Sniffing

Sniffing, in the context of computer security, refers to the process of intercepting and monitoring data packets as they travel across a network. This is typically done using specialized software tools or devices called packet sniffers. Sniffing can occur on both wired and wireless networks and allows an attacker to capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or other confidential data transmitted over the network.

Sniffing attacks can pose significant risks to network security and privacy, as they can be used to eavesdrop on communication between devices and systems. To mitigate the risks associated with sniffing, encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS are commonly used to secure data in transit. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring can help detect and prevent unauthorized sniffing activities.