Topic: Computer Science \ Cyber Security \ Ethical Hacking

Description:

Ethical Hacking, a subset within the domain of Cyber Security and the broader field of Computer Science, focuses on the authorized penetration testing of computer systems, networks, and applications. The primary objective is to identify vulnerabilities and secure the systems against malicious attacks.

Overview

Ethical Hacking involves a suite of procedures where professionals, known as ethical hackers or white-hat hackers, simulate the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of malicious hackers. These professionals leverage their expertise to protect digital assets, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information.

Key Concepts

1. Vulnerability Assessment:
   • The process of identifying and quantifying the weaknesses in a system.
   • Tools such as Nessus, OpenVAS, and Qualys are commonly used for automated scanning.
2. Penetration Testing (Pen Testing):
   • A simulated cyber attack on a system to exploit its vulnerabilities.
   • Usually follows a methodical process comprising pre-engagement interactions, intelligence gathering, threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting.
3. Ethical Considerations:
   • Ethical hackers must have explicit permission to test systems.
   • Their actions should remain within the agreed scope of testing.
   • Reporting findings accurately and comprehensively to stakeholders is crucial.

Methodologies

Several methodologies guide ethical hacking practices:

1. OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual):
   • A peer-reviewed methodology for performing security tests and metrics.
2. OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project):
   • Focuses on the security of web applications.
   • Provides tools and best practices, including the well-known OWASP Top 10 list of common security risks.
3. PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard):
   • A framework that outlines technical guidelines and best practices for pen testing.
4. NIST SP 800-115:
   • Published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, it provides a procedural framework for information security testing.

Stages of Ethical Hacking

1. Reconnaissance (Information Gathering):
   • Collecting as much data as possible about the target.
   • Techniques include passive information gathering (e.g., public records) and active information gathering (e.g., network scanning).
2. Scanning:
   • Identifying open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities.
   • Common tools: Nmap, Nikto, and Netcat.
3. Gaining Access:
   • Exploiting identified vulnerabilities to enter the system.
   • Various tools such as Metasploit, SQLmap, and John the Ripper are instrumental in this stage.
4. Maintaining Access:
   • Ensuring continued control over the exploited system.
   • Use of backdoors, rootkits, and Trojans can be observed in this stage.
5. Covering Tracks:
   • Erasing or hiding evidence to avoid detection.
   • Techniques include log tampering and using anti-forensic tools.

Regenerative Cycle

After the assessment and testing, ethical hackers generate detailed reports that provide:
- Summaries of findings.
- Detailed descriptions of discovered vulnerabilities.
- Potential impacts of these vulnerabilities.
- Recommended security measures and safeguards.

By adhering to the ethical guidelines and deploying sophisticated tools and techniques, ethical hackers play a vital role in fortifying the digital infrastructure against an ever-evolving threat landscape.