A packet sniffer is a tool that monitors, captures, and analyzes data packets flowing across a network. It helps administrators troubleshoot performance issues, detect security problems, and understand traffic patterns. Though useful for legitimate diagnostics, packet sniffers can also be misused for unauthorized monitoring or intercepting sensitive information if not properly controlled.
A packet sniffer is a program that watches, takes in, and processes data packets that are moving through a network. It is of great assistance to the administrators in detecting security issues, analyzing performance problems, and figuring out the traffic patterns. Even though they are very helpful in legitimate diagnostics, packet sniffers can still be misused for unauthorized surveillance or intercepting of sensitive information if they are not adequately controlled.
A packet sniffer is a device used to capture and examine information that has been passing through a computer network. It logs packets, the little pieces of data that are being exchanged among devices, to allow users to understand what is being exchanged between them and troubleshoot problems such as poor speeds, security compromises, or even suspicious activity. Packet sniffers are mostly employed in troubleshooting by IT professionals and detecting attacks or vulnerability by cybersecurity experts, but they may be misused as well in case of an attempt to intercept personal information.
