Most devices are small and portable, able to easily fit in your pocket or laptop bag. It does not take any special level of technical expertise to operate a hardware WiFi sniffer. In the case of a mobile device, you are in essence turning it into a hardware sniffer when using it with a sniffing application. You can obtain software WiFi sniffers for Windows, Mac, and mobile operating systems. They perform the same tasks, though the software route may be more popular in most cases. WiFi sniffers come in two flavors: hardware and software. A wireless sniffer allows someone to attack your network from a distance, making it hard to determine if there are attempts to compromise your data. Unfortunately, a prime reason that WiFi sniffers are used by unscrupulous individuals is to attempt to collect information from, or gain access to, an unsecured network. Home users may employ a sniffer to better understand how their network operates. An example is where a network administrator makes use of one to secure or monitor their network. There are valid and legal uses for a wireless sniffer tool to be used. Wireless network sniffing is akin to wiretapping a phone line, only without the court order that legalizes the activity. WiFi sniffing can be accomplished with a dedicated piece of electronic equipment or a software application. What is a WiFi Sniffer?Ī WiFi sniffer is a specific type of network analyzer or packet sniffer that is designed to work with wireless networks. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly a wireless sniffer is and how it can impact your WiFi network. One of the main tools used in WiFi attacks is called a WiFi sniffer. An attack on a wireless network can be conducted from a distance, minimizing the potential for the perpetrator to be apprehended. The aspect of wireless networks that is of most concern is the possibility that its security can be breached. WiFi hotspots have popped up all over the place and many mobile users make great use of them while sipping a coffee and monitoring their recent posts. According to, 89% of the United States home broadband users employ a wireless router and use it to attach multiple devices to the net.

households with broadband access to connect to the Internet. WiFi networks have become the most predominant method for U.S. Everything You Need to Know About WiFi Sniffers

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