Promiscuous mode

Promiscuous mode is a network card setting that does not filter incoming packets by MAC (Media Access Control), but rather receives and accepts all incoming network data. This setting is commonly used to sniff all network traffic and to help diagnose networking issues. However, it may also be used to look for any unencrypted data, such as usernames and passwords, entered in FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and Telnet.

Network terms, Packet sniffing, Security, Security terms