
#551: DNS Command & Control: Detecting Malware Traffic
About this episode
Big thank you to Infoblox for sponsoring this video. For more information on Infoblox have a look at their website: www.infoblox.com/
// Get Wireshark Certified //
Check out the official training course
📘 GET TRAINING:
courses.davidbombal.com/l/pdp...
Use code "WiresharkHack" to get a $50 discount
🔗 Learn more: wireshark.org/certifications
In this deep dive, David Bombal is joined by Wireshark expert Chris Greer to
strip down the most critical protocol on the internet: DNS. We move beyond the
theory to show you exactly what DNS looks like "on the wire." Chris reveals why a staggering 92% of malware uses DNS for Command and Control (C2) and how you can use packet analysis to detect these breaches before they spread. We also debunk common myths about DNS only using UDP, explore the "Librarian" analogy for Root Servers, and walk through a live capture of a request to a real website.
What You Will Learn:
•Malware Detection: Why 92% of malware relies on DNS and how to spot C2 traffic.
• Packet Anatomy: A line-by-line breakdown of DNS headers, Transaction IDs, and Flags in Wireshark.
• The TCP Myth: Why blocking TCP port 53 on your firewall can break yournetwork (and why DNS needs it).
• Troubleshooting: How to measure DNS latency (response time) to pinpoint
slow network performance.
• Recursive Lookups: Understanding the chain from your PC to the Root Servers and back.
// Chris Greer’s SOCIAL //
YouTube: / chrisgreer
Official WCA training: courses.davidbombal.com/l/pdp...
Use code "WiresharkHack" to get a $50 discount
LinkedIn: / cgreer
Website: packetpioneer.com/
// Download Wireshark pcaps from here //
github.com/packetpioneer/yout...
github.com/packetpioneer/yout...
www.wireshark.org/certificati...
packetschool.teachable.com/
// WCA Course REFERENCE//
Official WCA training: courses.davidbombal.com/l/pdp...
Use code "WiresharkHack" to get a $50 discount
// Chris’ DNS Series on YouTube ‘’
• Your First DNS Lookup—Captured and Explained
// Link to YouTube VIDEO:
• Video
// David's SOCIAL //
Discord: discord.com/invite/usKSyzb
Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbombal
Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidbombal
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal
Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co
TikTok: tiktok.com/@davidbombal
YouTube: / @davidbombal
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gE...
SoundCloud: / davidbombal
Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
// MY STUFF //
www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal
// SPONSORS //
Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: [email protected]
Please note that links listed may be affiliate links and provide me with a small percentage
/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items listed or recommended. Thank you for supporting me and this channel!
Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only.
#dns #infoblox #wireshark
Get every episode summarized
Each time David Bombal publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from David Bombal

#600: This Free Tool Decodes Game Boy ROM From a Photograph
David Bombal

#599: This Pocket Tool Diagnoses Wi-Fi in 45 Seconds
David Bombal

#598: AI Can’t Understand Intent. That’s a Security Problem
David Bombal

#597: The Hacking Gadgets You Need to Know
David Bombal