Programs that connect to a computer network to intercept data traveling between two machines on the network are called tracking software. This type of software program can be used to intercept and interpret data on a computer or network, including browser passwords, chat programs, user settings, and network traffic. Trace software may also be known as a packet scanner, packet analyzer, or network analyzer. Types of this software include Internet Protocol (IP) detection software, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) detection software, port scanners, and packet detection programs. Software used for network discovery is often legitimately used by network administrators to identify the source of communication problems between different machines on the network.
Wireless sniffers can be used to locate open wireless networks and spy on them.
When network traffic should flow but isn’t flowing properly, detection can help the person responsible for network maintenance gather more information that can help resolve the problem. Network problems can occur across the network, with specific servers, or when data is only transferred between specific network machines. By using software designed to analyze network data, the administrator can determine the nature of the problem, the machines affected by the problem, and determine computer and network settings that may be contributing to network slowness.
Tracking software can be used to break into a personal network.
Discovery can be done over a wireless connection or through software installed on a computer that is part of the wired network. Common programs used for sniffing include Carnivore™, snoop™, and SkyGrabber™. Not all sniffing is done with sniffing software. Network administrators often have hardware scanners that perform network analysis. Hardware that analyzes network data includes Bluetooth™-based detection devices and analysis hardware that plugs directly into the computer port.
While detection software is often used by network professionals to analyze and troubleshoot network traffic, it can also be used for criminal purposes. Viruses embedded in downloaded software may include tracker viruses that record and interpret data entered on your computer. Many data sniffer viruses are designed to harvest passwords and financial information from computers that have been infected with data sniffer viruses.
Most people use the term “sniffer” to refer to any packet analysis software, but the word Sniffer™ is a registered trademark of Network Associates, maker of Sniffer Network Analyzer. The term sniffer has come into common use because the common unregistered jargon for using packet analysis software to listen to network traffic is “sniffing”, and when a user operates sniffing software to listen to network traffic , it is said that it is using software to detect the connection.
