In this article, we discuss the basics of sniffing and its types. Sniffing is considered to be one of the top cyber threats to network security. It’s a generic attack that basically intercepts network traffic between two hosts.
In other words, sniffing can be defined as a method of capturing or monitoring data packets traveling through a computer network. Typically, sniffing is done between two hosts exchanging data with each other. Packet sniffers reside among each other and monitor every packet that travels through the network. These packets are analyzed and captured sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, email details, IP address, hardware address, routing information, etc.
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What are sniffing attacks?
A sniffing attack occurs when an attacker uses a packet sniffer to intercept and read sensitive data passing through a network (Biasco, 2021). Common targets of these attacks include unencrypted email messages, login credentials, and financial information.
In some cases, attackers can also use sniffing attack tools and packet sniffers to insert malicious code into otherwise harmless data packets in an attempt to hijack a target’s computer or other device.
Passive Packet Sniffing Attack
The computer attack occurs using a series of networks, and here the hackers use MAC addresses to figure out the destination port of the data. Here you won’t see any direct connection to the target like an active sniffing attack. Therefore, these attacks are complex to detect and prevent because these attacks are passive in nature.
There are many preventative ways to avoid packet sniffing attacks. However, these methods do not guarantee but help you build a healthy ecosystem to protect your organization; sensitive data.
How to protect yourself from sniffing attacks
Since sniffers can only steal unencrypted data, a logical solution is to ensure that all network traffic is encrypted. How you do it? Below are some tips.
- HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS): Make sure you enter your login credentials only on web pages that use HTTPS. HTTPS means your sessions are encrypted, making it difficult for sniffers to steal your username and password.
The Legitimate Uses of Packet Sniffing
Networks are complicated, with a large number of many different types of packets entering, leaving and traversing the connected network of computers. This complexity can easily lead to things going wrong. Most of the time it’s something innocent, like a compatibility issue, a software bug, or a hardware failure. However, hackers can also work their way into networks, infecting them with malware, stealing data, and causing other damage.
Packet sniffing software gives network administrators real-time information about what is happening on their networks. These tools help them monitor the traffic traveling through their networks, allow them to see if everything is working properly, locate bottlenecks, and can help provide them with the information they need to diagnose any problems or determine if their systems are under attack. .