How to Install Wireshark on Ubuntu 22.04: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wireshark is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in network administration, cybersecurity, or software development. As the world’s leading network protocol analyzer, it allows you to see what’s happening on your network at a microscopic level. Whether you’re troubleshooting a connection issue, analyzing a security threat, or learning how network protocols work, Wireshark provides the insights you need.
This guide provides a clear, straightforward process for installing and correctly configuring Wireshark on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish, ensuring you can start capturing network packets safely and efficiently.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A system running Ubuntu 22.04.
- Access to a user account with
sudoor root privileges. - A stable internet connection to download the necessary packages.
Step 1: Update Your System’s Package List
First, it’s always a best practice to update your system’s package repository. This ensures you are installing the latest available version of the software and all its dependencies.
Open your terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt update
This command synchronizes your local package index with the central repositories, preparing your system for the new installation.
Step 2: Install the Wireshark Package
With your package list updated, you can now install Wireshark using the apt package manager.
Execute this command in your terminal:
sudo apt install wireshark
During the installation process, you will be presented with a crucial configuration screen. A pop-up window will ask: “Should non-superusers be able to capture packets?”
For both security and convenience, it is highly recommended to select <Yes> at this prompt. This creates a special wireshark user group that grants packet-capturing privileges without requiring you to run the entire Wireshark application with root permissions. Use the Tab key to select <Yes> and press Enter to confirm.
Step 3: Grant Packet Capture Permissions to Your User
Even after selecting <Yes> during installation, you must manually add your user account to the newly created wireshark group. This is the step that actually grants your account the necessary permissions.
Run the following command, which adds your current user to the wireshark group:
sudo usermod -aG wireshark $USER
Here’s a breakdown of the command:
sudo usermod: Executes the user modification command with root privileges.-aG: The-aflag appends the user to a group, and-Gspecifies the group name.wireshark: The name of the group you are joining.$USER: A system variable that automatically represents your current logged-in username.
This is the most common point of failure for new users. Forgetting to add your user to this group will prevent you from seeing any network interfaces when you launch Wireshark.
Step 4: Apply the Group Changes
The changes to your user’s group membership will not take effect until your next login session. You have two options to apply them:
- Log Out and Log Back In: The simplest and most reliable method is to completely log out of your Ubuntu session and log back in.
- Reboot Your System: A full system reboot will also apply the new group permissions.
After logging back in, your user will have the necessary privileges to perform packet captures.
Step 5: Launch and Verify Wireshark
You have now successfully installed and configured Wireshark. To launch the application, you can either find it in your system’s application menu or run it directly from the terminal:
wireshark
Upon launching, the Wireshark welcome screen should appear. The key indicator of a successful installation is the list of available network interfaces (e.g., eth0, wlan0, any). If you can see these interfaces, it means your permissions are correctly configured, and you are ready to start capturing traffic.
Important Security Considerations
By configuring Wireshark to run without root privileges, you have already taken a significant step toward a more secure setup. Running network analysis tools as root can expose your system to unnecessary risks.
However, remember these critical security tips:
- Be Mindful of Captured Data: Packet captures can contain sensitive information, including unencrypted usernames, passwords, and personal data. Only perform captures on networks where you have explicit permission.
- Understand Your Network: Be aware of company policies or regulations regarding network monitoring before you begin.
- Keep Wireshark Updated: Like any software, Wireshark receives security updates. Regularly run
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeto keep your system and its applications secure.
You are now fully equipped to leverage the power of Wireshark on your Ubuntu 22.04 machine. Happy packet capturing
Source: https://kifarunix.com/install-wireshark-on-ubuntu-22-04/
