A dissector is a software component or module used in cybersecurity tools, such as network protocol analyzers, to break down and interpret network packets. Its primary function is to analyze the structure and contents of packets according to specific communication protocols (like HTTP, TCP, or DNS). By dissecting packets, it allows security professionals to inspect data flows, identify anomalies, troubleshoot network issues, and detect malicious activities. Dissectors are essential for deep packet inspection, as they translate raw binary data into human-readable information, making it easier to understand how data is transmitted across networks. They are commonly used in tools like Wireshark.