What is Sniffing? How it Works, Impact, and How to Prevent It

 

What is sniffing? For some people, this term may sound foreign or even cause fear. Sniffing is a technical term that refers to capturing or recording data traffic flowing through a network. This can be done for different purposes, both for positive and negative purposes.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what sniffing is, how it works, its effects, and how to prevent it.

What is Sniffing?

Sniffing is a technique used to capture or record data traffic flowing through a computer network. This data traffic can be in the form of e-mail, instant messages, or even sensitive data such as usernames and passwords.

There are several types of sniffing that are commonly used, including:

1. Cable sniffing: This type of sniffing is done by installing a sniffing device on the network cable used to connect computer devices. In this way, the sniffing device can capture all data traffic passing through the cable.

2. Wireless sniffing: This type of sniffing is done by capturing wireless signals sent by computer devices. Sniffing devices can capture all data traffic passing through the signal.

3. Protocol sniffing: This type of sniffing is done by capturing data packets sent via certain protocols, such as HTTP or FTP. In this way, the sniffing device can capture all the information that is sent over that protocol.

How Sniffing Works

The way sniffing works is actually quite simple. Sniffing devices will capture all data traffic that passes through a computer network, be it in the form of e-mail, instant messages, or sensitive data such as usernames, passwords and bank account.

After that, the sniffing tool will store the captured data in the form of a log file. These log files can be opened and analyzed by hackers for useful information, such as usernames and passwords, credit card information, and many more.

How to Prevent Sniffing

There are several ways you can do to prevent sniffing, including:

1. Using a secure internet connection, such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection or SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connection. Avoid using WiFi that is open to the public.

2. Ensure security software and firewalls are enabled.

3. Update the operating system and security software regularly.

4. Avoid accessing websites or using untrusted applications.

5. Ensure that the website visited uses the https protocol.

Conclusion

Sniffing is a dangerous surveillance technique used by hackers to steal data sent over the internet network. To prevent sniffing, we can use a secure internet connection, ensure security software and firewalls are enabled, and avoid accessing websites or using untrusted applications. With the right preventive measures, we can protect the privacy and security of our data from hackers or criminal.

That's all the information from me hopefully useful and don't forget to share this article so that other people can also get knowledge.

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