Wireless sniffers capture and save data packets on wireless LAN channels. They are useful for network troubleshooting, but also pose a threat as hacking devices. Adequate security measures must be taken to prevent misuse.
The term sniffing, as it relates to the Internet, is the process of intercepting data traffic as it travels from one point to another. Sniffers, also called packet sniffers or network sniffers, are the tools that capture and save data for later analysis. Wireless sniffers can capture this data on wireless local area network (LAN) channels. While wireless sniffers have many legitimate uses, they are also common hacking devices that malicious users can exploit for ulterior motives.
Data streams flowing over a wireless LAN travel in discrete units called data packets. Wireless sniffers are software programs that can listen for wireless channels on a LAN and capture those packets. The sniffing program runs on a computing device equipped with an 802.11 wireless LAN adapter. The program sends commands to the adapter, which then captures and sends the data packets to the sniffer. Users of the wireless sniffer can then access and read the transmitted data.
Network administrators and IT managers can use wireless sniffers to monitor and troubleshoot wireless LANs. They are useful tools for analyzing network problems, monitoring network usage, detecting network misuse or external intrusion, and filtering inappropriate content. Administrators can use sniffing tools to monitor the effectiveness of spam filters, network firewalls, and access control and intrusion prevention systems.
Hackers can use wireless sniffers for malicious purposes. People with some tech savvy can use these devices not only to cause damage to corporate networks and personal wireless devices, but for personal gain. Hackers can acquire confidential company information, as well as personal information, passwords, and Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. With that information, they can log into accounts, send spam emails from a spoofed email address, or direct web users to malicious websites, among other uses.
Users and IT managers must ensure that they use adequate security to prevent wireless sniffers from being misused. Security protocols like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) can help keep a network safe. The use of encryption and a strong foundation in normal security practices can help thwart malicious uses of wireless sniffers.
Wireless sniffers are readily available for those who want to use the technology for network monitoring, troubleshooting, and security. Those people who want the programs for malicious purposes, however, can access the technology just as easily. Therefore, it is important that IT staff and home users are vigilant and use adequate security protection.
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