One of the older and potentially widely misunderstood forms of malware is the Trojan. Simply put, a Trojan is a software application that is designed to provide covert access to a victim’s system. The malicious code is packaged in such a way that it appears harmless and thus gets around both the scrutiny of the … Read more
A relatively new type of software is scareware. This type of malware warns the victim of potential harm that could befall them if they don’t take some action. Typically, this action involves providing a credit card or doing something else to buy a utility they need to clean their system. In many cases, the utility … Read more
Adware is a well-known type of malware. Many systems are actively infected with this type of malware from the various installations and other activities they perform. When this type of software is deployed onto a victim’s system, it displays ads, pop-ups, and nag screens, and may even change the start page of the browser. Typically, … Read more
Malware is a term that is frequently used but frequently misapplied, so let’s first clarify its meaning. The term malware is short for malicious software, which accurately explains what this class of software is designed to do: to perform malicious and disruptive actions. Simply put, malware is any type of software that performs actions without … Read more
For an overview of the process, let’s look at the steps of ethical hacking to see where foot-printing fits in as well as what future phases hold. Phase 1: Footprinting Footprinting is the first phase of the ethical hacking process and is the subject of this article. This phase consists of passively gaining information about … Read more
A hacking methodology refers to the step-by-step approach used by an aggressor to attack a target such as a computer network. There is no specific step-by-step approach used by all hackers. As can be expected when a group operates outside the rules as hackers do, rules do not apply the same way. A major difference … Read more
A pen test is the next logical step beyond ethical hacking. Although ethical hacking sometimes occurs without a formal set of rules of engagement, pen testing does require rules to be agreed on in advance in every case. If you choose to perform a pen test without having certain parameters determined ahead of time, it … Read more
Ethical hackers engage in sanctioned hacking—that is, hacking with permission from the system’s owner. In the world of ethical hacking, most tend to use the term pen tester, which is short for penetration tester. Pen testers do simply that: penetrate systems like a hacker, but for benign purposes. As an ethical hacker and future test … Read more
The difference between an ethical hacker and a hacker is something that can easily get you into an argument. Just saying the word hacker in the wrong place can get you into an hours-long conversation of the history of hacking and how hackers are all good guys who mean nothing but the best for the … Read more
Attackers have constantly sought to “up” their game with new tactics and strategies to include new types of malware such as worms, spam, spyware, adware, and even rootkits. Although they already knew how to harass and irritate the public, in recent years they have caused ever bolder disruptions of today’s world by preying on our … Read more