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CompTIA PenTest+ Guide to Penetration Testing

By Rob S. Wilson

1st Edition © 2024
Discipline:Computing & Information Technology
Course:Information Security
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Cybersecurity attacks grow more complex every day. The first edition of Wilson's COMPTIA PENTEST+ GUIDE TO PENETRATION TESTING helps students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze systems in the same way hackers do, to identify vulnerabilities and to reduce security risks. All the information needed to successfully pass the CompTIA PenTest+ PTO-002 certification exam is included in this text. It contains detailed examples, projects, and hands-on activities where students can practice using the actual tools and methodologies needed to be a successful penetration tester. The author begins by exploring the concept of penetration testing and the second module of the book walks students through the process of building their own penetration testing lab of virtual machines. The final module of the course brings everything together with a final project, which guides the reader in the creation of a penetration testing report that includes all the areas covered in earlier modules.

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AboutTable of contentsResourcesPricing & formatsRelated products

About this product

Cybersecurity attacks grow more complex every day. The first edition of Wilson's COMPTIA PENTEST+ GUIDE TO PENETRATION TESTING helps students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze systems in the same way hackers do, to identify vulnerabilities and to reduce security risks. All the information needed to successfully pass the CompTIA PenTest+ PTO-002 certification exam is included in this text. It contains detailed examples, projects, and hands-on activities where students can practice using the actual tools and methodologies needed to be a successful penetration tester. The author begins by exploring the concept of penetration testing and the second module of the book walks students through the process of building their own penetration testing lab of virtual machines. The final module of the course brings everything together with a final project, which guides the reader in the creation of a penetration testing report that includes all the areas covered in earlier modules.

Module objectives -- Each module begins with a detailed list of the concepts to master. This list gives you a quick reference to the module’s contents and serves as a useful study aid.

Figures and tables -- Numerous screenshots show you how to use security tools, including command-line tools, and how to create programs. In addition, a variety of diagrams aid you in visualizing important concepts. Tables present information in an organized, easy-to-grasp manner.

Hands-on activities -- One of the best ways to reinforce learning about network security and security testing is to practice using the many tools security testers use. Hands-on activities are interspersed throughout each module to give you practice in applying what you have learned.

A Penetration Testing Lab -- Module 2 walks you through the process of building a lab of virtual machines, hosted on your own computer, that is used for practicing the use of pen testing tools and methodologies.

Table of contents

Chapters

Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Introduction
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Module 1. Introduction to Penetration Testing*Preview this chapter
Module 1. Level Up - Introduction to Penetration Testing
Module 2. Setting Up a Penetration Testing Lab
Module 2. Level Up - Setting Up a Penetration Testing Lab
Module 3. Planning and Scoping
Module 3. Level Up - Engagement Management
Module 4. Information Gathering
Module 4. Level Up - Reporting and Communication
Module 5. Performing Vulnerability Scanning
Module 5. Level Up - Reconnaissance and Enumeration
Module 6. Exploitation Methods and Tools
Module 6. Level Up - Performing Vulnerability Scanning
Module 7. Network Attacks and Attack Vectors
Module 7. Level Up - Exploitation Methods and Tools
Module 8. Wireless and Specialized Systems Attack Vectors and Attacks
Module 8. Level Up - Network Attacks and Attack Vectors
Module 9. Application-Based Attack Vectors and Attacks
Module 9. Level Up - Wireless and Specialized Systems Attack Vectors and Attacks
Module 10. Host Attack Vectors and Cloud Technologies Attacks
Module 10. Level Up - Application-Based Attack Vectors and Attacks
Module 11. Social Engineering and Physical Attacks
Module 11. Level Up - Host Attack Vectors and Cloud Technologies Attacks
Module 12. Reporting and Communication
Module 12. Level Up - Social Engineering and Physical Attacks
Module 13. Writing and Understanding Code
Module 13. Level Up - Writing and Understanding Code
Module 14. The Final Penetration-Testing Project
Module 14. Level Up - The Final Penetration-Testing Project
Appendix A. CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002) Exam Objective Mapping
Show more

Module 1. Introduction to Penetration TestingPreview this chapter ↗

What, Why, When, How, and Who?
Preview this section ↗
What Is Penetration Testing? ↗
Why Do Security Professionals Pen Test? ↗
When Do Security Professionals Conduct Pen Tests? ↗
How Do Security Professionals Pen Test? ↗
Who Performs Pen Tests? ↗
CIA, DAD, and the Hacker Mindset
Preview this section ↗
The Hacker Mindset and Ethical Hacking ↗
Ethical Hacking Guidelines ↗
The Pen-Test Teams and Other Stakeholders
Preview this section ↗
Red Team ↗
Blue Team ↗
Purple Team ↗
Other Stakeholders ↗
The Pen-Test Process
Preview this section ↗
Planning and Scoping ↗
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning ↗
Attacking and Exploiting ↗
Reporting and Communicating Results ↗
The Cyber Kill Chain ↗
The Pen-Test Toolkit
Preview this section ↗
Scanners ↗
Credential Testing Tools ↗
Debuggers ↗
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) ↗
Wireless Tools ↗
Web Application Tools ↗
Social Engineering Tools ↗
Remote Access Tools ↗
Network Tools ↗
Miscellaneous ↗
Steganography Tools ↗
Cloud Tools ↗
Summary ↗
Key Terms ↗
Review Questions ↗
Case Projects ↗
Show more

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