No, it’s not a group of puppies chasing the mailman. A packet sniffing attack is when hackers attempt to collect private information by monitoring unencrypted network traffic. Read on to learn about different types of packet sniffers and the damage they do. Then, install a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and help prevent network sniffers from accessing your data online.
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.
A packet sniffing attack works by monitoring network traffic and collecting data traveling through your network, to and from the internet. The “sniffed” data might include personal information like banking details or login credentials, or it could simply include any data that passes through the network. Attackers can then leverage the data gathered through sniffing to use in other hacking attempts.
Sniffing attacks work best on unencrypted networks, so if you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network in a cafe, airport, or hotel, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and help prevent hackers from accessing any personal data you share online. And only visit websites you know are safe.
Here are the two main techniques used in packet sniffing attacks:
Active network sniffing is typically used on bigger networks. As more devices connect to a single network, the need for a network switch arises. Network switches direct internet traffic where it’s meant to go, so that the amount of traffic doesn’t overwhelm every device connected to the network.
An active packet sniffing attack injects extra traffic into the target network and waits for the network switch to redirect legitimate traffic. When that happens, the active sniffer gains access to the network switch thus launching the attack. This active type of sniffing attack is much more detectable because it has to make itself known in order to start sniffing.
On smaller networks where all devices are connected to a single network hub, passive sniffers are more common because an attack doesn’t need to rely on network switches to direct traffic. On these networks, passive sniffers can sit back and discreetly sniff the network packets that pass under their noses, collecting information as they go. Because no action is needed, passive sniffers are much more difficult to detect.
