Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Course

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the course on Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking and Network Defense?

  • To develop new hacking tools for malicious purposes
  • To teach students how to conduct ethical hacking and protect systems from attacks (correct)
  • To train students to become proficient programmers
  • To prepare students for a career in human resource management

Which of the following is a skill students are expected to acquire by the end of the course?

  • Performing reconnaissance on a target network using various techniques (correct)
  • Developing business strategies for startups
  • Installing operating systems
  • Managing human resources in a corporate setting

According to the course objectives, what aspect of ethical hacking is emphasized?

  • Identifying potential job opportunities in the industry
  • Understanding the legal boundaries and limitations of ethical hackers (correct)
  • Creating new malware for testing purposes
  • Designing web applications for better user engagement

What type of roles and credentials should students evaluate as part of their learning?

<p>The credentials of penetration testers and ethical hackers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage can malicious software cause, as highlighted in the course objectives?

<p>Disrupting system operations and stealing data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus area in the Penetration Testing course?

<p>Assessing customer satisfaction in service industries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What scripting languages are students expected to learn for ethical hacking?

<p>Open-source scripting languages and hacking toolkits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a method for understanding vulnerabilities in operating systems?

<p>Classifying and enumerating vulnerabilities in Microsoft and Linux Operating Systems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the overall evaluation is attributed to the mid-module examination?

<p>25% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a threat in the context of ethical hacking?

<p>An actor or agent attempting to cause harm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does an exploit refer to in the context of ethical hacking?

<p>The tool or method used to take advantage of a vulnerability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key responsibilities of an ethical hacker?

<p>To perform assessments within legal boundaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of ethical hacking?

<p>To improve a target's security by identifying vulnerabilities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best defines a vulnerability?

<p>It is a flaw that can be exploited by an attacker (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the 'Rules of Engagement' typically describe in a penetration testing scenario?

<p>How the testing will be performed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ethical hacking and penetration testing differ?

<p>Penetration testing is a type of ethical hacking that simulates attacks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in ethical hacking?

<p>To prevent unauthorized information sharing about the test (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mindset should penetration testers and ethical hackers maintain?

<p>Balance creativity with methodical practices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phase follows the testing in the overall penetration testing process?

<p>Conclusion phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the ethical hacking evaluation methods?

<p>Final Paper (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'risk' refer to in the context of ethical hacking?

<p>The overlap of threats and vulnerabilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does ethical hacking differ from traditional hacking?

<p>Traditional hacking seeks to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain; ethical hacking seeks to improve security. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ethical hacking, what does the vulnerability represent?

<p>An opportunity for attackers to infiltrate a system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is encompassed in the preparation phase of penetration testing?

<p>Planning and defining the scope and objectives of the test (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of obtaining a Permission Memo before testing?

<p>To ensure legal authority for the test (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which field in the IPv4 header determines how many hops a packet can make?

<p>TTL (Time To Live) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the required configuration settings for TCP/IP?

<p>DNS server (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a subnet mask do in a TCP/IP network?

<p>Determines local versus remote network (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In binary notation, what does the subnet mask 255.255.255.0 represent?

<p>11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What format is commonly used to express an IP address?

<p>Dotted-decimal format (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many bits are in an IP address under IPv4?

<p>32 bits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes an octet in the context of an IP address?

<p>A group of 8 bits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethical Hacking

Using hacking techniques to find and fix security vulnerabilities in a system, rather than for malicious purposes.

Penetration Testing

Simulating cyberattacks to identify weaknesses in a computer network or system.

Vulnerability

A weakness in a system that can be exploited by an attacker.

Reconnaissance

Gathering information about a target system or network to identify potential vulnerabilities.

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Malicious Software

Software designed to harm or damage a computer system.

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Operating System (OS) Vulnerabilities

Weaknesses in the software that controls a computer, such as Windows or Linux.

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Security Devices

Tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and honeypots that protect a network.

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Cryptography & Hashing

Techniques for protecting data by encrypting it and ensuring data integrity by hashing.

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Threat

Someone or something that could potentially harm a system or network.

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Risk

The likelihood of a threat exploiting a vulnerability.

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Ethical Hacker Mindset

The combination of critical thinking (out-of-the-box) with thoroughness, careful planning, and detailed documentation.

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TCP/IP Protocol Stack

A set of networking protocols that define how data is transmitted over a network.

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IP Addressing

A system for assigning unique addresses to devices on a network.

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What is a security exploit?

A method used by attackers to take advantage of a vulnerability in a system, causing harm or damage.

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What is the main goal of ethical hacking?

To identify system weaknesses and vulnerabilities, in a controlled way, to improve overall security.

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What is a penetration test?

Simulating real-world attacks on a system to assess its security and identify weaknesses.

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What is a vulnerability?

A weak spot in a system that can be exploited by an attacker.

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Why is ethical hacking important?

It helps organizations identify and fix security vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.

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What are the phases of the penetration testing process?

The process typically involves preparation, testing, and conclusion phases.

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What is an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)?

A legal agreement that protects confidential information shared during a penetration test.

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What are Rules of Engagement?

Guidelines that define how a penetration test will be conducted, including scope and limitations.

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TTL Field

A field in the IP header that indicates the maximum number of hops a packet can travel before it must be discarded.

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Source IP Address

The IP address of the computer or device sending a packet.

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Destination IP Address

The IP address of the computer or device receiving a packet.

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Dotted-Decimal Format

The way IP addresses are usually written, with four numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

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Subnet Mask

A 32-bit number that helps determine whether a device is on the same local network as another device.

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Default Gateway

The router that connects a local network to the internet.

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Octet

An 8-bit section of an IP address, represented by a single number between 0 and 255.

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Study Notes

Profiles

  • Leonardo Brown:

    • MBA in Information Systems
    • MSc. in Cyber Security
    • BSc. in Telecommunications Engineering
    • GIAC® Penetration Tester (GPEN)
    • Over 30 years of experience in ICT/Digital Transformation
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Telephone: 876-428-3091

  • Michelle Reid:

    • MSc. in Teaching
    • BSc. in Human Resource Management
    • Certified Management Analyst
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Telephone: 876-236-0211

Course Information

  • Course: BSc. in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (CSD4115)
  • Course Title: Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking, and Network Defence
  • Duration: 45 hours
  • Credits: 3
  • Semester: 7

Course Purpose/Why

  • The course aims to train students to become skilled security testers.
  • It teaches hacking strategies and tactics used by ethical hackers ("White Hats").
  • It covers methods of vulnerability exploitation.
  • It highlights the use of open-source scripting languages and hacking toolkits.
  • Understanding hacker tools and methods helps security testers protect systems.

Course Objectives

  • Students should be able to define the scope of ethical hacking.
  • Students will learn about penetration testing credentials and roles.
  • Students will learn reconnaissance techniques on target networks.
  • Students will learn about different types of malicious software and their damage potential.
  • Students will enumerate and classify vulnerabilities in Microsoft and Linux operating systems.
  • Students will learn to control and protect web servers and wireless networks.
  • Students will evaluate and choose cryptography and hashing methods.
  • Students will learn to implement security devices (routers, firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems, honeypots).

Methods of Evaluation

  • Coursework (50%):
    • Individual Presentation (10%)
    • Group Presentation (10%)
    • Lab/Pop Quiz (5%)
    • Mid-module Examination (25%)
  • Final Examination (50%)

Unit One: Ethical Hacking Overview

  • Describe the role of an ethical hacker.
  • Describe legal actions an ethical hacker can take.
  • Describe actions an ethical hacker cannot take.

Unit Two: TCP/IP Concepts Review

  • Describe the TCP/IP protocol stack.
  • Explain the basics of IP addressing.
  • Explain binary, octal, and hexadecimal numbering systems.

Ethical Hacking Overview (Mindset)

  • Successful penetration testers/ethical hackers need contradictory concepts.
  • Think outside the box, use pragmatism, differentiate; be thorough, methodical.
  • Balance between these two is crucial for success.

Ethical Hacking Overview (Terms)

  • Ethical hacking is the process of using hacking techniques legally to find security flaws.
  • To start the session, define terms like ethical hacking, penetration testing and how they differ.
  • Ethical hacking is about finding flaws in a system.
  • Penetration Testing is the practice of using attack techniques.

Ethical Hacking Overview (Threats, Vulnerabilities, Risk, Exploit)

  • Threat: An actor or agent that may/can cause harm. Examples include organized crime, spyware companies, or disgruntled employees.
  • Vulnerability: A flaw in the system that attackers exploit.
  • Risk: When a threat and vulnerability overlap. This means if there’s a vulnerability, an attacker could exploit it.
  • Exploit: The vehicle (tool or method) attackers use to cause harm.

Ethical Hacking Overview (Process)

  • The penetration testing process involves preparation, testing, and conclusion phases.
  • This often includes a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), especially when testing is conducted by a third-party.
  • Rules of Engagement are needed to explain exactly how testing will occur.
  • Crucial: obtaining official, written permission before conducting tests, even within an organisation.

Ethical Hacking Overview (Laws)

  • Many countries have laws to deal with cybercrimes.
  • Penetration testers/ethical hackers should strictly adhere to these laws.
  • A "Permission Memo" is a useful document demonstrating that a company grants permission to conduct tests.

TCP/IP Concepts Review (More detail)

  • IP Version 4 (IPv4) Header: (contains details about how the packet should be handled) Includes TTL (Time to Live), Protocol;Source IP Address, Destination IP Address, etc.
  • Configure TCP/IP requires IP address, subnet mask, default gateway.
  • An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies a device on a network.
  • IP addresses are normally written in dotted-decimal format (e.g., 192.168.123.132).
  • Subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0) determines local/remote networks.
  • A default gateway is a router that links different networks.
  • TCP connections use a three-way handshake to confirm communication.

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