T 5.57 Network analysis tools
If information transmitted in the network segment is not encrypted, then it can be read as plain text with the help of network analysis tools or "sniffers". It must be noted that these sniffer programs are not always intended for use as "hacking software" since many products used to manage networks include such a function.
The trace functions in the z/OS operating system
Trace functions are available for the operator in z/OS. With the aid of the Generalized Trace Facility (GTF), terminal sessions and other such processes can be monitored in SNA or TCP/IP networks. If the trace function is applied to the RACF administrator's session, it may be possible under certain circumstances to determine his password if the contents of the session are not encrypted. A similar trace function is included in the Network Logical Data Manager component (NLDM) of the NetView product.