Welcome to CyberCode Academy — your audio classroom for Programming and Cybersecurity. 🎧 Each course is divided into a series of short, focused episodes that take you from beginner to advanced level — one lesson at a time. From Python and web development to ethical hacking and digital defense, our content transforms complex concepts into simple, engaging audio learning. Study anywhere, anytime — and level up your skills with CyberCode Academy. 🚀 Learn. Code. Secure.
All content for CyberCode Academy is the property of CyberCode Academy and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to CyberCode Academy — your audio classroom for Programming and Cybersecurity. 🎧 Each course is divided into a series of short, focused episodes that take you from beginner to advanced level — one lesson at a time. From Python and web development to ethical hacking and digital defense, our content transforms complex concepts into simple, engaging audio learning. Study anywhere, anytime — and level up your skills with CyberCode Academy. 🚀 Learn. Code. Secure.
Course 6 - Network Traffic Analysis for Incident Response | Episode 1: Fundamentals of Networking: The OSI Model and Essential Protocols
CyberCode Academy
11 minutes
6 days ago
Course 6 - Network Traffic Analysis for Incident Response | Episode 1: Fundamentals of Networking: The OSI Model and Essential Protocols
In this lesson, you’ll learn about:
The core networking concepts required before beginning any network traffic analysis.
The relationship between the OSI model, low-level protocols, and application-level protocols, and how they shape the behaviour of traffic you’ll examine in a tool like Wireshark.
How to recognize common protocol behaviours at a high level so you can later understand patterns, anomalies, and security-related findings during analysis.
1. The OSI Model and the Network Stack (high-level foundation)
The OSI model divides networking functionality into structured layers.
Hardware-oriented layers:
Physical → bits on the wire
Data Link → frames within a local network
Software-oriented layers relevant for analysis:
Network (Layer 3) → packets, routing
Transport (Layer 4) → reliability, ports
Session / Presentation / Application (Layers 5–7) → how applications encode, manage, and interpret network data
Students should understand the distinctions between bits → frames → packets, because these appear in captures.
Manages connections using ports and a handshake mechanism.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol):
Connectionless and faster but offers no delivery guarantees.
Used when speed and low latency matter more than reliability.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol):
Sends diagnostic and control messages.
Used by tools like ping and traceroute.
3. Common Higher-Level Protocols & Security Wrappers (conceptual behaviour)ProtocolPurpose (High-Level)Security-Relevant Behaviours (Conceptual Only)ARPResolves IP → MAC within a LAN.Can be abused conceptually for redirecting traffic.DNSTranslates domain names to IP addresses.Commonly targeted for redirection or misdirection attacks.FTPTransfers files using ports 20/21.Weak configurations may allow unauthorized file movement.HTTP / HTTPSWeb communication.Frequently analysed due to large volume of traffic and vulnerabilities.IRCText-based group chat channels.Historically used in automation and remote coordination systems.SMTPSends email.High-volume traffic channel; relevant for filtering and monitoring.SNMPNetwork device management.Misconfigurations can lead to information disclosure.SSHSecure, encrypted remote terminal access.Important for secure administration.TFTPLightweight file transfer on port 69.Seen in simple or automated device configurations.TLSProvides authentication and encryption for other protocols.Masks traffic contents in both legitimate and illegitimate uses.
Key Takeaways
Understanding how protocols behave at each OSI layer is essential for interpreting traffic captures.
Familiarity with the normal patterns of protocols (IP, TCP/UDP, DNS, TLS, etc.) helps analysts later identify unusual or suspicious activity.
This theoretical module prepares students for the practical phase using tools like Wireshark, where they will analyse real traffic captures in a controlled, educational setting.
Welcome to CyberCode Academy — your audio classroom for Programming and Cybersecurity. 🎧 Each course is divided into a series of short, focused episodes that take you from beginner to advanced level — one lesson at a time. From Python and web development to ethical hacking and digital defense, our content transforms complex concepts into simple, engaging audio learning. Study anywhere, anytime — and level up your skills with CyberCode Academy. 🚀 Learn. Code. Secure.
