The answer is http. Wireshark display filters operate by matching protocol names in lowercase, so typing http into the filter bar instructs the tool to show only packets where the dissected protocol is Hypertext Transfer Protocol, leaving out all other traffic like TCP handshakes or DNS queries. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to efficiently isolate application-layer evidence in a packet capture, a core skill for forensic analysts tracing malicious communications. A common trap is confusing capture filters with display filters—capture filters use a different syntax like tcp port 80, while display filters simply use the protocol name. Remember the memory tip: display filters are case-sensitive and always lowercase, so just type the protocol name as it appears in the Packet Details pane.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A SOC analyst is analyzing a packet capture from a network where an internal host communicated with a known malicious IP. The analyst uses Wireshark and applies a display filter to isolate all HTTP traffic. Which filter expression should he use?
Why wrong: This filter only shows HTTP request packets, not all HTTP traffic (including responses).
B
ip.proto == 6
Why wrong: This filter shows all TCP traffic (protocol 6), not just HTTP.
C
tcp.port == 80
Why wrong: This filter shows all TCP traffic on port 80, but it could include non-HTTP traffic (e.g., custom protocols). The 'http' filter is more specific.
D
http
Wireshark's display filter 'http' captures all packets that contain HTTP protocol data.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
http
The correct filter for HTTP traffic in Wireshark is 'http'. Wireshark uses protocol names in lowercase for display filters.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
http.request
Why it's wrong here
This filter only shows HTTP request packets, not all HTTP traffic (including responses).
✗
ip.proto == 6
Why it's wrong here
This filter shows all TCP traffic (protocol 6), not just HTTP.
✗
tcp.port == 80
Why it's wrong here
This filter shows all TCP traffic on port 80, but it could include non-HTTP traffic (e.g., custom protocols). The 'http' filter is more specific.
✓
http
Why this is correct
Wireshark's display filter 'http' captures all packets that contain HTTP protocol data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This filter only shows HTTP request packets, not all HTTP traffic (including responses).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: http — The correct filter for HTTP traffic in Wireshark is 'http'. Wireshark uses protocol names in lowercase for display filters.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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