Hacking Basics

Introduction to Computer Hacking and Security Testing

Understanding the Fundamentals of Cyber Attacks and Defense

Hacking Definition

Hacking is the practice of identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications to gain unauthorized access or manipulate system behavior, either for malicious purposes or security improvement.

Original Meaning vs Modern Context:

Original (1960s): Creative problem-solving and system optimization
Modern: Unauthorized system access and security exploitation
Technical Definition: Exploiting system vulnerabilities to bypass security measures
Broader Context: Any unconventional or clever solution to technical problems

Core Elements: Knowledge of systems, creativity, persistence, technical skills, and understanding of security weaknesses

Types of Hackers

White Hat Hackers:

Motivation: Improve security
Authorization: Explicit permission
Goal: Find and fix vulnerabilities
Legal Status: Legal and ethical
Examples: Security consultants, penetration testers
Activities: Vulnerability assessments, security audits

Black Hat Hackers:

Motivation: Personal gain, malice
Authorization: No permission
Goal: Steal, damage, profit
Legal Status: Illegal and unethical
Examples: Cybercriminals, data thieves
Activities: Data breaches, financial theft

Gray Hat Hackers:

Motivation: Mixed motives
Authorization: Often without permission
Goal: Expose vulnerabilities
Legal Status: Legally questionable
Examples: Independent researchers
Activities: Unauthorized disclosure

Additional Categories: Script kiddies (use existing tools), hacktivists (political motives), state-sponsored hackers (government backing)

Hacker Classifications by Skill Level

Script Kiddies:

Skill Level: Beginner/Low
Methods: Use pre-made tools and scripts
Knowledge: Limited understanding of techniques
Motivation: Recognition, curiosity, mischief
Threat Level: Low to moderate
Examples: Using Metasploit without understanding

Intermediate Hackers:

Skill Level: Moderate
Methods: Modify existing tools, basic programming
Knowledge: Understanding of systems and vulnerabilities
Motivation: Learning, financial gain
Threat Level: Moderate to high
Examples: Custom payload development

Advanced/Elite Hackers:

Skill Level: Expert/Master
Methods: Zero-day exploits, advanced persistent threats
Knowledge: Deep system knowledge, custom exploit development
Motivation: Various (financial, political, research)
Threat Level: Very high
Examples: Nation-state actors, elite cybercriminal groups

Hacker Motivations

Financial Gain:

Credit card fraud and identity theft
Ransomware and extortion
Cryptocurrency theft and mining
Selling stolen data
Banking and financial fraud

Political/Ideological:

Hacktivism and social causes
Government espionage
Corporate espionage
Whistleblowing activities
Protest and disruption

Personal/Research:

Learning and skill development
Challenge and recognition
Security research
Bug bounty programs
Academic research

Malicious Intent:

Revenge: Targeting specific individuals or organizations
Vandalism: Defacing websites or destroying data
Chaos: Disrupting services and operations
Fame: Seeking notoriety and media attention

General Hacking Methodology

Systematic Approach: Professional hackers (both ethical and malicious) follow structured methodologies to maximize success and minimize detection.

Common Hacking Phases:

1. Reconnaissance (Information Gathering):
• Passive information gathering
• Target identification and profiling
• Social media and public records research
• Network and system discovery

2. Scanning and Enumeration:
• Port scanning and service discovery
• Vulnerability identification
• System fingerprinting
• Network mapping

3. Gaining Access:
• Exploit execution
• Password attacks
• Social engineering
• Physical security bypass

4. Maintaining Access:
• Installing backdoors and rootkits
• Privilege escalation
• System persistence
• Covering tracks

5. Covering Tracks:
• Log file manipulation
• Evidence destruction
• Anti-forensics techniques

Information Gathering Techniques

Passive Reconnaissance:

OSINT (Open Source Intelligence): Public information gathering
Search Engines: Google dorking, specialized searches
Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter analysis
DNS Records: Whois, DNS enumeration
Website Analysis: Source code, metadata
Public Databases: Shodan, Censys

Active Reconnaissance:

Port Scanning: Nmap, network discovery
Service Enumeration: Banner grabbing
Vulnerability Scanning: Nessus, OpenVAS
Web Application Testing: Directory enumeration
Social Engineering: Direct contact attempts
Physical Reconnaissance: Site surveys

Information Gathering Tools:
• Search: Google, DuckDuckGo, Shodan, Censys
• DNS: dig, nslookup, fierce, dnsrecon
• OSINT: Maltego, theHarvester, Recon-ng
• Social Media: Social-Engineer Toolkit (SET)
• Network: Nmap, masscan, Zmap
• Web: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, dirb

Common Attack Vectors

Network Attacks:

Port scanning and service enumeration
Man-in-the-middle attacks
ARP poisoning and spoofing
DNS poisoning and hijacking
DDoS and DoS attacks
Packet sniffing and injection

Application Attacks:

SQL injection and NoSQL injection
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Buffer overflow attacks
Directory traversal
Command injection

System Attacks:

Password attacks and brute forcing
Privilege escalation
Malware deployment
Rootkit installation
Registry manipulation
Service exploitation

Social Engineering in Hacking

Social Engineering: Psychological manipulation of people to divulge confidential information or perform actions that compromise security.

Common Techniques:

Phishing: Fraudulent emails and websites
Pretexting: Creating false scenarios
Baiting: Offering something enticing
Tailgating: Following authorized personnel
Quid Pro Quo: Offering help in exchange
Impersonation: Posing as trusted entities

Target Psychology:

Authority: People follow authority figures
Urgency: Time pressure reduces critical thinking
Fear: Threats motivate compliance
Trust: Familiar faces are trusted
Helpfulness: People want to be helpful
Curiosity: Unknown items attract attention

Social Engineering Attack Chain:
1. Research: Gather information about targets
2. Select Target: Choose vulnerable individuals
3. Develop Rapport: Build trust and relationship
4. Exploit Relationship: Request sensitive information
5. Execute: Use obtained information for access

Physical Security in Hacking

Physical Security: Often the weakest link in security - direct physical access can bypass many digital security measures.

Physical Attack Methods:

Lock Picking: Mechanical lock bypass
Tailgating: Following authorized personnel
Badge Cloning: RFID/proximity card duplication
USB Drops: Malicious USB devices
Shoulder Surfing: Observing credentials entry
Dumpster Diving: Searching discarded information

Physical Targets:

Workstations: Unlocked computers
Server Rooms: Network infrastructure
Network Closets: Switch and router access
Printers: Document interception
Reception Areas: Information gathering
Parking Lots: WiFi attacks, surveillance

Physical Security Tools:
• Lock picking: Pick sets, bump keys, tension wrenches
• RFID: Proxmark3, RFID cloners
• USB: USB Rubber Ducky, Bash Bunny
• Network: Network taps, WiFi Pineapple
• Surveillance: Hidden cameras, keyloggers

Hacking Tools Categories

Network Tools:

Nmap: Port scanner and network discovery
Wireshark: Network protocol analyzer
Metasploit: Exploitation framework
Aircrack-ng: WiFi security testing
Ettercap: Network security tool

Web Application Tools:

Burp Suite: Web application security
OWASP ZAP: Web security scanner
SQLmap: SQL injection testing
Nikto: Web server scanner
Dirb/Gobuster: Directory enumeration

Password Tools:

John the Ripper: Password cracker
Hashcat: Advanced password recovery
Hydra: Network login cracker
Medusa: Parallel brute forcer
Cain & Abel: Password recovery

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Illegal Activities:

Unauthorized Access: Accessing systems without permission
Data Theft: Stealing personal or corporate data
System Damage: Destroying or modifying data
Service Disruption: DDoS attacks, system outages
Financial Fraud: Using access for monetary gain
Identity Theft: Stealing personal information

Legal/Ethical Activities:

Authorized Penetration Testing: Written permission
Bug Bounty Programs: Responsible disclosure
Security Research: Academic or professional research
Personal Systems: Testing own systems
Training Environments: Dedicated lab systems
Open Source Security: Community security testing

Legal Frameworks:

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA): US federal computer crime law
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Copyright protection
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): EU data protection
State and Local Laws: Additional jurisdictional requirements

Common Defensive Measures Against Hacking

Technical Controls:

Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Regular security updates and patches
Strong authentication and access controls
Network segmentation and monitoring
Encryption and secure communications
Vulnerability scanning and assessment

Procedural Controls:

Security awareness training
Incident response procedures
Regular security audits
Change management processes
Data backup and recovery plans
Physical security measures

Monitoring and Detection:

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Network traffic analysis
Behavioral analytics
Threat intelligence feeds
Log analysis and correlation
Honeypots and deception technology

Career Paths in Ethical Hacking

Professional Roles:

Penetration Tester: Authorized security testing
Security Consultant: Security advisory services
Vulnerability Researcher: Finding and reporting vulnerabilities
Security Analyst: Monitoring and incident response
Forensics Investigator: Digital crime investigation
Red Team Member: Attack simulation specialist

Required Skills:

Technical Skills: Networking, systems, programming
Security Tools: Proficiency with testing tools
Communication: Report writing, presentation skills
Legal Knowledge: Understanding of relevant laws
Continuous Learning: Staying current with threats
Problem Solving: Creative thinking and analysis

Professional Certifications:

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Entry-level ethical hacking
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): Hands-on penetration testing
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): Security management
SANS GPEN: Penetration testing certification
CompTIA Security+: Fundamental security knowledge

Key Takeaways

Hacking involves exploiting system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access
Hackers range from script kiddies to sophisticated state-sponsored groups
Motivations include financial gain, political activism, and security research
Hacking methodology follows structured phases from reconnaissance to covering tracks
Social engineering and physical security are often the weakest links
Legal and ethical boundaries must be clearly understood and respected
Defensive measures require both technical controls and human awareness
Ethical hacking provides legitimate career opportunities in cybersecurity

Remember: Knowledge of hacking techniques is essential for defense, but must always be applied ethically and legally with proper authorization

Thank You

Questions & Discussion

Next: Types of Hacking