From: sol@mail2.host45.com
Date: Sat Apr 08 2006 - 13:33:21 EDT
Sparky and All:
If you truly want to become an expert, (and there aren't that many out there)
you can't just read a few books and ask questions on a mailing list. You need
the fundamentals. Here are some of the items I believe every Pentester should
need.
1. PC Repair and Troubleshooting: You need to understand how PC's work at
the machine level.
2. Networking: You need to understand TCP/IP and how individual packets and
flags can be manipulated in order to cause wanted information to be returned.
3. Operating Systems: Pick one or two and become an expert in that. Some
like Windows, others like Linux or even AS400 and Routers.
4. Apps: Find tools that do the jobs you need to do and learn them well!
Don't just download Nmap and run vanilla scans all over the place as it will
cause you to become a script kiddie and it's even illegal in certain parts of
the world.
5. Take classes to fill in the gaps that you learn on your own. Become
certified in each area (not just paper certified but LEARN IT). A+, CCNA,
RHCE or MSCE, CISSP, CEH, OPSA, OPST. These are all good certs that can help
you attain the knowledge you need to become a good pentester. If you want to
become an expert add a good 5 to 10 years of experience in the mix.
6. Join a local Security Organization (or more). ISSA, Infragard, 2600, your
local Defcon group. This is a way you can get a grasp on the Industry, learn
about the latest and greatest security products and network your way into
positions that will assist you in reaching your goals.
Also, Never call yourself an Expert. It makes you appear arrogant. Many
people think Experts know everything and it's impossible to know completely
everything about a general subject like Pentesting.
The most important thing about this industry: Keep an OPEN mind! When we
close our minds to certain things, we form opinions that can offend others.
You never know who your speaking with so don't jump to conclusions just
because you "heard" it's bad. Do the research and find out for yourself.
Hope this helps.
Sol Invictus
Quoting "09sparky@gmail.com" <09sparky@gmail.com>:
> Thank you all for the advice. Bill, for clarification, I am just using a
> class B network as an example. My question ( I should have stated more
> clearly) I am wondering about some of the preliminary steps involved (for a
> professional, which I am not at this point - but hope to be someday) to get
> past a firewall, while doing a pen test, so they can perform your
> assessments/reports.
>
> I guess I understand, first you need to scan for any openings on the network
> (what is allowed through the firewall). Then scan IP addresses on those
> ports for alive machines. Once that is complete, try to gain root/admin
> privilege on one/many inside machines to launch your system(s), or I guess
> you could install your tools on the compromised host (if permitted) to
> further your scanning/testing.
>
> Please understand, I am very new to this and am looking to get as much advice
> as possible, so I can become an expert.
>
> Does anyone have any recommended readings? I currently have:
> Pentesters Open Source Toolkit
> Network Security Assessment
> Penetration Testing and Network Defense.
>
> Thank you all for the help,
> Sparky
>
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This List Sponsored by: Cenzic
Concerned about Web Application Security?
Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's
Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise,
you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the
most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration
testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a
managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software
(Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can
help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php
And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your
results from other product. Contact us at request@cenzic.com for details.
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