My #1 tip for becoming a better cyber defender in ICS/OT (and IT) is to learn penetration testing. When I first got into cybersecurity, I realized that understanding how attackers break into networks and what they do once they are in is crucial. Without this knowledge, it’s impossible to protect against attacks, accurately detect them, or design effective security controls.
There is a lot of great information available on penetration testing, including content from experts like Heath Adams and the TCM Security team. The MITRE ATT&CK framework is an exceptional resource for understanding attacker behavior, especially with its ICS-specific version.
Don’t just watch videos or read books; put your skills to practice with platforms like Hack the Box and TryHackMe. These platforms offer hands-on experience that is invaluable for both IT and ICS/OT environments.
Practice Verified Codes and Commands:
1. Nmap Scan:
nmap -sV -sC -O <target_ip>
This command performs a version detection, script scanning, and OS detection on the target IP.
2. Metasploit Framework:
msfconsole use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue set RHOSTS <target_ip> exploit
This command sequence sets up and executes the EternalBlue exploit on a target Windows machine.
3. Hydra Brute Force:
hydra -l admin -P /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt <target_ip> http-post-form "/login.php:username=^USER^&password=^PASS^:F=incorrect"
This command uses Hydra to brute force a login form on a web application.
4. Wireshark Packet Capture:
sudo wireshark
This command launches Wireshark for packet capture and analysis.
5. Nikto Web Server Scan:
nikto -h <target_ip>
This command scans a web server for vulnerabilities using Nikto.
What Undercode Say:
Penetration testing is an essential skill for any cybersecurity professional, especially those working in ICS/OT environments. By understanding how attackers operate, you can better defend your networks and systems. Tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Hydra, Wireshark, and Nikto are indispensable for both offensive and defensive cybersecurity practices. Platforms like Hack the Box and TryHackMe provide practical experience that is crucial for mastering these tools. Always stay updated with the latest techniques and frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK to keep your skills sharp and your defenses strong.
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References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
