Definition
Packet capture logs Internet Protocol (IP) packets for analysis and review. Network administrators do this to inspect traffic for security vulnerabilities. In a breach or hack, packet capture can reveal crucial information.
On the other hand, an attacker can exploit packet capture to steal private data and other resources. Unlike active spying techniques like port scamming, packet capture doesn’t leave any traces that security analysts can analyze.
Versions of PCAP
- Libpcap: Portable open-source C/C++ library for Linux and macOS, enabling packet capture and filtering.
- WinPcap: Windows-specific library allowing packet capture and filtering on Windows devices.
- PCAPng: Supports loopback packet sniffing and capture through user injection.
- Npcap: Fast and secure packet sniffing library compatible with Windows devices.
Packet Capture Benefits
- Network security enhancement: Packet analysis helps detect vulnerabilities, intrusions, and network attacks.
- Data leak detection: Packet analysis aids in identifying data loss and its causes.
- Packet loss location: IT departments can locate lost, stolen, or exfiltrated data packets through packet capture monitoring.
- Network Troubleshooting Improvement: Provides network teams with transparent network resource insights, streamlining troubleshooting.
Drawbacks of Packet Capture
- Requires ample storage space for large packet captures.
- It may yield excessive information, potentially burying critical details.
- Unlike NetFlow, packet capture lacks customizable fields due to reliance on IP packet structure.