A Windows Program what tracks other Program activity, what kind of data is sent and received

Question

I'm looking for an app/program that can show another program full activity, such as what kind of data (text, numbers, hash, or Decrypted) has been sent, where data is sent and/or received data from an internet source or local source.

Answer 1

If it's a browser app, obviously you can just hot F12 for developer tools & look in the network app.

If not, then WireShark, as answered by @gfdsweds will certain do the job. It's that we ever use in the office/lab. It's free, powerful and can also decode a lot of common data formats.

Wireshark can be a little overwhelming, though, so you might want to look at Fidller, which is free, cross-platform and easy to use.

If you want to test your own programs, instead of spy on others, then use the renouned Postman.

Btw, you are going to have problems with

where data is sent and/or received data from an internet source or local source.

because Windows sends local HTTP traffic (localhost / http:127.0.0.1) directly and does not use the TCP/IP stack, which is what all of the other tools hook into.

BUT, there is hope. Read these & search for more:

• Simple Way to Monitor Localhost Network Traffic on Windows

• How can I see 127.0.0.1 traffic on Windows using Wireshark?

• Wireshark localhost traffic capture

• A free HTTP sniffer for all traffic to localhost websites made from whatever client has no accepted answer, but a few good links. Caveat, the question is 7 years old.

• simplest might be Beginner’s Guide to Windows 10 built-in Packet Sniffer ‘PktMon’, but I have not used it, so have no idea how good it is.

Answer 2

I haven't used it but have heard good things, for internet sources I think glasswire would fulfill that for windows.