Wireshark is one of the most widely used tools in network security and networking because it allows you to see what is happening on a network in real time. In simple terms, Wireshark is a packet analyser. It captures network traffic (packets) and shows the details of how data moves between devices, such as your computer, routers, servers, and websites. This makes it extremely useful for cybersecurity learners, SOC analysts, network administrators, and anyone who wants to understand network behaviour deeply.
Responsibilities
- Wireshark professionals capture network traffic in an authorized environment to understand how data is moving across a network.
- They analyse packets to identify the protocols being used (such as TCP, UDP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS) and verify normal communication patterns.
- They apply display filters to quickly isolate relevant traffic and reduce noise during troubleshooting or investigations.
- They troubleshoot network issues such as slow connections, packet loss, retransmissions, and failed handshakes by reading packet-level evidence.
- They detect suspicious activity by looking for unusual connections, unexpected DNS queries, abnormal data transfers, or repeated authentication failures.
- They support incident response by collecting packet evidence and helping build a timeline of what happened on the network.
- They validate security controls by checking whether traffic is encrypted properly and whether insecure protocols are still being used.
- They document findings clearly with screenshots, packet summaries, and key indicators that non-technical stakeholders can understand.
- They follow privacy, compliance, and organization rules while handling captured data, because packet captures may contain sensitive information.
- They maintain ethical practice by capturing traffic only on networks and systems where explicit permission is available.
Vskills Certificate in Wireshark: Overview
A Certificate in Wireshark is a structured learning program that teaches you how to capture, filter, and analyse network traffic using Wireshark. Wireshark is a packet analyser that shows what is happening on a network at a very detailed level. This certificate helps learners understand how devices communicate, how protocols behave, and how to investigate network problems or security incidents using real packet evidence.
Vskills being India’s largest certification providers gives candidates access to top exams as well as provides after exam benefits. This includes:
- The certifications will have a Government verification tag.
- The Certification is valid for life.
- Candidates will get lifelong e-learning access.
- Access to free Practice Tests.
- Candidates will get tagged as ‘Vskills Certified’ On Monsterindia.com and ‘Vskills Certified’ On Shine Shine.com.
Test Details
- Duration: 60 minutes
- No. of questions: 50
- Maximum marks: 50, Passing marks: 25 (50%).
- There is NO negative marking in this module.
- Online exam.
Course Outline
Introduction and Setting Up Your Environment
- The Course Overview
- Introduction to Wireshark
- Download and Installation
Exploring the Wireshark Interface
- File Menu
- Export Packets
- Edit Menu
- View Menu
- Statistics Menu
- Toolbars
- Configure Global Preferences
- Configuration Profiles
Traffic Capturing and Filtering
- Understanding the Packet Capture Process
- Port SPAN/Mirroring
- Capture Options
- Capture Filters
- Display Filters
- Finding and Marking Packets
- Expressions and Buttons
Network Communication Techniques
- OSI Model Introduction
- OSI Model Layers
- Frame Encapsulation
- TCP/IP Essentials
- Visualizing the 3-Way Handshake
Exploring Communication Protocols
- Explore TCP in Wireshark
- Exploring UDP in Wireshark
- Exploring IPv4 in Wireshark
- Exploring IPv6 in Wireshark
- Exploring ICMPv4 in Wireshark
- Exploring ICMPv6 in Wireshark
Analyzing Common Protocols
- HTTP Data Capture and Analysis
- FTP Data Capture and Analysis
- DNS Data Capture and Analysis
- DHCP Data Capture and Analysis
- SMTP Data Capture and Analysis
- ARP Data Capture and Analysis
- Detect Network Issues
Preparation Guide for Certificate in Wireshark
Before you start a Wireshark certificate, it helps to prepare in a structured way. Wireshark shows network activity at a very detailed level, so your learning becomes much easier when your networking basics are clear and you have a safe practice setup. The steps below will help you build the right foundation and get maximum value from the course.
Step 1: Strengthen Your Networking Basics
Revise core concepts like IP addresses, subnet basics, ports, TCP vs UDP, DNS, DHCP, and HTTP/HTTPS. Also understand what a packet is and why protocols exist. This is important because Wireshark outputs are not just “data”; they are structured protocol conversations. When you know the basics, filters and packet fields will make sense quickly.
Step 2: Set Up Wireshark and a Safe Practice Lab
Install Wireshark on your laptop/PC and confirm it can capture from the correct interface (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Then create a safe practice environment: your home network, a test router setup, or a pair of devices where you have permission to capture traffic. If possible, use a virtual machine for controlled practice. Always avoid capturing traffic on networks you are not authorized to monitor.
Step 3: Learn Filtering Early (This Saves the Most Time)
Wireshark captures a lot of traffic, so learning filters early is essential. Start with simple display filters like filtering by IP, protocol (DNS, TCP, HTTP), port numbers, and specific conversations. Once you can filter properly, you can isolate useful packets and avoid getting overwhelmed. This step improves speed and confidence more than memorizing features.
Step 4: Practice With Real Use Cases and Build a Small Notes Book
Practice using small scenarios such as: opening a website and observing DNS + TCP handshake, checking why a connection fails, identifying retransmissions, and comparing HTTP vs HTTPS traffic visibility. Maintain a simple notes file of filters, common protocol fields, and what “normal” vs “suspicious” looks like. Regular short practice sessions will prepare you well for labs and certificate assessments.
