Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and Dictionary

Network Sniffing

Network sniffing refers to a computer connected to a network through "promiscuous mode", listening to every bit of traffic that goes by on the network and captures all the data. Normally a computer's network connection ignores traffic that is not addressed to it, but with sniffing software the computer will pick up everything. This is an easy way to pick up clear text passwords. E-mail programs frequently use clear text passwords.

Related Terms

Network Sniffing