Andrew Mckinsey - Hacking: Easy Hacking for Beginners - How to Hack Computers, Penetration Testing and Cracking Security

Hacking

Easy Hacking for Beginners How to Hack Computers, Penetration Testing and Cracking Security

Copyright 2016 by Andrew Mckinsey - All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

I want to thank you and congratulate you for purchasing this book, Hacking: Easy Hacking for Beginners How to Hack Computers, Penetration Testing and Cracking Security

This e-book will teach you the fundamentals of ethical hacking. Aside from discussing the basics of computer attacks, this book will also provide you with the tools and tricks used by elite hackers. Additionally, it contains detailed instructions, actual codes and screenshots, thus, you can master the topics covered in this book without exerting too much effort.

Computer hacking requires advanced networking and programming skills. You wont become a skilled hacker if you dont even know how to use Java or scan network ports. To help you have a great start, this e-book will give you a crash course in programming. After reading this book, you can start conducting penetration tests and write your own exploits.

Thanks again for purchasing this book, I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 1: Hacking The Fundamentals

In general, the term hacking refers to the process of accessing a computer or network without the user's approval. The hacker (i.e. the person who performs the action) uses his/her skills and tools to break the target's defenses. According to computer experts, the most dangerous aspect of hacking is that it doesn't end once the unauthorized access has been established. Most hackers execute an attack to steal information, destroy systems, or prevent authorized users from logging in. Because of this, hacking is considered as an illegal activity. Many countries have existing laws that prohibit hacking.

However, it is important to point out that hacking has positive aspects, too. For example, you can hack a computer or network to test its defenses. This process, which is called penetration testing, allows businesses and organizations to enhance their defenses against the bad guys. Some organizations are actually willing to hire hackers as part of their security team. With this approach, organizations increase their chances of detecting, stopping and preventing hacking attacks.

Two Kinds of Hackers

Computer experts divide hackers into two kinds black hat and white hat. Let's discuss each kind of hacker in detail:

• Black Hat These people hack systems with malicious intentions. They use their skills to view/steal confidential information or bring the target network down. In some cases, black hat hackers install keyloggers and other malware into their victim's computer to collect sensitive information (e.g. credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.). If you'll ask someone to describe a hacker, he/she will likely describe a black hat one.

• White Hat A white hat hacker uses his skills and tools to help companies and organizations. He/she performs harmless attacks to test the target's defenses and find potential weaknesses, then he/she will submit the information to the business owner or network administrator. This way, the authorized people can implement the necessary changes and strengthen the network's digital security.

At this point, you should know that there are only two main differences between a black hat hacker and a white hat hacker. These differences lie on the person's intentions and whether he/she has the user's permission. White hat hackers hack systems to help in boosting the targets' defenses, thus, they need to get the permission from the network owner or administrator before doing any action. Black hat backers, on the other hand, do their magic in the shadows. They hack systems for malicious reasons.

Important Note: Hacking can get you incarcerated. Because of that, this book will focus on white hat (also known as ethical) hacking. This way, you can use your knowledge and skills without breaking the law.

Chapter 2: Penetration Testing The Basics

A penetration test is a process where a hacker attempts to gauge the security of a network. He does this by gathering information about the target and launching hacking attacks. Obviously, the hacker needs to follow certain procedures and use computer programs to carry out the test. Abstract knowledge isn't enough to break a network's defenses.

To help you become a skilled ethical hacker, this chapter will discuss the exact steps that you need to take when conducting a penetration test. It will provide detailed instructions, explanations and examples to help you master the topic. Additionally, it will tell you the best hackings tools for each procedure. Study this material carefully if you want to become a successful hacker.

This chapter consists of three parts: (1) reconnaissance, (2) tools and (3) conducting the penetration test.

Reconnaissance

This is the first part of the hacking process. Here, you will gather information about your target using different tools and techniques. Elite hackers consider this as the most important aspect of any penetration test the information gathered here helps in identifying the best points of attack and the tools that must be used for the process. You can significantly increase your chances of success by spending enough time in the reconnaissance phase. Here are three techniques that you can use:

Social Engineering

Basically, the term social engineering refers to the process of establishing a false relationship with a victim to force him to do things that he wouldn't do for strangers. For example, you can use a social engineering attack to get the phone number or credit card information of your targets. In this part of the book, you will learn about the social engineering tricks that you can use while hacking networks.

• The Missing Drive This trick is simple and effective. When using this trick, you just have to pretend that you have found a USB drive in the target's building. You'll just walk up to the front desk and inform the people there about the missing USB drive that you have found. The USB drive involved here may contain a malicious program (e.g. a keylogger or a remote console application). To enhance the effectiveness of this trick, you may place the target's logo on the USB drive or write some interesting note on it (e.g. Employee Bonus 2016).