Ethical Hacking Using Kali Linux

Ethical Hacking Using Kali Linux

• Ethical hacking involves using hacking techniques to identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems.
• Cyber attacks are common and dangerous, targeting devices to access and perform illegal actions.
• A cyber attack is any attempt to penetrate, sabotage, or obtain information from computer systems or networks.
• Ways to stay safe include avoiding suspicious messages and links.

Cyber Attack

• A news report about a famous bank's bankruptcy due to a cyber attack sparked Adam's interest in cyber attacks and their prevention.
• Cyber attacks are a significant threat, leveraging electronic devices for illegal actions.
• Cyber attacks often target computers.
• These attacks can attempt to destroy the infrastructure of an institution.

Common Types of Cyber Attacks

• Malicious Software (Viruses): Harmful programs from unknown sources; these can include spyware, viruses that damage systems, or disable devices.
• Cyber Attack through Information Escalation: Dangerous threats that involve sending fraudulent emails that mimic trustworthy sources, tricking victims to perform unethical actions (e.g., stealing credit card information).
• Cyber Attack through Ransomware: Malicious programs encrypt victim files and demand ransom; they threaten to release or share the data if the demands are not met. The hacker doesn't typically possess the victim's data.
• Cyber Attack via Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack: Hackers intercept communications between victims and the internet, either connecting victims to insecure networks or using malicious programs to access data..

Activity 1: Email Messages and Hacking

• Email messages can be used as a tool to hack a device.
• One example of a potential hacking email included a message that claims the user has won a large amount of money and prompts them to click on a link to claim the prize.
• Be cautious of emails that ask for personal information, as they may be phishing attempts.

Activity 2: Updating Windows

• Regularly updating Windows is crucial for security.
• Companies develop security updates to address vulnerabilities hackers might exploit.
• Microsoft releases these updates monthly.
• Updating Windows typically involves opening settings, following steps such as clicking the "Check for updates" button, waiting for download, and clicking "Restart now".

Activity 3: Installing Avast Free Antivirus

• Avast Free Antivirus is a tool to scan computers for viruses.
• To start, search for Microsoft Store on the computer.
• Downloading Avast Free Antivirus scans and removes viruses, ensuring the computer's security.

Activity 4: Creating Strong Passwords

• A password generator tool like Delinea's password generator is a tool used to create strong, nearly impossible-to-hack passwords.
• Choose the appropriate settings for your password length and character types to ensure maximum security.

Hackers

• Hackers are individuals with expertise in software and networks who exploit vulnerabilities.
• Hackers can be categorized as:
  • White hat hackers: Ethical hackers who identify vulnerabilities and help fix them.
  • Black hat hackers: Unethical hackers who engage in malicious activities (e.g., theft, sabotage).
  • Gray hat hackers: Hackers taking illegal actions or immoral actions for potentially good reasons.
• Creating strong passwords is an important form of protection against hacking and helps secure personal accounts.

This quiz explores the principles of ethical hacking and the various types of cyber attacks. It covers methods to identify vulnerabilities and the significance of safeguarding systems against cyber threats. Test your knowledge on how to effectively prevent and respond to these attacks.