The term “firmware” usually refers to the low-level software that runs on electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones. Unlike more familiar software, firmware is often invisible to users and is not generally replaceable. Because of its hidden nature, firmware can be a prime target for hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities in order to gain…
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Penetration testing, also known as a pentest, is a simulated cyberattack against your network. It includes an analysis of the organization’s current security practices and recommendations for improving security. A pentest aims to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. When the test is complete, you’ll receive a report outlining the results. But what…
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As an author, professor, and researcher, I don multiple hats. I will share my Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT) exam preparation notes, my learning journey, and how I succeeded in acing the CPENT examination. Even though I opted for the two 12-hour exam format, I believe that attempting it in the 24-hour setting is better…
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Penetration testing is the process of simulating a cyberattack against a computer system or network to identify and fix vulnerabilities. Pivoting in penetration testing is a technique in which the ethical hackers—also known as white-hat hackers—simulating the attack can move from one system to another. Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about…
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Organizations sometimes experience a network penetration incident they could have avoided if their security systems had been strengthened at the time of the attack. These incidents include information leaks, unauthorized access to network systems, and data loss. A penetration incident involves the intentional use of various malicious techniques to evaluate a network’s security responses—or lack…
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Nmap stands for “Network Mapper,” a free, open-source tool created in 1997. While nearly 25 years old, it remains the gold standard tool for vulnerability assessments, port scanning, and network mapping. While other tools (both free and paid) have come along offering similar functionality, it’s still the go-to tool for cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Given its…
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The global cyber security industry is growing at a rate of 13.4% a year as companies invest millions to keep cybercriminals at bay. Numerous methods are being employed to accomplish that. Enterprise penetration testing continues to prove to be a fast and reliable tactic for discovering vulnerabilities in a company’s system while revealing actionable changes…
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If you’re preparing for EC-Council’s Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT) certification, it’s normal to feel intimidated by the prospect of learning the program’s technical concepts. However, while mastering the exam is no cakewalk, the challenge will pay off in the end. My name is Sergey Chubarov, and I’m an instructor. As a CPENT and Licensed…
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Penetration testing is a highly in-demand job skill in today’s cybersecurity market. Data breaches cost companies USD 4.2 million in 2021 (IBM, 2021), and penetration testers can help companies protect and secure some of their most valuable assets. In a World Economic Forum (2022) survey, 50% of executives said it would be difficult to respond…
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Port scanning techniques are a valuable part of any cybersecurity professional’s toolkit. Ethical hackers and penetration testers frequently use port scanning techniques to locate vulnerabilities in a network that malicious hackers can use to gain access. Port scanning is a fundamental part of the pre-attack phase of a penetration test. EC-Council’s Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENTAI) certification…
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