Kismet is an open-source, passive network detector, packet sniffer, and intrusion detection system (WIDS) used for auditing wireless networks. It operates at the layer-2 level, supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and various software-defined radio (SDR) hardware, allowing users to map networks, detect hidden networks, and monitor traffic in real-time.
Key Capabilities and Uses Wireless Reconnaissance: Identifies network infrastructure and logs traffic in formats compatible with tools like Wireshark and tcpdump.
Passive Sniffing: Collects data without interacting with the network, making it difficult to detect during auditing.
Hidden Network Detection: Identifies hidden networks by analyzing passive traffic, even if they do not broadcast their SSID.
Versatile Coverage: Supports Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth, BLE, Zigbee, and RF signals.
Location Mapping: Plots detected networks on maps to assist in war-driving efforts. Intrusion Detection: Functions as a WIDS to detect anomalies and unauthorized devices. #tools packetcapture reconnaissance passive