What is Packet Sniffing ? - GeeksforGeeks (1)

Last Updated : 23 Mar, 2023

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When any data has to be transmitted over the computer network, it is broken down into smaller units at the sender’s node called data packets and reassembled at receiver’s node in original format. It is the smallest unit of communication over a computer network. It is also called a block, a segment, a datagram or a cell. The act of capturing data packet across the computer network is called packet sniffing. It is similar to as wire tapping to a telephone network. It is mostly used by crackers and hackers to collect information illegally about network. It is also used by ISPs, advertisers and governments. ISPs use packet sniffing to track all your activities such as:

  • who is receiver of your email
  • what is content of that email
  • what you download
  • sites you visit
  • what you looked on that website
  • downloads from a site
  • streaming events like video, audio, etc.

Advertising agencies or internet advertising agencies are paid according to:

  • number of ads shown by them.
  • number of clicks on their ads also called PPC (pay per click).

To achieve this target, these agencies use packet sniffing to inject advertisem*nts into the flowing packets. Most of the time these ads contain malware.
Government agencies use packet sniffing to:

  • ensure security of data over the network.
  • track an organisation’s unencrypted data.

Packet Sniffer – Packet sniffing is done by using tools called packet sniffer. It can be either filtered or unfiltered. Filtered is used when only specific data packets have to be captured and Unfiltered is used when all the packets have to be captured. WireShark, SmartSniff are examples of packet-sniffing tools.

How to prevent packet sniffing –

  • Encrypting data you send or receive.
  • using trusted Wi-Fi networks.
  • Scanning your network for dangers or issues.

Advantages:

  • Network troubleshooting: Packet sniffing can be used to identify network problems by examining the packets and identifying issues such as network congestion, packet loss, or improper configuration.
  • Security analysis: Packet sniffing can be used to detect and analyze security threats, such as network intrusions, malware infections, or unauthorized access attempts.
  • Network optimization: Packet sniffing can be used to optimize network performance by identifying bottlenecks and optimizing the network configuration.
  • Protocol analysis: Packet sniffing can be used to analyze network protocols and identify areas where they can be improved or optimized.

Disadvantages:

  • Privacy violations: Packet sniffing can be used to intercept sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information, which can be used for malicious purposes.
  • Legal issues: In many jurisdictions, packet sniffing is illegal without the express consent of all parties involved in the communication.
  • Resource usage: Packet sniffing can consume a significant amount of system resources, especially if large amounts of network traffic are being analyzed.
  • Complexity: Packet sniffing can be a complex process, requiring specialized knowledge and tools to analyze network traffic effectively.

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What is Packet Sniffing ? - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

FAQs

What is Packet Sniffing ? - GeeksforGeeks? ›

Network troubleshooting: Packet sniffing can be used to identify network problems by examining the packets and identifying issues such as network congestion, packet loss, or improper configuration.

What is packet sniffing in simple words? ›

Packet sniffing is a method of detecting and assessing packet data sent over a network. It can be used by administrators for network monitoring and security. However, packet sniffing tools can also be used by hackers to spy or steal confidential data.

What is sniffing geeksforgeeks? ›

A Sniffer is a program or tool that captures information over a network. There are 2 types of Sniffers: Commercial Sniffers and Underground Sniffers. Commercial Sniffers – Commercial sniffers are used to maintain and monitor information over the network. These sniffers are used to detect network problems.

What is a packet sniffer quizlet? ›

sniffer. Also known as a packet sniffer. An application that monitors,filters, and captures data packets transferred over a network.

What is packet sniffing in computer science? ›

A packet sniffer — also known as a packet analyzer, protocol analyzer or network analyzer — is a piece of hardware or software used to monitor network traffic. Sniffers work by examining streams of data packets that flow between computers on a network as well as between networked computers and the larger Internet.

Is packet sniffing good or bad? ›

Packet sniffing attacks can potentially represent a significant threat to network security, involving methods where attackers monitor network traffic to illegally access and manipulate sensitive data. Understanding these attacks is crucial for implementing effective security measures and preventing potential breaches.

What is the purpose of sniffing? ›

Sniffing is a process of monitoring and capturing all data packets passing through given network. Sniffers are used by network/system administrator to monitor and troubleshoot network traffic. Attackers use sniffers to capture data packets containing sensitive information such as password, account information etc.

Why do hackers use packet sniffing? ›

Packet sniffing is a hacking technique that involves collecting data packets that travel through an unencrypted computer network. Packet sniffers monitor the data packets in network traffic, with the aim of intercepting sensitive information (like personal financial details) to sell or use in other attacks.

Which tool is an example of a packet sniffer? ›

Wireshark

Wireshark can capture and analyze traffic from hundreds of different network protocols, making it a versatile tool for network administrators and security professionals.

What are the two components of a packet sniffer? ›

A packet sniffer, sometimes called a packet analyzer, is composed of two main parts. First, a network adapter that connects the sniffer to the existing network. Second, software that provides a way to log, see, or analyze the data collected by the device.

What is an example of active packet sniffing? ›

A DHCP attack is a type of active packet sniffing example used by attackers to gather and modify sensitive data. DHCP is a client/server protocol that assigns a computer an IP address. Along with the IP address, the DHCP server gives configuration data such as the default gateway and subnet mask.

What is true about packet sniffers? ›

A Packet Sniffer is a program that can record all network packets that travel past a given network interface, on a given computer, on a network. It can be used to troubleshoot network problems, as well as to extract sensitive information such as Credentials from unencrypted Login Session's.

What does sniffing mean in programming? ›

What Is Sniffing? In its simplest form, sniffing is the act of intercepting and monitoring traffic on a network. This can be done using software that captures all data packets passing through a given network interface or by using hardware devices explicitly designed for this purpose.

What is an example of sniffing? ›

An example of packet sniffing is when an attacker uses a packet sniffing tool to intercept unencrypted login credentials being transmitted over a public Wi-Fi network, gaining unauthorized access to an individual's online accounts.

What is a packet for dummies? ›

In networking, a packet is a small segment of a larger message. Data sent over computer networks*, such as the Internet, is divided into packets. These packets are then recombined by the computer or device that receives them.

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