Is Wireshark A Network Packet Analyzer?

Why is it important to use protocol capture tools and protocol analyzers as an information systems security professional?

First, let’s talk about Wireshark, it is the most common network packet analyzer used worldwide, perhaps one of the best open source (free) packet analyzers today. It lets you capture and interactively browse the traffic running on a computer network, helping you analyze and manage the traffic in your network. Like a measuring device used to examine what is going on in your network cable, like a voltmeter used by an electrician to examine what is going on inside an electric cable. Therefore, gives you the tools to do in depth network analysis, it will try to capture network packets and display them as detailed as possible for analysis. Furthermore, used for troubleshooting network problems, examine security problems, debug protocol

It is in most cases used to connect multiple local area networks together to form a bigger network.

The OSI (Open System Interconnection) model is a set of specifications that allow computers around the world to openly communicate. It is pivotal to understanding and developing computer to computer communications in a network. Each layer plays a role in the process of sending and receiving data. The application layer is the top layer (layer seven) it promotes communication between programs and lower-layer network services. The services at this layer allow the network to decipher a program's request and the program to decipher data sent from the network. The Application layer protocols, programs handles formatting, procedure, security, synchronization, and any other requirements with the network. The Presentation Layer (layer 6) acts as a translator. For instance these protocols decode the jpg/jpeg files sent within the Web server’s HTTP response. So, in the last step (the Application layer) we enter the Web address and it took us to the Web site. This step allows us to see the images and content of the site. The Session Layer (layer 5) regulates and controls the communication between two nodes on the network. It is an ongoing exchange of data between the two and keeps the connection between them for the duration. It keeps the communication secure, detects whether or not the communication has been cut off and if it has it determines where to restart the

Wireshark is an open-source program which enables users to actively capture and interact with the network traffic which is being funnelled through the computer. Commonly, pieces of software which do this are referred to as ‘packet sniffers’ - As the program is recording the packets which pass through the network.

3. Implement effective monitoring of networks through the use of electronic scanning in order to

In my first screenshot, I have captured 4888 packets from my Local Area Connection. Within the first screenshot it shows the capture filters which includes TCP, IPX, UDP, etc. Furthermore, it’s just showing how to capture packets within a network. Wireshark is a sniffer that helps the user search within packets that allows it to be monitored to be analyzed with data. The purpose of this Hands-on Activity 4A, was to have the student experience and learn how to download and use a software (Wireshark) to increase their knowledge of advantages and disadvantages are within a sniffer. The steps I took were to browse the selection of the options provided on the program. I read some of the instructions in the textbook, Business Data Communications

It transmits mouse and keyboard actions from one computer to another to allow technical support personnel to operate server, desktop or other device via network as it is more efficient than to guide users through the whole procedure over the phone or to have the technical support personnel to be physically at the workstation.

This created physical connection between PC’s and the network line. Connected data’s are transporting data’s through the network. Cable is a medium through which information usually moves to one network to another network.

Security software limits access to programs and data files, and keeps a log of programs and files that have been accessed, which is then reviewed by the security manager daily.

Computer Systems analyst focus on an organization’s present computer systems and processes and purposes information systems resolutions to assist the organization function more professionally and efficiently. They bring business and information technology together by understanding the necessities and limitations of both. They bridge the communication and indulgent gap among the IT department and business management, help each side understand each other’s proposals, outlooks and restrictions, improving inclusive business efficiency. Computer systems analyst careers engross researching and studying new technologies, they evaluate the expenditures and settlements to the company to help organization determine if the technology would expand business

Ping sweeps is also called ICMP sweep is used by system administrator for diagnoses network problems. But hackers are used ping sweeps as a tool to gain access on private networks and identify what computer is active so that they can concentrate on that specific host or computer.

The system administrator will monitor performance of systems and provide security measures such as troubleshooting and maintenance. He will also help users to diagnose and solve their problems. He will be involved in adding, deleting or modifying user account information and resetting passwords. He will design and put into place systems, network configurations and network architecture.

Internet Protocol (IP) datagrams may arrive in a seemingly random order of chunks that the receiving IP entity must continuously collect until it can reconstruct the original datagram. Consider that the receiving IP entity possesses a buffer for assembling the original datagram's data field. The buffer will comprise of chunks of data and "holes" between them corresponding to data not yet received.

“They are responsible for LANs, WANs, network segments, and Internet and intranet systems. They install and maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor networks to ensure their availability to users. These workers gather data to evaluate a system’s performance, identify user needs, and determine system and network requirements.” (Labor, 2010) The work environment for these workers is ideally a comfortable well-lit office setting. With the expansion of computer networks they are often able to telecommute from home. The education requirement for these workers is typically a bachelor’s degree but a professional certification may be adequate for some employers. “Experience with network security and maintenance is preferred. Because network administrators are involved directly with people in many departments, good communication skills are essential.” (O'Leary & O'Leary, 2008) Network and computer system administrators can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $41,000 to $104,070. “Median annual wages of network and computer systems administrators were $66,310 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,690 and $84,110. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,070.” (Labor, 2010) The future employment outlook for the network and computer systems administrator is good and