Counter Hack Reloaded: The Ultimate Guide to Hacking and Defending Networks and Systems (2nd Edition)
Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses (2nd Edition)
The title of the article and the book Introduction
A brief overview of what the book is about and why it is important for anyone interested in network security If you want to learn how to defend your network and systems from hackers, you need to understand how they think and what they do. You need to know their techniques, tools, tactics, and motivations. You need to know how they scan, probe, exploit, maintain, and cover their tracks. You need to know how they can bypass your defenses, compromise your assets, steal your data, and damage your reputation.
Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses (2nd Edition)
That's why you need Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses (2nd Edition) by Ed Skoudis and Tom Liston. This book is a comprehensive and practical guide to hacking and defending networks and systems. It covers everything from the basics of TCP/IP protocols to the advanced methods of web application attacks. It teaches you how to use scanning tools, vulnerability scanners, password crackers, trojans, rootkits, spyware, anti-forensics, log management, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, honeypots, and incident response. It also provides real-world examples, case studies, exercises, quizzes, and challenges to test your knowledge and skills.
This book is not only for security professionals, but also for anyone who wants to learn more about network security. Whether you are a system administrator, a network engineer, a web developer, a student, or a hobbyist, you will find this book useful and informative. You will learn how to protect your network and systems from hackers by understanding their attacks and effective defenses.
Part I: Overview of Computer Attacks
A summary of the first part of the book that covers the basics of computer attacks and defenses The first part of the book provides an overview of computer attacks and defenses. It introduces the concept of hacking as a process that follows five phases: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks. It also reviews the fundamental concepts of TCP/IP protocol suite that are essential for understanding network attacks and defenses. Finally, it explains how hackers gather information about a target network using passive and active reconnaissance techniques.
Chapter 1: The Five Phases of Hacking
A description of the five phases that hackers follow to compromise a target: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks The first chapter describes the five phases that hackers follow to compromise a target. These are:
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Scanning: This is the phase where hackers probe a target network or system for open ports, services, operating systems, vulnerabilities, etc. using various tools such as Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, etc.
Gaining access: This is the phase where hackers exploit a vulnerability or weakness in a target network or system to gain access to it using various methods such as buffer overflows, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), password cracking, etc.
Maintaining access: This is the phase where hackers maintain their access to a compromised network or system using various techniques such as trojans, backdoors, rootkits, spyware, keyloggers, etc.
Covering tracks: This is the phase where hackers cover their tracks and avoid detection or attribution using various techniques such as hiding files, anti-forensics, log manipulation, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can counter each phase of hacking by using various methods such as security policies, encryption, authentication, authorization, auditing, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), honeypots, etc.
Chapter 2: TCP/IP Concepts Review
A review of the fundamental concepts of TCP/IP protocol suite that are essential for understanding network attacks and defenses The second chapter reviews the fundamental concepts of TCP/IP protocol suite that are essential for understanding network attacks and defenses. It covers the following topics:
The OSI model: This is a conceptual model that divides network communication into seven layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application. Each layer has a specific function and interacts with the adjacent layers.
The TCP/IP model: This is a simplified version of the OSI model that divides network communication into four layers: network access (or link), internet (or network), transport (or host-to-host), and application. Each layer has a specific protocol or set of protocols that perform a specific function.
The IP protocol: This is the protocol that operates at the internet layer of the TCP/IP model and provides logical addressing and routing for packets across networks. It uses 32-bit or 128-bit addresses to identify hosts and networks.
The TCP protocol: This is the protocol that operates at the transport layer of the TCP/IP model and provides reliable and ordered delivery of data between hosts. It uses port numbers to identify applications and services on a host. It also uses sequence numbers and acknowledgments to ensure data integrity and flow control.
The UDP protocol: This is the protocol that operates at the transport layer of the TCP/IP model and provides unreliable and unordered delivery of data between hosts. It uses port numbers to identify applications and services on a host. It does not use sequence numbers or acknowledgments to ensure data integrity or flow control.
The ICMP protocol: This is the protocol that operates at the internet layer of the TCP/IP model and provides error reporting and diagnostic functions for IP packets. It uses message types and codes to indicate different types of errors or information.
The ARP protocol: This is the protocol that operates at the network access layer of the TCP/IP model and provides address resolution for IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local area network (LAN). It uses request and reply messages to map IP addresses to MAC addresses.
Article with HTML formatting --- --- UDP flooding, ICMP redirect, ARP poisoning, etc.
Chapter 3: Network Reconnaissance: The First Step in Penetration Testing
An explanation of how hackers gather information about a target network using passive and active reconnaissance techniques The third chapter explains how hackers gather information about a target network using passive and active reconnaissance techniques. These are:
Passive reconnaissance: This is the technique where hackers collect information about a target network without directly interacting with it or sending any packets to it. They use various sources such as public databases, social media platforms, search engines, domain name servers (DNS), email servers (SMTP), web servers (HTTP), etc. to gather information such as domain names, IP addresses, network topology, operating systems, services, applications, users, etc.
Active reconnaissance: This is the technique where hackers collect information about a target network by directly interacting with it or sending packets to it. They use various tools such as Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, etc. to scan and probe a target network for open ports, services, operating systems, vulnerabilities, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can detect or prevent passive and active reconnaissance by using various methods such as encryption, authentication, authorization, auditing, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), honeypots, etc.
Part II: Scanning
A summary of the second part of the book that covers various scanning methods that hackers use to find vulnerabilities in a target network The second part of the book covers various scanning methods that hackers use to find vulnerabilities in a target network. It covers the following topics:
Scanning tools: This is the topic where the book discusses some common scanning tools that hackers use to probe a target network for open ports, services, operating systems, vulnerabilities, etc. Some of these tools are Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, etc.
Article with HTML formatting --- --- idle scanning, zombie scanning, etc.
Vulnerability scanning: This is the topic where the book introduces vulnerability scanning tools that hackers use to identify specific weaknesses in a target network that can be exploited. Some of these tools are Nessus, Metasploit, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can detect or prevent scanning by using various methods such as encryption, authentication, authorization, auditing, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), honeypots, etc.
Part III: Gaining Access
A summary of the third part of the book that covers various methods that hackers use to gain access to a target network or system The third part of the book covers various methods that hackers use to gain access to a target network or system. It covers the following topics:
Windows vulnerabilities: This is the topic where the book presents some common Windows vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to gain access to Windows systems or networks. Some of these vulnerabilities are buffer overflows, privilege escalation, remote code execution, etc.
Unix vulnerabilities: This is the topic where the book presents some common Unix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to gain access to Unix systems or networks. Some of these vulnerabilities are buffer overflows, privilege escalation, remote code execution, etc.
Web application vulnerabilities: This is the topic where the book presents some common web application vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to gain access to web servers or databases. Some of these vulnerabilities are SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), etc.
Password cracking: This is the topic where the book explains how hackers crack passwords using various techniques such as brute force, dictionary attacks, rainbow tables, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can prevent or mitigate these attacks by using various methods such as encryption, authentication, authorization, auditing, patching, hardening, etc.
Part IV: Maintaining Access
A summary of the fourth part of the book that covers various methods that hackers use to maintain access to a compromised network or system The fourth part of the book covers various methods that hackers use to maintain access to a compromised network or system. It covers the following topics:
Article with HTML formatting --- --- Back Orifice, SubSeven, etc.
Rootkits: This is the topic where the book describes how hackers use rootkits to hide their presence or activities on a compromised system. Some of these rootkits are FU, Hacker Defender, Knark, etc.
Spyware and keyloggers: This is the topic where the book describes how hackers use spyware and keyloggers to monitor or steal information from a compromised system. Some of these spyware and keyloggers are CoolWebSearch, Gator, Spector, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can detect or remove these malicious programs by using various methods such as antivirus software, antispyware software, antirootkit software, etc.
Part V: Covering Tracks
A summary of the fifth part of the book that covers various methods that hackers use to cover their tracks and avoid detection or attribution The fifth part of the book covers various methods that hackers use to cover their tracks and avoid detection or attribution. It covers the following topics:
Hiding files: This is the topic where the book demonstrates how hackers use various techniques to hide files on a compromised system such as steganography, encryption, alternate data streams, etc.
Anti-forensics: This is the topic where the book demonstrates how hackers use various techniques to destroy or alter evidence on a compromised system such as wiping, overwriting, timestamp manipulation, etc.
Log management and event correlation: This is the topic where the book explains how hackers use various techniques to evade or manipulate logs on a compromised system or network such as log forging, log deletion, log rotation, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can analyze or recover evidence by using various methods such as forensic tools, log analysis tools, event correlation tools, etc.
Part VI: Defenses
A summary of the sixth part of the book that covers various methods that defenders can use to protect their networks and systems from hackers The sixth part of the book covers various methods that defenders can use to protect their networks and systems from hackers. It covers the following topics:
Article with HTML formatting --- --- stateful firewalls, proxy firewalls, etc.
Intrusion detection systems: This is the topic where the book introduces intrusion detection systems and how they can be used to detect or prevent malicious activities on a network. It also discusses some common types of intrusion detection systems such as network-based IDS, host-based IDS, anomaly-based IDS, signature-based IDS, etc.
Honeypots and incident response: This is the topic where the book introduces honeypots and incident response and how they can be used to deceive or catch hackers on a network. It also discusses some common types of honeypots such as low-interaction honeypots, high-interaction honeypots, research honeypots, production honeypots, etc.
The chapter also explains how defenders can configure or deploy these security devices by using various methods such as firewall rules, IDS rules, honeypot software, etc.
Conclusion
A wrap-up of the main points of the book and the article In conclusion, Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses (2nd Edition) by Ed Skoudis and Tom Liston is a comprehensive and practical guide to hacking and defending networks and systems. It covers everything from the basics of TCP/IP protocols to the advanced methods of web application attacks. It teaches you how to use scanning tools, vulnerability scanners, password crackers, trojans, rootkits, spyware, anti-forensics, log management, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, honeypots, and incident response. It also provides real-world examples, case studies, exercises, quizzes, and challenges to test your knowledge and skills.
This book is not only for security professionals, but also for anyone who wants to learn more about network security. Whether you are a system administrator, a network engineer, a web developer, a student, or a hobbyist, you will find this book useful and informative. You will learn how to protect your network and systems from hackers by understanding their attacks and effective defenses.
FAQs
A list of 5 frequently asked questions and answers about the book or the topic Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the book or the topic:
Q: What is the difference between hacking and penetration testing?
A: Hacking is the act of breaking into a network or system without authorization or permission. Penetration testing is the act of testing a network or system for vulnerabilities or weaknesses with authorization or permission.
Q: What are some ethical issues related to hacking and penetration testing?
A: Some ethical issues related to hacking and penetration testing are:
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Penetration testing without proper scope, contract, or disclosure can cause damage, disruption, or liability to the target or the tester.
Hacking or penetration testing for malicious purposes can cause harm, loss, or crime to the target or the society.
Q: What are some skills or tools that are required for hacking or penetration testing?
A: Some skills or tools that are required for hacking or penetration testing are:
Knowledge of TCP/IP protocols and network architectures.
Knowledge of operating systems and application vulnerabilities and exploits.
Knowledge of security devices and countermeasures.
Ability to use scanning tools, vulnerability scanners, password crackers, trojans, rootkits, spyware, anti-forensics, log management, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, honeypots, and incident response tools.
Ability to think creatively and analytically.
Ability to communicate effectively and ethically.
Q: What are some resources or references that can help me learn more about hacking or penetration testing?
A: Some resources or references that can help you learn more about hacking or penetration testing are:
The book Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses (2nd Edition) by Ed Skoudis and Tom Liston.
The website https://www.counterhack.net/ that provides information, training, challenges, and events related to hacking and defending networks and systems.
The website https://www.hackthissite.org/ that provides a platform for learning and practicing hacking skills through various missions and projects.
The website https://www.hackthebox.eu/ that provides a platform for learning and practicing penetration testing skills through various labs and challenges.
Q: How can I get certified as a hacker or a penetration tester?
A: There are various certifications that you can get as a hacker or a penetration tester. Some of them are:
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council that validates your knowledge and skills in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification from Offensive Security that validates your ability to perform hands-on penetration testing on various scenarios and systems.
The Certified Penetration Tester (CPT) certification from IACRB that validates your ability to perform manual penetration testing on various domains and platforms.
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