Penetration Testing Fundamentals

Penetration testing, often referred to as "pen testing," is an authorized simulated cyber attack on a computer system, performed to evaluate the security of the system. The process involves identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

• Vulnerability: A weakness in a system that can be exploited to compromise its security.
• Exploit: A piece of software or a sequence of commands that takes advantage of a vulnerability.
• Threat: Any potential danger to the integrity, availability, or confidentiality of information.

Penetration testing typically involves the following phases:

1. Planning: Define the scope and objectives of the test.
2. Reconnaissance: Gather information about the target system.
3. Scanning: Identify live hosts, open ports, and services.
4. Exploitation: Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities.
5. Post-Exploitation: Assess the value of the compromised system.
6. Reporting: Document findings and recommend remediation measures.

Several tools are commonly used in penetration testing, including:

• Metasploit
• Nmap
• Wireshark
• Burp Suite

# Example of using Nmap for scanning
nmap -sS -p- target_ip_address
                

When conducting penetration tests, consider the following best practices:

• Always have a signed contract outlining the scope.
• Use a combination of manual and automated testing methods.
• Ensure confidentiality of findings.
• Regularly update your skills and knowledge.