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Penetration testers are trained in many technical and non-technical skills that allow them to professionally and ethically test client networks. Unlike bug bounty hunters, most penetration testers work full-time rather than as freelancers. You’ll often see specialized penetration testing teams made up of members with different skill sets.
Many testers have a deep understanding of programming and know multiple languages that can be used to craft exploits and payloads. In addition to coding, ethical hackers must have a strong knowledge of networking and network protocols. They must understand how real attackers use protocols like DNS, TCP/IP, and DHCP to gain unauthorized access.
Outside of standard technical certifications, there are specialized exams specifically crafted for ethical hackers. One certification called the Certified Ethical Hacker, or CEH, contains 125 multiple choice questions and takes four hours to complete. Many ethical hackers hold this certification alongside other network-related certs.
Penetration testers must also be armed with a set of soft skills to succeed on assignments. Critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must for ethical hackers, as many attacks will fail or not unfold as expected. Quickly finding creative solutions to challenging problems is part of the job for a penetration tester.
Practice Verified Codes and Commands
1. Nmap Scan
nmap -sV -p 1-65535 target_ip
This command scans all ports on the target IP and identifies the services running.
2. Metasploit Exploit
msfconsole use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue set RHOSTS target_ip exploit
This command uses the EternalBlue exploit to target a vulnerable Windows machine.
3. SQL Injection Test
sqlmap -u "http://target_site.com/page?id=1" --dbs
This command tests for SQL injection vulnerabilities and retrieves the database names.
4. Password Cracking with John the Ripper
john --wordlist=/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt hashfile.txt
This command uses a wordlist to crack passwords stored in a hash file.
5. Network Sniffing with Wireshark
wireshark
Open Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic.
What Undercode Say
Penetration testing is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, requiring a blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Ethical hackers must be proficient in various programming languages, networking protocols, and security tools to identify and exploit vulnerabilities effectively. Certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) provide a structured pathway for acquiring these skills, but real-world experience is invaluable.
Understanding how attackers operate is essential for penetration testers. They must be familiar with tools like Nmap for network scanning, Metasploit for exploiting vulnerabilities, and Wireshark for network analysis. Additionally, tools like SQLmap and John the Ripper are indispensable for identifying SQL injection vulnerabilities and cracking passwords, respectively.
Penetration testers must also possess strong soft skills, such as critical thinking and adaptability, to navigate the unpredictable nature of cyber attacks. The ability to quickly devise solutions when attacks fail is crucial for success in this field.
In conclusion, penetration testing is a dynamic and challenging profession that plays a vital role in securing digital assets. By continuously honing their technical skills and staying abreast of the latest security trends, ethical hackers can effectively safeguard organizations from cyber threats.
Useful URLs
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
