Ethical Hacking Questions Medium
The different phases of a penetration testing engagement typically include the following:
1. Planning and reconnaissance: This phase involves gathering information about the target system or network, such as IP addresses, domain names, and network architecture. It also includes identifying potential vulnerabilities and attack vectors.
2. Scanning: In this phase, the penetration tester uses various tools and techniques to scan the target system or network for open ports, services, and vulnerabilities. This helps in identifying potential entry points for exploitation.
3. Gaining access: Once vulnerabilities are identified, the penetration tester attempts to exploit them to gain unauthorized access to the target system or network. This may involve using techniques like password cracking, social engineering, or exploiting software vulnerabilities.
4. Maintaining access: After gaining initial access, the penetration tester aims to maintain persistence within the target system or network. This involves escalating privileges, creating backdoors, or installing remote access tools to ensure continued access.
5. Analysis and reporting: In this phase, the penetration tester analyzes the findings from the previous phases and prepares a detailed report. The report includes information about vulnerabilities discovered, the impact of these vulnerabilities, and recommendations for remediation.
6. Cleanup and closure: Once the penetration testing engagement is complete, the penetration tester ensures that any changes made during the testing are reverted, and all traces of the testing activity are removed. This ensures that the target system or network is left in its original state.
It is important to note that the exact phases may vary depending on the specific methodology or framework followed by the penetration tester or the organization conducting the engagement.