INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK SECURITY

2 THREATS AND VULNURABILITIES

NETWORK SECURITY DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES

NETWORK TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

CRYPTOGRAPHY AND NETWORK SECURITY

NETWORK SECURITY ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC

SECURING WIRELESS NETWORKS

ADVANCED TOPICS IN NETWORK SECURITY

Packet capture and packet analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump)

PACKET CAPTURE AND PACKET ANALYSIS TOOL

Packet capture and analysis tools are essential for monitoring and troubleshooting networks. They allow users to intercept, log, and analyze network traffic in real time or from saved files.

  • Wireshark

    • Purpose: Real-time packet capture and analysis.
    • Features:
      • Captures live network traffic.
      • Filters traffic based on protocols, IPs, ports, etc.
      • Provides detailed insights into packet structure (headers, payload).
      • Supports a wide range of protocols.
      • Offers a graphical interface for easy navigation.
    • Use Cases: Network troubleshooting, protocol debugging, and security analysis.
    • Website: Wireshark

  • tcpdump

    • Purpose: Command-line packet capture tool.
    • Features:
      • Lightweight and fast.
      • Captures and filters traffic using powerful expressions.
      • Outputs packet details in the console.
    • Use Cases: Quick packet capture, especially on servers without GUIs.
    • Platform: Unix/Linux and Windows (via tools like WinDump).

  • Nmap (with Nmap Scripting Engine)

    • Purpose: Network scanning and some traffic analysis.
    • Features:
      • Identifies devices, open ports, and services.
      • Detects vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
      • Scripts can be used for advanced packet analysis.
    • Use Cases: Security auditing, penetration testing, and reconnaissance.
    • Website: Nmap

  • Tshark

    • Purpose: Command-line version of Wireshark.
    • Features:
      • Offers most features of Wireshark without a GUI.
      • Suitable for automation and scripting.
    • Use Cases: Automated packet analysis and log processing.

  • Microsoft Network Monitor / Microsoft Message Analyzer

    • Purpose: Network traffic capture and protocol analysis (deprecated but used historically).
    • Replacements: Microsoft recommends using Wireshark for newer systems.

  • SolarWinds Deep Packet Inspection

    • Purpose: Advanced packet capture for network performance monitoring.
    • Features:
      • Combines packet analysis with performance metrics.
      • Identifies slow applications or bottlenecks.
    • Use Cases: Enterprise-level performance monitoring and diagnostics.
    • Website: SolarWinds