In the field of digital forensics, network analysis tools are among the most vital resources for uncovering and documenting cybercrimes. Two of the most prominent tools are Wireshark and Snort, each playing a distinct yet complementary role in analyzing data traffic and detecting threats.<br /><br />Wireshark is a powerful packet analysis tool that enables forensic experts to closely monitor network traffic, inspect protocols, and detect suspicious activity. It allows investigators to trace communication sessions and extract digital evidence linked to attacks such as Man-in-the-Middle attempts or data exfiltration.<br /><br />On the other hand, Snort serves as an Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDS/IPS), capable of identifying suspicious patterns in data flows and issuing real-time alerts when intrusion attempts occur. Snort uses signature-based rules to recognize known attack patterns, assisting forensic specialists in documenting intrusions and identifying attackers or the tools they used.<br /><br />By combining Wireshark and Snort, forensic investigators gain enhanced analytical capabilities: Wireshark provides deep protocol-level insights, while Snort acts as a proactive defense that detects intrusions as they happen. This synergy creates a comprehensive digital forensic framework that supports legal authorities in proving cybercrimes with high accuracy.<br /><br />University of Al-Mustaqbal – The First University in Iraq