Wireless networks are widely used today. We have at our disposal a wide range of possibilities. Many devices compatible with Wi-Fi networks that are part of our day to day. However, it must be taken into account that we can have stability and even security problems, if we compare it with the cable. Therefore we must always take precautions and not make mistakes. In this article we are going to talk about what a Network Sniffer is and of course what to do to avoid problems.
What is a Network Sniffer
We can say that a network sniffer is a software that is designed specifically for computer networks, to capture and analyze the packets that are sent and received. Let’s take as an example that we are connected to a Wi-Fi and we visit a web page or use any platform. We constantly send and receive packages, which is basically the necessary information.
A network sniffer could capture those packets . It could detect what we are visiting, what information we send, etc. In this way our privacy could be compromised. This can happen especially when we connect to an unprotected network or a public Wi-Fi where we do not really know who may be behind it.
Therefore we can indicate that it is a network tracker . This type of program can be very useful if we want to analyze our network, see if we have any security problems and have more control. However, it could turn against us in the event that an attacker uses these types of tools to compromise our security and privacy.
There are different types of Network Sniffer. Some are simpler and some are more complex. The latter could even show graphs of our connection, data of the captured packets, etc. They can even be implemented in other programs that we are using on a computer.
Data stolen with a Sniffer can be very valuable
All this that we mentioned logically indicates that the data and information that can be stolen through a network Sniffer can be very valuable. This could put our privacy at risk and also be used to carry out cyber attacks against our computers.
An attacker can use a network card configured as a Sniffer and capture all the traffic around him, without the need for it to be directed to that computer. It begins to read all the packets, all the data coming through the card.
Keep in mind that a Sniffer by itself will not infect a computer, nor will it sneak malware. All it does is steal data . However, this data can be used to carry out attacks. Let’s take as an example that they obtain information about what platforms or services we are using. They could send us a Phishing attack by impersonating that platform we use.
A network sniffer can therefore capture unencrypted traffic that may be around the card you are using. This makes it very important to always keep networks secure, use encrypted services and take great care when connecting to public networks.
A Network Sniffer Can Help Improve Security
Now, beyond the problems that may arise and that we have mentioned, a Network Sniffer can also be very useful to help a company, for example, to improve the security of its computer network.
A network administrator could use a Sniffer to have total control of that network, of the packets that are sent and received, and in this way carry out an audit to check all the traffic that enters and leaves and monitor the behavior that can to have.
This way you will be able to detect possible vulnerabilities that can be used by an attacker. It could help you correct those problems and make your network more secure, that you can use it to exploit any flaws.
How to protect ourselves from a network sniffer attack
It should be noted that detecting a Network Sniffer attack is not easy. It is not an attack such as malware that has sneaked onto our computer, a Phishing attack or any similar threat. It is something different and that also leaves no trace.
However, we can take into account some interesting tips to prevent them from attacking our network or stealing data when we connect to a Wi-Fi. They are simple steps that we can carry out and thus keep our privacy safe at all times.
Properly protect the Wi-Fi network
If we want to avoid problems in our network, there is no better solution than to adequately protect Wi-Fi . We have mentioned that nowadays it is very common to connect to the Internet wirelessly. There are many devices that we have around us that are compatible with this technology, without using a cable.
Therefore, the first step we can take to protect ourselves from a Network Sniffer attack is to keep our Wi-Fi network secure. We must always have a good password, which is strong, containing letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers and other special symbols, as well as being totally random.
But in addition, the encryption of the Wi-Fi that we use is also important. Avoid those that are old and can be exploited. Today the most robust, the most current, is WPA-3. It is true that many devices are not supported, but we can use WPA-2 encryption in that case.
It is also essential to protect the router itself. You also have to have a good password to access it, keep it updated and properly configured to keep the device safe from possible intruders.
Encrypt content with a VPN
But, what happens if we are going to connect to a Wi-Fi network and we are not in control, so we do not know if it is secure? In this case, the connection would have to be encrypted through a VPN . These programs are very useful to navigate safely when we access public networks that we cannot trust.
There are many options we have in this regard. We can use free and paid VPN services. There are them for mobile devices and desktop computers. What they basically do is encrypt the content that we send to the network , so it prevents a Network Sniffer, even if it steals that information, from being able to read it.
In short, a Network Sniffer is software that can collect data that we send and receive on a wireless network. We must at all times protect information, protect our networks, and in this way avoid being victims of this type of problem that could compromise our privacy.
