How to Become a Pro Hacker in 8 Minutes

Introduction

Basic knowledge about the hacking process.
Disclaimer: Focuses on ethical hacking for security professionals.
Hacking process includes reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, covering tracks, and actions on objectives.

Goal: Gather information about the target system without direct interaction.
Tools:
- nmap:
  - Network discovery and security auditing.
  - Identifies devices, open ports, services, operating systems, and firewalls.
- Showdan:
  - Scans devices connected to the internet.
  - Useful for finding webcams, facilities, and potentially vulnerable systems.
- Google Dorks:
  - Technique using advanced Google search operators to find exposed sensitive data, misconfigured databases, and access to public cameras.

Goal: Actively engage and analyze system responses.
Tools:
- nmap:
  - Advanced scan techniques like zombie scan, version detection, and script scanning.
- Wireshark:
  - Captures packets, deep analysis with filter expressions, TCP stream follow, and decrypting TLS.
- Nessus:
  - Vulnerability scanning, configuration audits, customized scans, and scheduled scanning.

Goal: Exploit system vulnerabilities found during scanning.
Tools:
- Metasploit:
  - Custom exploit development, Meterpreter payloads, auxiliary scanners, and exploit customization.
- SQLmap:
  - Automates detecting, exploiting SQL injections, database fingerprinting, and retrieving hidden data.
- John the Ripper:
  - Password cracking with custom rules, incremental mode, and parallel processing.

Goal: Maintain access and remain undetected.
Tools:
- Cobalt Strike:
  - Beacons, listener profiles, and social engineering packages.
- Mimikatz:
  - Credential gathering, pass-the-hash attacks, lsass dump, and Golden Ticket creation.

Goal: Remove evidence of hacking activities.
Tools:
- Sysinternals Suite:
  - sDelete, Process Explorer, Process Monitor, and AutoRuns.

Goal: Final objectives such as data exfiltration, espionage, or launching malware.