There are several steps organizations can take to protect their networks from illicit sniffing activities. The following defenses can reduce the risk of exposure to hackers:
Do not use public Wi-Fi networks: Wi-Fi networks found in public spaces typically lack security protocols to fully protect users. Hackers can easily sniff the entire network, gaining access to sensitive data. Avoiding such networks is a wise security choice unless the user is accessing an encrypted VPN.
Rely on a trusted VPN connection: When accessing the internet remotely, always use a trusted Virtual Private Network that encrypts the connection and masks all data from sniffers. Any sniffer attempting to monitor traffic over a VPN will only see data that has been scrambled, making it useless to the hacker.
Look for secure HTTPS protocols before surfing the web: Before surfing the internet, look for the “HTTPS” in the address bar of a website. Some sites only indicate “HTTP.” The additional “S” at the end is an indication that the site adheres to more robust security protocols that encrypt communications and will prevent sniffers used by hackers from seeing the data.
Don’t fall prey to social engineering tricks and traps: Hackers and cyberattackers will often employ phishing emails and spoofed website to trick people into unwittingly downloading sniffers. Being aware and cautious when browsing can prevent users from falling prey to nefarious tactics.