Packet sniffing is a technique used to monitor and capture data packets traveling over a network. It involves using software or hardware tools, known as packet sniffers, to intercept and analyze the information being transmitted. This can help network administrators troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and ensure security. However, packet sniffing can also be misused by malicious actors to capture sensitive information, such as passwords and personal data. To protect against unauthorized sniffing, organizations often implement security measures like encryption and firewalls to safeguard their network traffic.