Penetration testing is a legal or an authorized cybersecurity testing technique where ethical hackers simulated cyberattack on networks,systems or applications to discover security vulnerabilities.

Causes to perform penetration testing are:

  1. Test the effectiveness of their security controls.
  2. Identify vulnerabilities in networks, systems, or applications.
  3. Protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
  4. Improve overall cybersecurity posture.

Methodology

Methodology refers to the structured approach or process followed during penetration testing. A common penetration testing methodology includes the following stages:

  1. Planning and Scope Definition: Define targets, objectives, and rules of engagement.
  2. Information Gathering (Reconnaissance): Collect data about the target system.
  3. Scanning and Enumeration : Identify open ports, services, and vulnerabilities.
  4. Exploitation: Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain access.
  5. Post-Exploitation : Determine how far an attacker could move within the system.
  6. Reporting : Document vulnerabilities, risks, and recommended solutions.

Scope

Scope defines what systems, networks, or applications are allowed to be tested during penetration testing. It clearly establishes the boundaries of the test to avoid unauthorized activities.

Information Gathering

Information gathering is the first technical phase of penetration testing, where the tester collects as much information as possible about the target system. Maybe like Domain names, IP addresses, Network infrastructure, Email addresses, Technologies used by the organization, Subdomains and servers etc. This phase helps the tester identify potential entry points and plan further attacks. Information gathering can be performed in two different ways:

  1. Passive

Passive information gathering involves collecting information without directly interacting with the target system. Instead, the tester gathers data from publicly available sources. Common sources include: 1. Search engines 2. Social media platforms 3. Public databases 4. Domain registration records 5. Public websites

Common tools for passive recon are:

  1. Maltego
  2. Shodan
  3. Waybackmachine
  4. Dns look-up

2. Active

Active information gathering involves direct interaction with the target system to obtain information. In this method, the tester sends requests or scans the system to discover details about the network and services. Active reconnaissance techniques include: Network scanning, Port scanning, Service detection, OS fingerprinting. Through these techniques, the tester can discover: Open ports, Running services, Operating systems, Potential vulnerabilities.

Common tools for active recon are:

  1. Nmap
  2. Burp Suite
  3. Metasploit