Wireshark 101: Network Analysis for Hackers and Defenders

Learn how to capture and analyze real network traffic with Wireshark. See what’s actually happening on your network.

Every action on a network leaves a trail.

Wireshark gives you the ability to see that trail in detail.

In this introductory session, we’ll explore how network communication actually works by capturing and analyzing real traffic. You’ll learn how to use Wireshark to inspect packets, apply filters to isolate relevant data, and begin interpreting common protocols.

We’ll cover:

• How packet capture works
• Navigating the Wireshark interface
• Capturing live traffic safely
• Display filters vs capture filters
• Understanding common protocols (DNS, HTTP, TLS)
• Identifying useful patterns in traffic

By the end of the session, you’ll have a working understanding of how to observe and begin analyzing network activity.

This class is designed for beginners, but it also serves as a solid foundation for anyone interested in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, or network engineering.