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#Session Task 15-Sniffing

Sniffing, or eavesdropping, refers to intercepting and capturing network traffic using specialized software or hardware. Sniffing can be used for legitimate purposes like troubleshooting or security analysis, but can also be used maliciously to steal sensitive data. Attackers deploy sniffers using techniques like ARP spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks to capture traffic. Common sniffing types include promiscuous mode, ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, and wireless sniffing. Popular sniffing tools are Wireshark, Tcpdump, and Ettercap. Sniffing can compromise security and lead to data theft, fraud, and loss of trust. Encryption, secure protocols, strong passwords, and traffic monitoring

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71 views7 pages

#Session Task 15-Sniffing

Sniffing, or eavesdropping, refers to intercepting and capturing network traffic using specialized software or hardware. Sniffing can be used for legitimate purposes like troubleshooting or security analysis, but can also be used maliciously to steal sensitive data. Attackers deploy sniffers using techniques like ARP spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks to capture traffic. Common sniffing types include promiscuous mode, ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, and wireless sniffing. Popular sniffing tools are Wireshark, Tcpdump, and Ettercap. Sniffing can compromise security and lead to data theft, fraud, and loss of trust. Encryption, secure protocols, strong passwords, and traffic monitoring

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semperor81
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SNIFFING

SNIFFING

What is Sniffing/Eavesdropping?
In computer networking, sniffing or eavesdropping refers to the act of intercepting and
capturing network traffic as it travels across a network. This can be done using specialized
software tools or hardware devices called network sniffers or packet sniffers.

Sniffing can be used for legitimate purposes such as network troubleshooting, performance
monitoring, and security analysis. However, it can also be used maliciously to steal sensitive
information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data that is
transmitted over the network.

To carry out sniffing, an attacker may deploy a sniffer on a local network or target a specific
machine or network segment using various techniques such as ARP spoofing, port scanning,
or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Once the sniffer is in place, it captures all


the traffic passing through the targeted
network segment or machine, and the
attacker can analyze the captured data to extract sensitive information.

Different types of sniffing:


There are different types of sniffing techniques, including:

1. Promiscuous Mode Sniffing:

This type of sniffing involves capturing all packets that pass through a
network interface, regardless of their destination address. It is commonly used
for debugging and network analysis.

2. ARP Spoofing:

ARP spoofing is a type of sniffing that involves sending fake Address


Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages to the network, which can allow the
attacker to intercept traffic intended for other devices on the network.
3. DNS Spoofing:

DNS spoofing involves tampering with Domain Name System (DNS)


traffic to redirect users to fake websites. This type of sniffing can be used for
phishing attacks or to distribute malware.

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack:

In a MitM attack, an attacker intercepts communication between two


parties and can modify or inject data into the communication. This type of
sniffing can be used to steal sensitive information or to gain unauthorized access
to a system.

5. Packet Sniffing:
Packet sniffing involves capturing and analyzing individual packets of
network traffic. This can be used to identify vulnerabilities in a network or to
monitor user activity.

6. Wireless Sniffing:

Wireless sniffing involves capturing wireless network traffic, which can


be used to steal information or to launch attacks on wireless networks.

Tools used for sniffing:

 Wireshark:
This is a popular network protocol analyzer that can be used to capture and
examine network traffic. It can capture traffic from a variety of
sources, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more.
 Tcpdump:
This is a command-line tool that can be used to capture and analyze network
traffic. It is available on most Unix-based operating systems.

 Ettercap:

This is a comprehensive suite for man-in-the-middle attacks, which can be used


to capture and analyze network traffic. It supports various protocols and features
network sniffing, password sniffing, and more.
Impact of Sniffing:
The impact of a sniffing attack can be significant, as it can lead to the theft of valuable data
and compromise the security of computer systems and networks. Attackers can use this
stolen data for fraudulent purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or other criminal
activities.

In addition, a sniffing attack can also result in a loss of reputation and credibility for the
organization whose systems have been compromised.
Customers may lose trust in the company, resulting in
lost business and revenue.

To protect against sniffing attacks, it is essential to use


encryption and other security measures to secure data in
transit. This includes using secure protocols such as
HTTPS and SSL/TLS, implementing strong password
policies, and regularly monitoring network traffic for
suspicious activity.

How to prevent Sniffing:

some steps that can be taken to prevent sniffing:

1. Use encryption:

Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized


access. Use encryption technologies such as SSL/TLS, SSH, and VPN to secure data
in transit.

2. Use secure protocols:

Use secure protocols such as HTTPS, SFTP, and SCP to transfer data over the
network.

3. Implement strong password policies:

Use strong passwords and enforce regular password changes to prevent unauthorized
access.

4. Monitor network traffic:

Regularly monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access
attempts or unusual data transfers.
References:
1. "What is a Sniffing Attack?" by Techopedia: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/24084/sniffing-
attack
2. "Sniffing Attacks: What are they and how to prevent them?" by Norton:
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-wifi-what-is-a-sniffing-attack.html
3. "Preventing Sniffing Attacks" by SolarWinds: https://www.solarwinds.com/resources/what-is-a-
sniffing-attack
4. "How to Detect and Prevent Sniffing Attacks" by Infosec Institute:
https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/detect-prevent-sniffing-attacks/
5. "Sniffing Attacks: How to Protect Yourself and Your Company" by Avast: https://www.avast.com/c-
sniffing-attacks

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