A pentest, or penetration test, is a simulated cyber attack against your computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. Penetration tests are used to find security weaknesses in your system before attackers do.
There are many ways to perform a pentest. Here is a overview guide:
1. Reconnaissance
The first step in any pentest is reconnaissance. This is where you gather information about the target system. This can be done through active or passive means. Active reconnaissance involves directly interacting with the system, while passive reconnaissance involves observing the system from a distance.
2. Scanning
Once you have gathered information about the target system, the next step is to scan it for vulnerabilities. This can be done using automated tools or manual methods. Automated tools will quickly scan the system for common vulnerabilities, while manual methods will require more time but can find more obscure vulnerabilities.
3. Exploitation
Once vulnerabilities have been found, the next step is to exploit them. This can be done in a number of ways, depending on the nature of the vulnerability. Some common methods include SQL injection, buffer overflows, and cross-site scripting.
4. Post-Exploitation
After a vulnerability has been exploited, the next step is to take advantage of it. This can be done by installing backdoors, stealing data, or taking over the system.
5. Reporting
Once the pentest is complete, the final step is to report the findings. This report should include a list of all vulnerabilities found, as well as recommendations on how to fix them.
Penetration tests can be a valuable tool for improving the security of your system. However, it is important to remember that they can also be used by attackers to find vulnerabilities in your system. Therefore, it is important to keep your system up to date and to regularly perform penetration tests.