Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

By Alexander Afriyie

Introduction

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training is an advanced course designed to help professionals understand how to recognize and combat threats posed by malicious hackers. The curriculum focuses on teaching participants the tools and techniques used by malicious hackers so that they can be used to defend networks and systems from potential attacks.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of topics such as Foot printing & Reconnaissance, Scanning Networks, System Hacking, Malware Threats, Sniffing, Social Engineering, Denial-of-Service Attacks, Session Hijacking etc., as well as other security measures necessary to protect information systems.

Participants will be equipped with valuable skills needed to detect and respond appropriately to complex network security threats.

This included Likely Job Interview Questions and answers asked during Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Job Interview.

It also inculcated Cover letters and resume.

Objectives

1. Gain an in-depth understanding of the tools and techniques used by malicious hackers.

2. Learn how to identify, mitigate, and respond to security threats on networks and systems.

3. Become proficient in scanning networks for vulnerabilities, foot printing, and system hacking techniques.

4. Understand malware analysis processes, cryptography concepts, access control mechanisms, web application security principles, wireless network attacks and cloud computing platforms security threats.

5. Develop the ability to create reports on the accumulated data describing potential risks within a network or computer system infrastructure that may be exploited by a real attacker.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexander Afriyie
• Release date: Aug 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223126256

Book preview

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Introduction

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training is an advanced course designed to help professionals understand how to recognize and combat threats posed by malicious hackers. The curriculum focuses on teaching participants the tools and techniques used by malicious hackers so that they can be used to defend networks and systems from potential attacks.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of topics such as Foot printing & Reconnaissance, Scanning Networks, System Hacking, Malware Threats, Sniffing, Social Engineering, Denial-of-Service Attacks, Session Hijacking etc., as well as other security measures necessary to protect information systems.

Participants will be equipped with valuable skills needed to detect and respond appropriately to complex network security threats.

This included Likely Job Interview Questions and answers asked during Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Job Interview.

It also inculcated Cover letters and resume.

Objectives

1. Gain an in-depth understanding of the tools and techniques used by malicious hackers.

2. Learn how to identify, mitigate, and respond to security threats on networks and systems.

3. Become proficient in scanning networks for vulnerabilities, foot printing, and system hacking techniques.

4. Understand malware analysis processes, cryptography concepts, access control mechanisms, web application security principles, wireless network attacks and cloud computing platforms security threats.

5. Develop the ability to create reports on the accumulated data describing potential risks within a network or computer system infrastructure that may be exploited by a real attacker.

Course Outline

Module 1: Knowledge of Operating systems including Windows, Linux/Unix, iOS & Android. Basic programming skills are beneficial but not required. 

Module 2 – Introduction to Ethical Hacking & Network Security Terminology

-Basics of ethical hacking, information security controls, relevant laws, and standard

-Elements of Information Security

-Understand network security threats and vulnerabilities

- Execute threat analysis strategies using risk assessment techniques   

- Implement various approaches for vulnerability assessment

-Cyber Kill Chain Methodology

-MITRE ATT&CK Framework

-Hacker Classes, Ethical Hacking

-Information Assurance (IA)

-Risk Management

-Incident Management

-PCI DSS

-HIPPA

-SOX

-GDPR

Module 3 – Foot printing & Reconnaissance

-Techniques and tools to perform foot printing and reconnaissance, a critical pre-attack phase of the ethical hacking process.

-Perform foot printing on the target network using search engines, web services, and social networking sites

-Perform website, email, whois, DNS, and network foot printing on the target

network

Module 4 – Scanning Networks

-Scan networks using various scanning tools 

-The fundamentals of key issues in the information security world, including the

basics of ethical hacking, information security controls, relevant laws, and standard

-Perform host, port, service, and OS discovery on the target network

-Perform scanning on the target network beyond IDS and firewall

Module 5: Enumeration

-Various enumeration techniques, such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)

-Network File Sharing (NFS) exploits, plus associated countermeasures.

-Perform NetBIOS, SNMP, LDAP, NFS, DNS, SMTP, RPC, SMB, and FTP

Module 6: Vulnerability Analysis

-Perform vulnerability research using vulnerability scoring systems and databases

-Identify security loopholes in a target organization’s network, communication infrastructure, and end systems.

-Perform vulnerability assessment using various vulnerability assessment tools

Module 7– System Hacking & Cracking Passwords

-Learn about the various system hacking methodologies—including steganography,

steganalysis attacks and covering tracks—used to discover system and network vulnerabilities.

-Perform hacking attacks such as buffer overflows and privilege escalation 

- Gain access to systems using passwords cracks, Trojan horses, and other attack methods 

-Perform Online active online attack to crack the system’s password.

-Perform buffer overflow attack to gain access to a remote system.

-Escalate privileges using privilege escalation tools.

-Escalate privileges in Linux machine

-Hide data using steganography

-Clear Windows and Linux machine logs using various utilities.

-Hiding artifacts in Windows and Linux machines.

Module 8 – Sniffing - Monitor Communications on the Network

-Learn about packet-sniffing techniques and how to use them to discover network

vulnerabilities, as well as countermeasures to defend against sniffing attacks.

-Perform MAC flooding, ARP poisoning, MITM and DHCP starvation attack.

-Spoof a MAC address of Linux machine.

-Perform network sniffing using various sniffing tools.

-Detect ARP poisoning in a switch-based network.

-Network Sniffing

-Wiretapping

-MAC Flooding

-DHCP Starvation Attack

-ARP Spoofing Attack

-ARP Poisoning

-ARP Poisoning Tools

-MAC Spoofing

-STP Attack

-DNS Poisoning

-DNS Poisoning Tools

-Sniffing Tools

-Sniffer Detection Techniques

-Promiscuous Detection Tools

Module 9: Malware Threats

-Malware

-Components of Malware

-The different types of malwares, such as Trojans, viruses, and worms, as well as system auditing for malware attacks, malware analysis, and countermeasures.

-Gain control over a victim machine using Trojan

-Infect the target system using a virus

-Perform static and dynamic malware analysis

-APT

-Trojan

-Types of Trojans

-Exploit Kits

-Virus

-Virus Lifecycle

-Types of Viruses

-Ransomware

-Computer Worms

-Fileless Malware

-Malware Analysis

-Static Malware Analysis

-Dynamic Malware Analysis

-Virus Detection Methods

-Trojan Analysis

-Virus Analysis

-Fileless Malware Analysis

-Anti-Trojan Software

-Antivirus Software

-Fileless Malware Detection Tools

Module 10 - Social Engineering Techniques

-Social engineering concepts and techniques, including how to identify theft

attempts, audit human-level vulnerabilities, and suggest social engineering.  And countermeasures.

-Social Engineering

-Types of Social Engineering

-Perform social engineering using Various.

-Spoof a MAC address of a Linux machine.

-Detect a phishing attack.

-Audit an organization’s security for phishing attacks.

-Phishing

-Phishing Tools

-Insider Threats/Insider Attacks

-Identity Theft

Module 11– Denial of Service Attacks

-Different Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS) attack

techniques, as well as the tools used to audit a target and devise DoS and DDoS

countermeasures and protections.

-Perform a DoS and DDoS attack on a target host.

-Detect and protect against DoS and DDoS attacks.

-DoS Attack

-DDoS Attack

-Botnets

-DoS/DDoS Attack Techniques

-DoS/DDoS Attack Tools

-DoS/DDoS Attack Detection Techniques

-DoS/DDoS Protection Tools

Module 12 - Session Hijacking & Stealing Data

-Session Hijacking

-Types of Session Hijacking

-The various session hijacking techniques used to discover network-level

session management, authentication, authorization, and cryptographic weaknesses

and associated countermeasures.

-Perform session hijacking using various tools.

-Detect session hijacking

-Spoofing

-Application-Level Session Hijacking

-Man-in-the-Browser Attack

-Client-side Attacks

-Session Replay Attacks

-Session Fixation Attack

-CRIME Attack

-Network Level Session Hijacking

-TCP/IP Hijacking

-Session Hijacking Tools

-Session Hijacking Detection Methods

-Session Hijacking Prevention Tools

Module 13– Evading IDS, Firewalls &Honeypots

-Introduced to firewall, intrusion detection system, and honeypot evasion

techniques: the tools used to audit a network perimeter for weaknesses; and

countermeasures.

-Bypass Windows Firewall

-Bypass firewall rules using tunneling (

-Bypass antivirus

-Honeypots & Honeynets

-Packet Manipulation Trapping / Spoofing 

Module 14: Hacking Web Servers

-Web server attacks, including a comprehensive attack methodology

used to audit vulnerabilities in web server infrastructures and countermeasures.

-Perform web server reconnaissance using various tools.

-Enumerate web server information

-Crack FTP credentials using a dictionary attack.

-Web Server Operations

-Web Server Attacks

-DNS Server Hijacking

-Website Defacement

-Web Cache Poisoning Attack

-Web Server Attack Methodology

-Web Server Attack Tools

-Web Server Security Tools

-Patch Management

-Patch Management Tools

Module 15: Hacking Web Applications

-Web application attacks, including a comprehensive web application hacking methodology used to audit vulnerabilities in web applications and countermeasures.

-Web Application Architecture

-Web Application Threats

-OWASP Top 10 Application Security Risks

-Web Application Hacking Methodology

-Web API

-Webhooks and Web Shell

-Web API Hacking Methodology

-Web Application Security

-Perform web application reconnaissance using various tools

-Perform web spidering

-Perform web application vulnerability scanning

-Perform a brute-force attack

-Perform Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Attack

-Identify XSS vulnerabilities in web applications

-Detect web application vulnerabilities using various web application security tools

Module 16: SQL Injection

-Types of SQL injection

-Blind SQL Injection

-SQL Injection Methodology

-SQL Injection Tools

-SQL injection attack techniques

-Signature Evasion Techniques

-SQL Injection Detection Tools

-countermeasures to detect and defend against SQL injection attempts.

-Perform an SQL injection attack against MSSQL to extract databases

-Detect SQL injection vulnerabilities using various SQL injection detection

tools

Module 17: Hacking Wireless Networks

-Wireless encryption, wireless hacking methodologies and tools, and Wi-Fi security tools

-Foot Print a wireless network.

-Perform wireless traffic analysis

-Crack WEP, WPA, and WPA2 networks

-Create a rogue access point to capture data packets

-Wireless Terminology

-Wireless Networks

-Wireless Encryption

-Wireless Threats

-Wireless Hacking Methodology

-Wi-Fi Encryption Cracking

-WEP/WPA/WPA2 Cracking Tools

-Bluetooth Hacking

-Bluetooth Threats

-Wi-Fi Security Auditing Tools

-Bluetooth Security Tools

Module 18: Hacking Mobile Platforms

-Mobile platform attack vectors, Android vulnerability exploits, and mobile security guidelines and tools.

-Hack an Android device by creating binary payloads

-Exploit the Android platform through ADB

-Hack an Android device by creating APK file

-Secure Android devices using various Android security tools

-Mobile Platform Attack Vectors

-OWASP Top 10 Mobile Controls

-OWASP Top 10 Mobile Risks

-App Sandboxing, SMS Phishing Attack (SMiShing)

-Android Rooting

-Hacking Android Devices

-Android Security Tools

-Jailbreaking iOS

-Hacking iOS Devices

-iOS Device Security Tools

-Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Module 19: IoT and OT Hacking

-Packet-sniffing techniques and how to use them to discover network vulnerabilities, as well as countermeasures to defend against sniffing attacks.

-Gather information using Online foot printing tools.

-Capture and analyze IoT device traffic.

-IoT Architecture

-IoT Communication Models

-OWASP Top 10 IoT Threats

-IoT Vulnerabilities

-IoT Hacking Methodology

-IoT Hacking Tools

-IoT Security Tools

-IT/OT Convergence (IIOT)

-ICS/SCADA, OT Vulnerabilities

-OT Attacks

-OT Hacking Methodology

-OT Hacking Tools

-OT Security Tools

Module 20: Cloud Computing

-Types of Cloud Computing Services

-Cloud Deployment Models

-Cloud computing concepts

-Container technologies and server less computing

-Cloud-based threats and attacks

-Cloud security techniques and tools.

-Cloud Service Providers

-Cloud Attacks

-Cloud Hacking

-Cloud Network Security

-Cloud Security Controls

-Fog and Edge Computing

-Docker

-Kubernetes

-Container and Kubernetes Vulnerabilities

-Perform S3 Bucket enumeration using various S3 bucket enumeration tools

-Exploit open S3 buckets

-Escalate IAM user privileges by exploiting misconfigured user policy

-OWASP Top 10 Cloud Security Risks

Module 21: Cryptography

-Cryptography and ciphers, public-key infrastructure, cryptography attacks, and cryptanalysis tools.

-Encryption Algorithms

-Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

-Email Encryption

-Disk Encryption

-Key Stretching

-Calculate MD5 hashes

-Perform file and text message encryption

-Create and use self-signed certificates

-Perform email and disk encryption

-Perform cryptanalysis using various cryptanalysis tools

-MD5 and MD6 Hash Calculators

Module 22: Likely Job Interview Questions and answers asked during Job Interview

Module 23: Cover letters and Resumes.

Module 1: Knowledge of Operating systems

Computer Operating Systems are the foundation on which all computer applications and programs are built. They provide a platform for managing hardware resources, such as memory, processing power, and disk space. Operating systems also provide users with an interface that allows them to interact with their computer hardware and software.

The primary role of an operating system is to manage the resources of a computer system. This includes managing input/output (I/O) devices such as keyboards, printers, graphics cards, and disks; network connections; device drivers; memory management; file systems; job scheduling; security protocols; and user accounts. The operating system also manages processes running on the computer by providing multiprogramming capabilities and processor scheduling algorithms.

In addition to resource management capabilities, many operating systems offer user-friendly features designed to enable end users to interact with their computers more easily. These features include windows-based graphical user interfaces (GUIs), menu-driven interfaces, command line interpreters (CLIs), help screens, wizards, drag & drop capabilities, context menus, shortcut keys and desktop icons & shortcuts.  All of these features make it much easier to use a computer so they are essential components of most modern operating systems.

To ensure reliability and security for computer systems, advanced versions of operating systems also include access control mechanisms such as authentication protocols (RADIUS/TACACS+), authorization methods (role-based access control) encryption technologies (AES/Triple DES); logging & auditing tools (syslog); intrusion detection methods (host or network based IDS/IPS); patch management solutions that automatically install updates or service packs for installed applications; antivirus protection tools; backup & restore software; firewalls that monitor incoming/outgoing traffic flows; virtualization technologies that allow multiple application instances to run concurrently within a single piece of hardware equipment; and remote administration capabilities that allow users to access their computers from afar using remote desktop software or specialized VPNs apps such as OpenVPN Client or Windows Remote Desktop Protocols.

By possessing extensive knowledge about these various types of Computer Operating Systems features & capabilities IT professionals can successfully identify problems quickly in order to keep businesses up and running smoothly at all times – thus ensuring highest level of customer satisfaction levels at all times!

Windows, Linux/Unix, iOS & Android.

Windows: Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation with a graphical user interface (GUI). It is used in both personal computers and servers. Windows allows users to access applications, data, and other resources that are stored on the computer's hard drive or on other types of storage media. It also enables users to interact with peripherals such as printers, modems, CD-ROM drives, scanners, and more. Additionally, Windows has built-in support for networking technologies like TCP/IP and various client/server applications.

Linux/Unix: Linux/Unix is an open-source operating system originally developed in the 1970s by AT&T Bell Labs. It was designed to be a multi-user environment that could support multiple tasks simultaneously. With a text-based interface for command line input, Linux provides both simplicity and power to its users for handling complex processes and tasks. It includes software packages for word processing, web browsing, database management systems (DBMS), email clients, image manipulation programs, printing services, and much more. Besides its extensive application capabilities, it boasts strong security features like authentication and Access Control Lists which makes it attractive not only in commercial but also in educational settings.

iOS: iOS is an operating system created exclusively for Apple mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. It can be thought of as the ‘digital backbone’ of these devices since almost all functions performed on them require iOS to function properly. iOS enables the user to carry out various basic activities including making phone calls; sending emails; playing music; taking photos; recording videos; managing contacts; browsing the internet; downloading apps from the iTunes store; using GPS navigation etcetera—all from their mobile device. On top of this foundation layer of features Apple has released its own suite of productivity suites such as iWork which further extends the usability of such devices even further into professional use cases.

Android: Android is an open-source mobile operating system created by Google Inc., based on a modified version of Linux kernel specifically designed for touch screen devices such as smartphones or tablets. Android offers amazing customization opportunities due to its vast range of app stores offered which can completely redefine how one utilizes their device based on their needs or preferences at any given moment in time–from providing news updates through popular apps like Flipboard or being able to order food delivery quickly with Grubhub’s app – Android covers it all! Furthermore, compared to other popular mobile OSes Android also boasts superior hardware support allowing developers to push out advanced games with immersive graphics as well as offering improved power efficiency– resulting in longer battery lives than competitors offer via their products sometimes coupled with lower costs involved too!

Basic programming skills are beneficial but not required. 

Basic programming skills can be highly beneficial to anyone working in an IT or computer science related field, although they are not absolutely required. Despite this, having a good understanding of fundamental programming concepts can make the job easier and more efficient.

If one knows how to write basic code, then they can quickly debug problems and get systems up and running correctly in a timely manner.

Furthermore, larger scale projects such as software development require strong coding knowledge in order to create robust applications that adhere to rigorous standards.

It is important to note that the necessary skills vary based on the type of programming language used. For instance, understanding Object-Oriented Programming techniques may be needed for a C++ project but not for a web application written with HTML or JavaScript.

It is also essential for individuals to have a comprehensive understanding of database structure and query writing if they are tasked with retrieving data from an SQL server. General knowledge of different types of operating systems might be useful too depending on what types of services will be deployed after development is complete.

Overall, basic programming skills are beneficial but by no means necessary for someone interested in entering the IT field; however, it certainly doesn't hurt to become familiar with some basic coding basics before trying out the professional world!

Module 2 – Introduction to Ethical Hacking & Network Security Terminology

Introduction to Ethical Hacking & Network Security Terminology is a comprehensive guide to understanding the terminology related to ethical hacking and network security. Through this guide, readers will gain an understanding of concepts such as vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, incident response and more. In addition, readers will learn about the various protocols and technologies used in ethical hacking and network security.

The goal of this guide is to provide a straightforward explanation of the terminology associated with ethical hacking and network security. This includes definitions of key terms such as access control system, authentication protocol, buffer overflow attack, digital signature algorithm, encryption algorithm and more. The reader will also gain an understanding of how these concepts are applied in real-world situations by exploring examples that demonstrate their use within ethical hacking scenarios.

Furthermore, advanced topics such as honeypots and malware analysis are discussed in detail so readers can better understand how hackers take advantage of vulnerabilities in order to gain access to systems without proper authorization. Additionally, different methods for detecting malicious activity on networks will be discussed along with best practices for ensuring secure networks against malicious attacks.

By reading this guide, readers will gain a comprehensive overview of essential concepts related to ethical hacking and network security terminology. Through this knowledge base they will be able to perform their own vulnerability assessments or penetration tests while ensuring that all precautions have been taken in order to maintain system integrity.

Basics of ethical hacking

Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, is an important practice of identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities in a computer system or network. Ethical hackers strive to use the same techniques as malicious hackers with the intention of finding weaknesses that can be mitigated in order to protect the system or network from attack.

To begin, ethical hackers must first understand the target environment’s environment thoroughly so they are aware of how different components interact and what security protocols are already in place. This step allows them to determine where best to focus their efforts.

Once an ethical hacker has familiarized themselves with the target's infrastructure, they will conduct various types of scans which allow them to identify vulnerable areas that may be subject to attack. Common scanning methods include port scanning, vulnerability scanning, password cracking and application testing. After these scans are completed, ethical hackers then assess any findings for risks and corrective actions needed before any malicious action can occur.

Next up is penetration testing which is a key component in ethical hacking because it allows attackers to simulate actual attacks on a system or network using learned skills on how vulnerable points can be exploited. During this step, ethical hackers run various exploits against identified targets in order to gain access or control over the target systems or networks. The purpose here is not necessarily for damage but instead observation of what would happen if malicious code was executed against that system or network.

Finally, once all tests have been conducted, it’s time for reporting feedback regarding any risks found during the process as well as suggested solutions for those risks. As part of this process, it’s crucial for ethical hackers to communicate their findings clearly so non-technical stakeholders within an organization can understand their importance and take action when necessary. By having a complete report detailing all findings and alerting on areas where further exploration may be required enables organizations develop comprehensive security plans that offer maximum protection while adhering to corporate policies and compliance regulations at all times.

Information security controls

Information security controls are procedures, processes, tools, and techniques designed to protect information from unauthorized access and use. They are typically implemented through a combination of hardware, software, and policy-based methods.

Hardware security controls are used to physically protect information assets such as servers or laptops. These include firewalls, disk encryption systems, secure facilities for data storage and handling, and physical locks on computers and peripherals.

Software security controls consist of protective measures taken in applications or operating systems that restrict access to certain files or features based on user credentials. Examples of these controls include password protection mechanisms, digital certificates for authentication purposes, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for web transactions, and anti-virus programs to detect malicious code.

Policy-based security controls refer to the organization’s policies related to the handling of sensitive or confidential information. These may include acceptable use policies (AUPs) that regulate employee behavior when accessing company resources; incident response protocols outlining steps taken in case of a security breach; roles and responsibilities regarding data ownership; staff training on security awareness; and the backup and archiving of important documents.

In order to effectively safeguard an organization’s data assets, each type of control must be utilized together in an integrated fashion. Security teams must also take into consideration external threats such as hackers or malware that can exploit weaknesses in technology systems without any insider assistance; as such it is important to carefully assess current risk levels within an enterprise before deciding which particular combination of measures will best mitigate those risks going forward.

Relevant laws, and standard

The Relevant Laws and Standards in Hacking vary by country, but in the United States, several federal statutes are applicable to the act of hacking. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) makes it illegal for any person to access a computer without authorization or surpass authorized access. Under this Act, those that intentionally damage computers such as websites or other networks may face criminal charges.

In addition, the Electronic Communication Privacy Act (ECPA) protects individuals from unlawful electronic surveillance such as wiretapping or hacking of their personal accounts. This also prohibits using hardware devices or software programs to unlawfully intercept communications made over the Internet.

Finally, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53 outlines controls applicable to organizations that must protect their sensitive information. Organizations must implement technical policies and security practices in order to limit unauthorized access while maintaining appropriate authentication requirements. For example, NIST recommends encrypting sensitive data when transmitting it via email or through other means within an organization’s network architecture. Furthermore, organizations should be sure to monitor data flows and log user activity for potential intrusion attempts.

Elements of Information Security

Information security is a critical component of organizational success in today’s digital environment. It involves the protection of information and systems from unauthorized access, manipulation, or destruction. The elements of information security are composed of four main components: confidentiality, integrity, availability, and authentication.

Confidentiality refers to ensuring that important data or other sensitive information is protected from access by those who do