HTTP Sniffer - The Different Uses

An HTTP sniffer, sometimes called a packet sniffer, is a way in which people can eavesdrop on traffic that travels between networks. The material eventually is decoded. There are many different uses of a sniffer. Some are good while others use them negatively. The most common positive usages of a sniffer are to analyze network problems, filter suspect content and monitor network usage. Many companies utilize a sniffer for these reasons to ensure their employees are using the network wisely. It is a way to guarantee the most work will get done during the work hours. When a sniffer is used negatively, it can be used to hack into networks and to obtain private, personal information.

The reason an HTTP sniffer can work is because all information is sent across networks in packets, which is why they sometimes are called packet sniffers. The information is broken down into smaller segments with each segment containing the destination and source addresses. Because all computers in one system share a network, the information is sent to all of the computers until it finds the correct destination. The computers cannot see this information unless they are the intended target or using a sniffer program. They can view the information without anyone knowing.

Many computer hackers commonly use this form of an HTTP sniffer because they often are undetected in a network. The information a sniffer receives can be as general and generic as a site link or as dangerous and personal as a credit card number. This is why many people are warned only to do online business through a secure site. That information is encrypted so sniffers cannot decode the messages. Because many hackers use sniffers, many people do not realize they can be used for positive purposes as well. That is why many employees have a negative connotation associated with their company’s use of sniffers.

In the business world, an HTTP sniffer is necessary to protect the network. A good sniffer program can filter out suspicious content to prevent security threats. Companies also use them to monitor the computer usage of its employees. Studies have shown that nearly 30 percent of employees spend their time surfing the Internet instead of working. Companies needed a way to prevent this from happening. Sniffers also can localize where a problem is on a network. This makes HTTP sniffers invaluable to network administrators looking to repair problems quickly.