Sniffers are used by network/system administrator to monitor and troubleshoot network traffic. Attackers use sniffers to capture data packets containing sensitive information such as password, account information etc.

Do hackers use packet sniffing?

Hackers, on the other hand, use packet-sniffing software (which is available free online!) to break into company networks and steal data. With it, they are virtually able to eavesdrop on any unencrypted information that's being exchanged between computers and traveling on a network.

Are sniffers malware?

And before we go on — sniffers and viruses aren't the same thing. Viruses are a type of malware that hijacks other software on your device and modifies it so as to replicate and spread the virus. Sniffers don't work that way, and sometimes, they're not even software.