Packet-first cybersecurity and network forensics
Inspired by the community that taught me, I share free packet tools (nearly all open source), practical training, and straight talk about what's on the wire.
Packets don't lie
If one thing has stayed true throughout my career, it's this: packet-level data provides the most granular insight into network communication — whether you're chasing an elusive network problem or reconstructing a security breach.
I'm Walter Hofstetter, a security analyst and packet whisperer based in Zürich. My journey with packets began at Network General Corporation, the makers of the legendary Sniffer Network Analyzer. From there I moved through technical roles at Network Associates, Symantec, and Palo Alto Networks, and today I work as a consultant for Anyweb, a fantastic Swiss company. Whatever role I've held along the way — instructor, consultant, workshop lead, speaker — I've always kept an eye on the packets.
Teaching, tools, and talking shop
Teaching
The Packet Factor
A hands-on two-day training on analyzing network traffic from a security perspective. Beyond Wireshark, we work with open-source tools, look at attacks from the attacker's point of view, and learn to read the traces they leave on the wire. Offered through anyweb-training.ch.
Speaking & consulting
Talks, workshops, community
I regularly give talks and run workshops on packet analysis and security analytics. I'm currently still employed, so my focus is training, tools, and community — consulting is planned once I retire, as volunteer work rather than a business.
Packet Coding
Mostly a hobby
Building tools is more hobby than business for me — always free and mostly open source (PacketCircle Native is the one exception for now), usually born out of a "wouldn't it be nice if Wireshark could…" moment. See what's on GitHub →