Network admins and hackers both have the same tools but with very different intentions.

The same tool can be used for constructive or malicious purposes depending on who is operating the application. There are many software network sniffing tools available that make it possible for anyone to monitor network traffic. Hardware implementations of a packet analyzer are mostly employed by network administrators or security professionals operating with large networks. You may be familiar with the tool under one of its other names such as packet analyzer, network analyzer, or protocol analyzer. What is a Network Sniffer?Ī network sniffer is a software tool or piece of hardware which is used to monitor network traffic. The same network sniffer tools can be used to subvert or enhance network security, as we shall soon see. Specialized tools such as network sniffers are required by network administrators to understand and optimize their networks. They also introduce increased complexity to computer systems while posing potential security risks that were not a concern with standalone machines. Networks increase the utility of computers by making them accessible to anyone no matter where they are located.

Network sniffer mac