Cyber Security Tools to Learn as a Newbie
As a beginner in cybersecurity, you might be wondering how you can hone your Cyber skills. We will provide with you a few tools you can utilize to start practicing.
WireShark
Wireshark is a free and open-source network protocol analyzer. It allows you to capture and analyze network traffic in real-time. To use Wireshark, simply download and install it on your computer, then start a capture session by selecting a network interface and clicking the "Start" button. You can then analyze the captured traffic using various filters and tools provided by Wireshark. It's important to note that capturing network traffic may require permission and could potentially violate privacy laws.
Nmap
Nmap is a powerful network exploration and security auditing tool. It allows you to discover hosts and services on a computer network, and create a "map" of the network. To use it, you can type "nmap" followed by the options and target(s) you want to scan in the command line interface. For example, "nmap -sS 192.168.1.1" will scan the host at IP address 192.168.1.1 using a TCP SYN scan.
Metasploit
Metasploit is a penetration testing tool used for testing vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It has a large database of exploits, payloads, and auxiliary modules that can be used to test and exploit vulnerabilities. To use it, you first need to install it on your computer and then use its command-line interface or web interface to select and run the modules that you want to use. It is important to note that Metasploit should only be used for ethical hacking and with the permission of the target system's owner.
Snort
Snort is a free and open-source network intrusion detection system (NIDS) that helps to detect and prevent cyber attacks. It works by analyzing network traffic in real-time and alerts the user when it detects suspicious activity. To use Snort, you need to download and install it on a computer or server, configure it to monitor your network traffic and set up alerts for any suspicious activity. You can also customize the rules to match your specific needs. Snort can be a powerful tool in protecting your network against cyber attacks, but it requires some technical expertise to set up and use effectively.
Where to use Tools?!
You may be wondering, How can I test these tools if I don't have any permission to scan a network?! We've got you. It's time to set up a home lab.
Cybersecurity Home Lab
To set up a cybersecurity home lab, you can start by installing a virtualization platform like VirtualBox or VMware, then download and install vulnerable operating systems like Metasploitable or OWASP WebGoat. You can also install vulnerable applications like Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA) or Mutillidae. Once you have your lab set up, you can practice security testing techniques and learn how to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities. It's important to note that practicing on your own lab is legal, but using these skills on other systems without permission is not.
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