Netværkssporing

Netværkssporing, also known as network sniffing or packet analysis, is the process of intercepting and logging network traffic that passes over a digital network or a part of a network. This is typically done for network troubleshooting, security analysis, and performance monitoring. Network sniffers, or packet analyzers, capture data packets as they travel across the network. These captured packets can then be decoded and analyzed to understand the data they contain.

The primary purpose of netværkssporing is to gain insight into network activity. For network administrators, it can help identify bottlenecks, diagnose connectivity issues, and ensure that network resources are being utilized efficiently. In the realm of cybersecurity, netværkssporing is a crucial tool for detecting malicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts, malware propagation, and data exfiltration. Security professionals use it to monitor network traffic for suspicious patterns and anomalies.

Netværkssporing can be performed passively, where a device simply listens to traffic without actively participating in the network communication, or actively, where the sniffer injects packets into the network to gain more information. Tools like Wireshark are commonly used for this purpose, allowing users to capture and analyze network packets in detail. However, the use of netværkssporing raises privacy concerns, as it can potentially capture sensitive information if not used responsibly and within legal boundaries. It's important to note that unauthorized network sniffing can be illegal and unethical.