A security analyst captures 1GB of inbound network traffic for analysis. Which tool should the analyst use to review the pcap file?

A security analyst captures 1GB of inbound network traffic for analysis. Which tool should the analyst use to review the pcap file?

• A. Nmap
• B. cURL
• C. Netcat
• D. Wireshark

Answer: (D)

Using Wireshark to review a pcap (packet capture) file is ideal because Wireshark is specifically designed for network protocol analysis. It allows analysts to visualize and filter packet data in a user-friendly interface, making it easier to identify anomalies, investigate security incidents, or troubleshoot network issues. Wireshark can dissect various network protocols, providing detailed insights into each packet, including headers and payload data. Other tools mentioned, such as Nmap, cURL, and Netcat, serve different purposes and are not intended for in-depth packet analysis. Nmap is generally used for network discovery and security auditing, cURL focuses on data transfers using various protocols, and Netcat is useful for reading and writing data across network connections but lacks the detailed analysis capabilities that Wireshark offers. Thus, for reviewing a pcap file, Wireshark is the most appropriate tool.

Using Wireshark to review a pcap (packet capture) file is ideal because Wireshark is specifically designed for network protocol analysis. It allows analysts to visualize and filter packet data in a user-friendly interface, making it easier to identify anomalies, investigate security incidents, or troubleshoot network issues. Wireshark can dissect various network protocols, providing detailed insights into each packet, including headers and payload data.

Other tools mentioned, such as Nmap, cURL, and Netcat, serve different purposes and are not intended for in-depth packet analysis. Nmap is generally used for network discovery and security auditing, cURL focuses on data transfers using various protocols, and Netcat is useful for reading and writing data across network connections but lacks the detailed analysis capabilities that Wireshark offers. Thus, for reviewing a pcap file, Wireshark is the most appropriate tool.