# Performing Network Forensics With Wireshark

> Use when capture and analyze network traffic using Wireshark and tshark to reconstruct network events, extract artifacts, and identify malicious communications. Use when working with performing network forensics with wireshark.

- Skill: `oyi77/performing-network-forensics-with-wireshark` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add oyi77/performing-network-forensics-with-wireshark`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/oyi77/performing-network-forensics-with-wireshark/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: Apache-2.0
- Author: oyi77 (https://skillmd.com/u/oyi77)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/oyi77/performing-network-forensics-with-wireshark

---


# Performing Network Forensics With Wireshark

## Overview

Cybersecurity skill for performing network forensics with wireshark. Follows industry best practices and security standards.

## When to Use
**Trigger phrases:**
- "performing network forensics with wireshark"
- "Capture and analyze network traffic using Wireshark and tshark to reconstruct ne"

- When analyzing captured network traffic (PCAP files) from a security incident
- For identifying command-and-control (C2) communications in captured traffic
- When reconstructing data exfiltration activities from packet captures
- During malware analysis to identify network indicators of compromise
- For extracting files, credentials, and artifacts transferred over the network


## When NOT to Use

- When you lack proper authorization for testing
- For production systems without change management
- When the task requires legal or compliance expertise beyond technical scope


## Prerequisites
- Wireshark or tshark installed for packet analysis
- PCAP/PCAPNG files from network captures (tcpdump, Wireshark, network TAP)
- NetworkMiner for automated artifact extraction
- Sufficient RAM for large capture files (1GB+ PCAPs need 8GB+ RAM)
- Understanding of TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, TLS protocols
- GeoIP databases for IP geolocation

## Workflow

```python
# Example: IOC detection
import re

IOC_PATTERNS = {
    "ip": r"\b(?:\d{1,3}\.){3}\d{1,3}\b",
    "domain": r"\b[a-z0-9-]+\.[a-z]{2,}\b",
    "hash_md5": r"\b[a-f0-9]{32}\b",
    "hash_sha256": r"\b[a-f0-9]{64}\b",
}

def extract_iocs(text: str) -> dict:
    return {k: re.findall(v, text) for k, v in IOC_PATTERNS.items()}
```

1. **Plan Operations** — Define objectives, scope, and success criteria for network forensics operations.
2. **Prepare Environment** — Set up tools, access, and data sources required for network forensics.
3. **Execute Core Workflow** — Use wireshark to perform network forensics operations following established procedures.
4. **Validate Results** — Verify that results meet quality standards and objectives.
5. **Report Findings** — Document results, observations, and recommendations.
6. **Follow Up** — Track remediation actions and verify fixes where applicable.

## Tools

- **wireshark** — Primary tool for this skill
- **Analysis Platform** — Data processing and visualization
- **Collaboration Tools** — Team coordination and knowledge sharing


## Process

1. **Reconnaissance** — Gather target information, identify attack surface, enumerate services
1. **Analysis/Exploitation** — Execute the technique, analyze results, document findings
1. **Reporting** — Document IOCs, write findings, provide remediation recommendations

## Verification

- [ ] All network forensics procedures executed completely and documented
- [ ] Findings validated against multiple data sources
- [ ] False positives identified and filtered
- [ ] Results documented with evidence and timestamps
- [ ] Recommendations provided with risk-based prioritization

## Anti-Rationalization Table

| Rationalization | Reality |
|---|---|
| "We are too small to be targeted" | Automated attacks target everyone. Size does not matter. |
| "Security slows us down" | A breach slows you down 100x more. Build security in from the start. |
| "We will fix it after launch" | Vulnerabilities in production are exploited within hours. Fix before deploy. |