Firesheep is an add-on designed for the Mozilla Firefox browser. This add-on allows people to intercept unencrypted cookies from various websites (including Facebook and Twitter), effectively stealing login credentials. The user can log-in with the stolen credentials and become that user.

The use of Firesheep is a violation of computer security or wiretapping laws in some countries and considered a computer crime. However, Firefox does not block the extension from being downloaded and running. You can block Firesheep from intercepting your cookies using an encrypted network connection. Using HTTPS, SSL, a VPN (virtual private network) connection, or Wireless network security (WEP/WPA) can accomplish this.

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