Sniffing network traffic

In this recipe, we will examine the process of sniffing network traffic. Sniffing network traffic involves the process of intercepting network packets, analyzing it, and then decoding the traffic (if necessary) displaying the information contained within the packet. Sniffing traffic is particularly useful in gathering information from a target, because depending on the websites visited, you will be able to see the URLs visited, usernames, passwords, and other details that you can use against them.

We will use Ettercap for this recipe, but you could also use Wireshark. For demonstration purposes, Ettercap is a lot easier to understand and apply sniffing principles. Once an understanding of the sniffing process is established, Wireshark can be utilized to provide more detailed analysis.

Getting ready

A wireless card configured for packet injection is required to complete this recipe although you can perform the same steps over a wired network. In case of a wireless card...