...Using penetration testing to enhance your company's security Based on the fundamental principle that prevention is better than cure, penetration testing (pen-testing) is essentially an information assurance activity to determine if information is appropriately secured. Conducted by penetration testers, sometimes referred to as ‘white hats’ or ethical hackers, these tests use the same tools and techniques as the bad guys (‘black hat hackers’), but do so in a controlled manner with the express permission of the target organization. Vulnerability scans versus pen-testing A common area of confusion is the relationship between vulnerability scanning (automated) and pen-testing (expert-driven manual testing). Both involve a proactive and concerted attempt to identify vulnerabilities that could expose the organization to a potential malevolent attack. Vulnerability scanners are great at identifying ‘low-hanging’ vulnerabilities, such as common configuration mistakes or unpatched systems that offer an easy target for attackers. What they are unable to determine is the context or nature of the asset or data at risk. They are also less able than humans to identify unknown-unknowns (things not already on the risk register, or which haven't been theorized by the organization as potential security issues). Good pen-testing teams, however, do this very well. For instance, pen-testers can give countless examples of engagements where an environment was previously scanned only for vulnerabilities...
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...Goals and Objectives 6 3. Penertation testing Methodology 2.1 Penetration test plans 2.2 NIST penertation testing documentation 2.3 Web application penertation testing 2.4 E-commerece penertation testing 2.5 Network penetration testing 2.6 Common tools and applications for peneration testing 7 2.7 Black box testing, grey box testing, Black/grey box testing 2.8 Social engineering testing 7 3. Test Plan 15 3.1 Task 3.1 Reporting 3.1 Schedule 3.2 Limitation of Liability 3.3 End of Testing 3.1 Unanswered Questions 10 3.4 Signatures 8 3.1 Authorization Letter 8 4. Conclusion 11 5. Bibiography 11 Acronyms 22 Appendix A – Test Case Procedures 23 Abstract This document is a proposal with a series of activities undertaken to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities. It helps confirm the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the security measures that have been implemented. This proposal provides an understanding of penetration testing. It discusses the benefits, the strategies and the mythology of conducting penetration testing. The mythology of penetration testing includes three phases: test preparation, test and test analysis. Key Words: Security Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Web Application Penetration Testing. What is a Penetration test? Penetration tests are a great way to identify vulnerabilities that exists in a...
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...Institute Author Retains Full Rights This paper is from the SANS Penetration Testing site. Reposting is not permited without express written permission. Interested in learning more? Check out the list of upcoming events offering "Hacker Techniques, Exploits & Incident Handling (SEC504)" at https://pen-testing.sans.org/events/ Key fingerprint = AF19 FA27 2F94 998D FDB5 DE3D F8B5 06E4 A169 4E46 A Management Guide to Penetration Testing David A. Shinberg © SANS Institute 2003, © SA NS In sti tu As part of GIAC practical repository. te 20 03 ,A ut ho rr Version 2.1a eta Practical Assignment ins SANS Hacker Techniques, Exploits, and Incident Handling (GCIH) fu ll r igh ts. Author retains full rights. Key fingerprint = AF19 FA27 2F94 998D FDB5 DE3D F8B5 06E4 A169 4E46 Abstract Penetration tests are an excellent method for determining the strengths and weaknesses of a network consisting of computers and network devices. However, the process of performing a penetration test is complex, and without care can have disastrous effects on the systems being tested. This paper provides guidance, primarily focused around planning and management, on how to conduct a penetration test comprised of five phases – Preparation, Public Information, Planning, Execution and Analysis and Reporting. However, due to the technical and sometimes sensitive nature of penetration testing only a cursory overview how to compromise a system...
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...FULL BREACH PENETRATION TEST 1. Reconnaissance. a. Establish active and inactive routes into the property. b. Establish Contractor routines (Cleaners, Builders, Electricians, Technician etc) c. Establish Courier routines d. Establish employee routines, (Social Engineering) e. Obtain ID card/s, (Theft or Falsify) 2. Gain entry to the building. (Pretext, Deceit, Employment) a. Establish Office layout b. Establish Sensitive offices (Including ComCen and IT rooms) c. Establish Evacuation routines 3. Acquisition of Intelligence. a. Obtain Hard & Soft Copy Information b. Obtain Top Managerial Personal Information, (Addresses etc) c. (Optional deployment of Ethical Hacking) 4. Disruption/Sabotage a. Insertion of dummy explosive/incendiary devices (Packages, Letter Bombs etc). b. Abduction plan 5. Report The time frame is variable dependent on current security protocols and staff awareness. Client Network Penetration Testing Proposal Document Reference xxx-xxxx-xx Contents 1 Background 3 2 Scope 4 2.1 Types of Attack 4 2.2 Report 5 2.2.1 Executive Summary 5 2.2.2 Technical Report 5 2.2.3 Recommendations 5 2.2.4 Security Policy 5 3 Phase 1 – Internal 6 3.1 Scope 6 3.2 Deliverable 6 4 Phase 2 – Internet 7 4.1 Scope 7 4...
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...Interested in learning more about security? SANS Institute InfoSec Reading Room This paper is from the SANS Institute Reading Room site. Reposting is not permitted without express written permission. Conducting a Penetration Test on an Organization This document is decided to give readers an outlook on how a penetration test can be successfully done on an organization. A methodology has been drawn out in this document to allow readers to be acquainted with the process that penetration testers go through to conduct a penetration test. AD Copyright SANS Institute Author Retains Full Rights Conducting a Penetration Test on an Organization TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 2 What is a Penetration Test? 2 fu ll r igh ts. Abstract eta ins The Process and Methodology Planning and Preparation Key fingerprint = AF19 FA27 2F94 998D FDB5 DE3D F8B5 06E4 A169 4E46 Information Gathering and Analysis Vulnerability Detection Penetration Attempt Analysis and Reporting Cleaning Up rr Limitation of Penetration Testing ut ho Conclusion 10 10 Appendix A: Netcraft (www.netcraft.com) results on www.sans.org 12 Appendix B: Penetration Testing Tools 14 tu te 20 ,A 11 02 Bibliography 3 3 4 6 7 9 9 sti DETAILS © SA NS In Full name: Chan Tuck Wai GIAC userID: twchan001 Course: Security Essentials Version: First (Original Submission) Conference Location: Malaysia Key fingerprint...
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...Operating Systems Dependency on Penetration Testing Michael S. Self University of Maryland University College-Europe Table of Contents Abstract………………………………………………………………………………..…………..3 History and Purpose of Penetration Testing……………………….......................…..………….4 Techniques and Tools for Performing Penetration Testing………….………….……..…………5 Example of Penetration Test Process………………………………....………...…….………….6 References…………………………………………………………………………………………7 Abstract This report will encompass penetration testing of operating systems. It first explains the evolution of penetration testing, and what purpose it serves. It then describes techniques and tools used to perform the tests. The report will conclude with an example of a penetration test. Operating Systems Dependency on Penetration Testing History and Purpose of Penetration Testing According to Pfleeger & Pfleeger 2011 in their book titled ‘Security in Computing’, penetration testing, or pentesting, is a technique used in computer security which an individual, or team of experts purposely tries to hack a computer system. Penetration started as a grey art that was often practiced in an unstructured and undisciplined manner by reformed or semi-reformed hackers. They used their own techniques and either their ‘home grown’ tools, or borrowed and traded ideas with associates. There was little reproducibility or consistency of results or reporting, and as a result the services were hard to integrate into...
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...For your information, several methodologies exist for performing a pen test; however, we will be using the Penetration Test Execution Standard framework (PTES) to execute the assessment. PTES consists of seven guidelines to follow during an evaluation: Pre-Engagement Interactions occurred when management approved conducting a pen test of the network. Additionally, we have defined the scope of the project, including the goals of the assessment, which tools will be used to conduct the evaluation and how long it will take to complete the penetration test. Intelligence Gathering entails collecting as much information about the network as possible to use during the vulnerability analysis and exploitation phases of the assessment. Specifically,...
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...ACKNOWLEDGMENT A lot of guidance and support was needed to complete this report. It was a Work in which, I have seen the external world with same eyes but in different perception. I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to Mr. Vishal Goel for giving me the opportunity as they proved to be a constant source of inspiration providing unstained support at all stages of the project work. Acknowledgement must be given to honorable Director Mr. Sanjeev Gupta (IMR Ghaziabad) who provided me a proper guidance to do the Research project and attain the standard. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for being the guiding force through all the phases of my life. Doing my project on this topic was a wonder opportunity for me, for it instilled in me a great deal of confidence and ability to work hard and thereby face challenges. Vikas Kr Gupta P.G.D.M 3rd sem I M R Ghaziabad 3 ...
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...Study With Sony On Penetration Pricing As Global Pricing Strategy Meaning of Penetration Pricing This is a marketing strategy used by firms to attract customers to a new product or service. Penetration pricing is the practice of offering a low price for a new product or service during its initial offering in order to attract customers away from competitors. The reasoning behind this marketing strategy is that customers will buy and become aware of the new product due to its lower price in the marketplace relative to rivals. It can often increase both market share and sales volume. Additionally, the high sales volume can also lead to lower production costs and higher inventory turnover, both of which are positive for any firm with fixed overhead. The tagline “special introductory offer” is the classic sign of penetration pricing. The aim of penetration pricing is usually to increase market share of a product, providing the opportunity to increase price once this objective has been achieved. Penetration pricing is, therefore, the pricing technique of setting a relatively low initial entry price, usually lower than the intended established price, sometimes lower than the costs too, to attract new customers. The strategy aims to encourage customers to switch to the new product because of the lower price. Penetration pricing is most commonly associated with a marketing objective of increasing market share or sales volume. In the short term, penetration pricing is likely to...
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...Conducting a Penetration Test on an Organization This document is decided to give readers an outlook on how a penetration test can be successfully done on an organization. A methodology has been drawn out in this document to allow readers to be acquainted with the process that penetration testers go through to conduct a penetration test. Copyright SANS Institute Author Retains Full Rights AD Conducting a Penetration Test on an Organization TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Abstract 2 Bibliography ut ho Conclusion rr Limitation of Penetration Testing eta ins The Process and Methodology Planning and Preparation Key fingerprint = AF19 FA27 2F94 998D FDB5 DE3D F8B5 06E4 A169 4E46 Information Gathering and Analysis Vulnerability Detection Penetration Attempt Analysis and Reporting Cleaning Up fu ll r igh ts. What is a Penetration Test? 2 3 3 4 6 7 9 9 10 10 11 12 14 Appendix A: Netcraft (www.netcraft.com) results on www.sans.org Key fingerprint = AF19 FA27 2F94 998D FDB5 DE3D F8B5 06E4 A169 4E46 Chan Tuck Wai (twchan001) © SA Full name: Chan Tuck Wai GIAC userID: twchan001 Course: Security Essentials Version: First (Original Submission) Conference Location: Malaysia NS In sti DETAILS tu te 20 Appendix B: Penetration Testing Tools 02 ,A Page 1 © SANS Institute 2002, As part of the Information Security Reading Room. Author retains full rights. Conducting a Penetration Test on an Organization ...
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...Metasploit Vulnerability Scanner Executive Proposal Paul Dubuque Table of Contents Page 3 Executive Summary Page 5 Background Information Page 6 Recommended Product Page 7 Product Capabilities Page 10 Cost and Training Page 11 References Page 13 Product Reviews Executive Summary To: Advanced Research Corporation Mr. J. Smith, CEO; Ms. S. Long, V.P. Mr. W Donaldson, CCO; Mr. A. Gramer, CCO & Mr. B. Schuler, CFO CC. Ms. K. Young, MR. G. Holdsoth From: P. Dubuque, IT Manager Advance Research Corporation (ARC) has grown rapidly during the last five years and has been very successful in developing new and innovative devices and medicines for the health care industry. ARC has expanded to two locations, New York, NY and Reston, VA which has led to an expanded computer network in support of business communications and research. ARC has been the victim of cyber-attacks on its network and web site, as well as false alegations of unethical practices. ARC’s network is growing, with over two thousand devices currently and reaching from VA to NY. ARC needs to ensure better security of communications, intellectual property (IP) and public image, all of which affect ARC’s reputation with the public and investors. ARC has previously limited information technology (IT) expenditures to desktop computers and network infrastructure hardware such as routers, firewalls and servers. It is imperative that ARC considers information security (IS) and begins to invest in products...
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...Using ANSOFF’s Matrics business model the four possible strategies which organisations may adopt are- 1- Market penetration occurs when the company or organisation tries to sell more of its current or existing products to its existing markets through greater promotional efforts or vigorously advertisings. In the end the organisation will be benefiting from a increase in annual turnover and sales. This is the cheapest strategies of all Ansoff’s business strategic models. It also encourages companies to stay on existing market. There were a lot of competitors in this market but this strategy help JD Weatherspoon to reduce competition from rivalry. 2- Market development this happens when the company or organisation tries to sell its existing products in the new market or segment, for example if a Scottish organisation tries to enter into regional or global market to sell their existing products. This also helps the organisation to increase its base by attracting new Customers and increase its market share and portfolio. Favourable economic conditions and social culture changes force JD to adopt this strategy. 3- Product development this type of strategy occurs when the organisation starts to offer new products to the existing customer, so by bringing new products to the market, the organisation will be also attracting new customers. This also helps to keep its customers attracted to the organisation and its products e.g. Xbox 360 which has introduced Xbox 360...
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...The Social Penetration Theory People often times fail to realize how their communication can greatly impact their social interactions as well as aid in the formation of strong intimate relationships they may hold with their friends or even their significant other. We use communication in many forms, whether verbal or non-verbal to gain a better understanding of one another and to reduce our uncertainty towards each other. By allowing ourselves to take part in the communication process, we therefore are able to disclose and exchange information which in turn aids in forming an intimate relationship better known as the social penetration theory. The theorists Altman and Taylor define the social penetration theory as something that identifies the process of increasing and decreasing self-disclosure and intimacy within a relationship. This normally occurs as two individuals engage in sharing information whether it is through traditional verbal means or as most common in today’s society, non-verbal means such as through the use of text messages and emails, to disclose personal information. When disclosing information about one’s self, there are typically three phases or stages people tend to go through in order to reach a more intimate state of sharing information which are the cultural, sociological and psychological exchange of information. People typically tend to go through each phase before getting to a state where they can establish they have reached a more intimate relationship...
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...The Ansoff matrix Mistine needs something new to boost their profits and revenues again. As we know Mistine has a very limited line of products. So in order for Mistine to gain more revenues they can use Ansoff matrix. Ansoff matrix has four dimensions which is market penetration strategies, product development strategies, market development strategies and also diversification strategies. As for Mistine they can used the product development strategies and also diversification strategies. Product development strategies are we produced a new product for the current markets. It’s like we make some product improvements, product – line extensions or new products for the same market. Mistine is producing a beauty product line so by using these strategies they can produce a new product extension which is a natural cosmetics line. They can produce new cosmetics products with a 100% organic and no chemical in it. A natural cosmetic line can be successful if they produced the right thing like Body shop everyone knows that most of the products are 100% organic. This can attract the health conscious people to buy the products as the world is now moving into healthy lifestyle so they would also want a healthy and natural cosmetic product. This can attract customers to buy the products and also this can attract new customers to buy Mistine products. This strategy can helped Mistine in their product line extensions which are producing a natural cosmetics line. The next strategies are Mistine...
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...resources (innovation, procedures, individuals) and to recognize exploitable vulnerabilities. On the off chance that this stage is not legitimately finished, it can bring about a fizzled penetration test (“PTES Technical”, 2012). • Testing: The penetration tester saw on work board that MSSQL information is an unquestionable requirement, however is it available from the Internet or if inside test, is it open from any VLAN. This is the thing that testing will help the penetration tester decide. Port filtering, flag grabbing, directory listing, insurance mechanism identification, and web application scanning are a percentage of the tasks completed at...
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