What is the Methodology of Hacking? A Step-by-Step Breakdown

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 What is the methodology of hacking?  


the Methodology of Hacking - DP1H3R0X





Reconnaissance / Foot printing
   
1. Information Gathering

2. Passive Reconnaissance

3. Active Reconnaissance

Gaining Access

1. Phishing

2. Exploiting Vulnerabilities

3. Brute Force Attacks

5. Social Engineering

6. Malware

Scanning

1. Network Scanning

2. Vulnerability Scanning

3. Web Application Scanning

4. Compliance Scanning

Maintaining Access

1. Persistence

2. Control

3. Post-Exploitation

Clearing Tracks

1. Deleting Logs

2. Covering Network Traffic

3. Removing Malware

4. Changing User Permissions



These stages of hacking include: reconnaissance, gaining access, scanning, maintaining access, and clearing tracks. While not every hacker follows these steps in sequential order, they offer a systematic approach that yields better results. Let's take a closer look at what these hack stages have to offer. 


In popular media, the term “hacker” refers to someone who uses bugs and exploits to get into someone else’s security, or who uses his technical knowledge to behave productively or maliciously. But real hackers are computer experts who are knowledgeable in both hardware and software. A hacker is a computer enthusiast who is proficient in a programming language as well as security and network administration. He is a person who enjoys learning new technologies and intricacies of computer systems to improve his abilities and talents.


There are five stages of ethical hacking. Here we will discuss the five steps of ethical hacking.


Reconnaissance / Foot printing 


In cybersecurity, reconnaissance refers to the initial stage of an attack where an attacker gathers information about a target system or network. The goal of this process is to identify potential vulnerabilities and understand the target's infrastructure. Key aspects include :-

1. Information Gathering :- 


Collecting data about domain names, IP addresses, network topology, and associated services.

2. Passive Reconnaissance :- 


Obtaining information without direct interaction with the target, such as using public resources, social media, or WHOIS databases.

3. Active Reconnaissance :- 


Directly engaging with the target through techniques like network scanning or probing to discover live hosts and open ports.


Reconnaissance is critical for attackers to effectively plan their tactics, but it is also used defensively by organizations to assess and strengthen their security posture.



Gaining Access in cybersecurity.





Gaining Access


In cybersecurity, "gaining access" refers to the process by which an unauthorized individual or attacker infiltrates a system, network, or data repository. It can bypass security measures to gain control or retrieve sensitive information. The term encompasses a variety of techniques used to exploit vulnerabilities, exploit users, or otherwise breach security protocols to gain access to a secure environment.

1. Phishing :- 


Deceiving individuals into revealing sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.

2. Exploiting Vulnerabilities :- 


Exploiting vulnerabilities refers to taking advantage of weaknesses in a system, software, or individual to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or cause harm.

3. Brute Force Attacks :- 


A brute force attack is a hacking method that involves systematically trying all possible passwords or key combinations until the correct one is found.

4. Social Engineering :- 


Manipulating people into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

5. Malware :- 


Malware is malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.


Scanning 


In cybersecurity, "scanning" refers to the process of systematically searching a system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities, open ports, or vulnerabilities. This process is often part of a broader security assessment and may include :-

1. Network Scanning :- 


Identifying active devices on a network, their IP addresses, and open ports to identify potential entry points for attacks.

2. Vulnerability Scanning :- 


Using automated tools to find known vulnerabilities in systems and software, which could be exploited by attackers.

3. Web Application Scanning :- 


Assessing web applications for security vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).

4. Compliance Scanning :- 


Ensuring that systems meet security standards and regulatory requirements.


Scanning is an important component of proactive security systems, helping organizations identify and address potential risks before they can be exploited.

Maintaining Access 


In cybersecurity, "maintaining access" refers to the ability to maintain access to a system or network after initial compromise. This concept is often associated with:-

1. Persistence :- 


Attackers use various techniques to ensure they can continue to access a system even after initial vulnerabilities are patched or discovered. This might include installing backdoors or using legitimate credentials.

2. Control :- 


Maintaining access allows attackers to execute commands, exfiltrate data, or further infiltrate the network over time without detection.

3. Post-Exploitation :- 


It involves managing and securing the compromised access point to facilitate ongoing activities, whether for data theft, espionage, or other malicious objectives.


In contrast, from a defense perspective, maintaining access means ensuring that authorized users have continuous and secure access to necessary systems while preventing unauthorized access.



erase or obfuscate their digital footprints after gaining





Clearing Tracks 


In cybersecurity, "clearing tracks" refers to the actions taken by an attacker to erase or obfuscate their digital footprints after gaining unauthorized access to a system. This can involve :-

1. Deleting Logs :- 


Removing or altering log files that record user activity to hide evidence of the attack.

2. Covering Network Traffic :- 


Using techniques to mask or reroute network traffic to avoid detection.

3. Removing Malware :- 


Erasing any malicious software used during the attack to prevent its discovery.

4. Changing User Permissions :- 


Changing access controls to further conceal unauthorized operations.


The goal of clearing tracks is to avoid detection and maintain continued access to compromised systems without alerting security personnel.

FAQ


1. What is the Phases of hacking?

 Ans :- These stages of hacking include: reconnaissance, gaining access, scanning, maintaining access, and clearing tracks.


2. What is Reconnaissance / Foot printing?

 Ans :- In cybersecurity, reconnaissance refers to the initial stage of an attack where an attacker gathers information about a target system or network.


3. What is Gaining Access ?

 Ans :- In cybersecurity, "gaining access" refers to the process by which an unauthorized individual or attacker infiltrates a system, network, or data repository.


4. What is Scanning ?

 Ans :- In cybersecurity, "scanning" refers to the process of systematically searching a system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities, open ports, or vulnerabilities.


5. What is Maintaining Access ?

 Ans :- In cybersecurity, "maintaining access" refers to the ability to maintain access to a system or network after initial compromise.


6. What is Clearing Tracks ?

 Ans :- In cybersecurity, "clearing tracks" refers to the actions taken by an attacker to erase or obfuscate their digital footprints after gaining unauthorized access to a system.






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