Essential Cybersecurity Commands and Techniques for IT Professionals

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Introduction

Cybersecurity is a critical field requiring hands-on expertise in tools, commands, and mitigation strategies. This article provides verified commands for Linux, Windows, and cybersecurity tools, along with step-by-step guides to strengthen your technical skills.

Learning Objectives

  • Master key Linux/Windows commands for security tasks.
  • Understand vulnerability exploitation and mitigation techniques.
  • Learn cloud security hardening practices.

1. Linux: Checking Open Ports with `netstat`

Command:

netstat -tuln 

Explanation:

This command lists all listening ports (-l), showing TCP (-t) and UDP (-u) connections without resolving hostnames (-n). Use it to detect unauthorized services.

Steps:

1. Open a terminal.

2. Run `netstat -tuln`.

3. Investigate unfamiliar ports using `lsof -i :

`.</h2>

<h2 style="color: yellow;">2. Windows: Detecting Suspicious Processes with `tasklist`</h2>

<h2 style="color: yellow;">Command:</h2>

[bash]
tasklist /svc 

Explanation:

Lists running processes and associated services. Compare output against baseline to identify malware.

Steps:

1. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Run `tasklist /svc`.

  1. Cross-check with `Get-Process` in PowerShell for deeper analysis.

3. Cloud Security: Hardening AWS S3 Buckets

Command (AWS CLI):

aws s3api put-bucket-acl --bucket [bash] --acl private 

Explanation:

Ensures S3 buckets are not publicly accessible. Always enable logging and versioning.

Steps:

1. Install AWS CLI and configure credentials.

2. Run the command, replacing `

`.</h2>

<h2 style="color: yellow;">3. Verify with `aws s3api get-bucket-acl`.</h2>

<h2 style="color: yellow;">4. Vulnerability Scanning with `nmap`</h2>

<h2 style="color: yellow;">Command:</h2>

[bash]
nmap -sV -O [bash] 

Explanation:

Detects service versions (-sV) and OS (-O) for vulnerability assessment.

Steps:

1. Install `nmap` (`sudo apt install nmap`).

2. Run the scan.

3. Analyze results for outdated services.

5. API Security: Testing for SQL Injection

Command (using `sqlmap`):

sqlmap -u "http://example.com/api?user=1" --dbs 

Explanation:

Automates SQL injection testing. Use ethically and with permission.

Steps:

1. Install `sqlmap` (`pip install sqlmap`).

2. Test endpoints for vulnerabilities.

3. Patch inputs with parameterized queries.

6. Incident Response: Memory Dump with `Volatility`

Command:

volatility -f [bash] pslist 

Explanation:

Analyzes malware in memory dumps. Requires a memory dump file (e.g., .raw).

Steps:

1. Install Volatility (`pip install volatility3`).

2. Run the command to list processes.

3. Identify malicious processes by anomalies.

7. Firewall Hardening in Linux with `ufw`

Command:

sudo ufw enable && sudo ufw default deny incoming 

Explanation:

Enables Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) and blocks all incoming traffic by default.

Steps:

1. Install UFW (`sudo apt install ufw`).

2. Run the command.

  1. Allow specific ports with sudo ufw allow [bash].

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: Automation (e.g., nmap, sqlmap) is critical for scalable security testing.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Cloud misconfigurations (e.g., public S3 buckets) remain a top attack vector.

Analysis:

The rise of AI-driven attacks demands proactive hardening. Commands like `netstat` and `tasklist` provide foundational visibility, while tools like Volatility and `ufw` enable advanced defense. Continuous training in these techniques is non-negotiable for modern IT teams.

Prediction

By 2025, AI-powered penetration testing tools will dominate cybersecurity workflows, but manual command-line expertise will remain indispensable for debugging and custom exploits. Organizations must balance automation with deep technical training.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Priyank Gada – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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