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            <![CDATA[ pentesting - freeCodeCamp.org ]]>
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            <![CDATA[ Browse thousands of programming tutorials written by experts. Learn Web Development, Data Science, DevOps, Security, and get developer career advice. ]]>
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                <![CDATA[ pentesting - freeCodeCamp.org ]]>
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                <title>
                    <![CDATA[ Penetration Testing — Services vs Automated Platforms: What’s Better in 2026? ]]>
                </title>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[ In 2026, cybersecurity teams face more threats than ever before. Attack surfaces are broad, technology stacks are complex, and adversaries are quick to exploit weak points. Against this backdrop, comp ]]>
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                <link>https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/penetration-testing-services-vs-automated-platforms-what-is-better/</link>
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                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ Security ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ cybersecurity ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ pentesting ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ automation ]]>
                    </category>
                
                <dc:creator>
                    <![CDATA[ Manish Shivanandhan ]]>
                </dc:creator>
                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:54:26 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <![CDATA[ <p>In 2026, cybersecurity teams face more threats than ever before.</p>
<p>Attack surfaces are broad, technology stacks are complex, and adversaries are quick to exploit weak points.</p>
<p>Against this backdrop, companies must decide how best to test their defences.</p>
<p>Two main approaches have emerged as leaders: human-led penetration testing services and automated testing platforms. Each has strengths and limitations. Choosing the right one depends on your security goals, risk tolerance, and budget.</p>
<p>At its core, <a href="https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/security/glossary/what-is-penetration-testing/">penetration testing</a> is about finding security holes before attackers do. But how you get there matters.</p>
<p>Human experts bring creativity and real-world insight, while automated platforms offer scale and speed.</p>
<p>This article explores both approaches and compares top providers to help you decide what’s better for your organization in 2026.</p>
<h3 id="heading-what-well-cover">What we'll cover:</h3>
<ol>
<li><p><a href="#heading-what-are-penetration-testing-services">What Are Penetration Testing Services?</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-what-are-automated-penetration-testing-platforms">What Are Automated Penetration Testing Platforms?</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-why-the-debate-matters-in-2026">Why the Debate Matters in 2026</a></p>
<ul>
<li><p><a href="#heading-depth-of-testing-humans-vs-machines">Depth of Testing: Humans vs Machines</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-speed-and-frequency-of-testing">Speed and Frequency of Testing</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-cost-considerations">Cost Considerations</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-integration-with-security-workflows">Integration with Security Workflows</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-real-world-context-top-providers-in-2026">Real World Context: Top Providers in 2026</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-compliance-and-reporting">Compliance and Reporting</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-which-one-should-you-choose-in-2026">Which One Should You Choose in 2026?</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="#heading-final-thoughts">Final Thoughts</a></p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="heading-what-are-penetration-testing-services">What Are Penetration Testing Services?</h2>
<p>Penetration testing services are engagements where cybersecurity professionals actively probe your systems to find vulnerabilities. These experts use a mix of tools, manual techniques, and real-world attack simulations to surface weaknesses that machines might miss.</p>
<p>These services may include scheduled tests, one-time assessments, and ongoing engagements. Many providers tailor their approach to the environment being tested, whether that’s a corporate network, web application, cloud infrastructure, or mobile ecosystem.</p>
<p>Human testers think like attackers, combining automated scans with logic and adaptability that machines cannot replicate on their own.</p>
<p>These engagements are typically measured in reports, debrief sessions, and clear remediation guidance. The human element is the defining factor. A skilled tester doesn’t just find flaws. They understand context, creative exploit paths, and business impact.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-are-automated-penetration-testing-platforms">What Are Automated Penetration Testing Platforms?</h2>
<p>Automated penetration testing platforms use software to scan, crawl, and test systems for vulnerabilities. These platforms run scheduled scans or continuous assessments with minimal human intervention. They aim to find flaws early and often, integrating with development pipelines or security operations centers.</p>
<p>Automation brings consistency, speed, and the ability to repeat tests frequently. Many modern platforms use machine learning to prioritize findings and reduce noise. Some offer automation rules that trigger scans based on changes in the environment or codebase.</p>
<p>In contrast to full manual services, platforms are best suited for ongoing baseline assessments and rapid feedback. They are often priced in subscription models and integrate with other tooling like bug tracking systems or <a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/siem">SIEMs</a>. While they can pinpoint known vulnerability patterns efficiently, automated tools are limited in creative attack paths and logic-based exploits.</p>
<h2 id="heading-why-the-debate-matters-in-2026">Why the Debate Matters in&nbsp;2026</h2>
<p>In 2026, the cybersecurity landscape is both more advanced and more hazardous. Organizations operate hybrid clouds, microservices architectures, and complex supply chains.</p>
<p>Threat actors are using AI to scale attacks. In this environment, the question is not only about finding old vulnerabilities but anticipating novel attack methods.</p>
<p>With limited resources, security leaders must choose wisely. Do you invest heavily in services with human experts? Do you adopt automated platforms that test continuously?</p>
<p>Maybe a mix is best. To answer these questions, let’s explore how the two approaches compare across key criteria.</p>
<h3 id="heading-depth-of-testing-humans-vs-machines">Depth of Testing: Humans vs&nbsp;Machines</h3>
<p>Human-led penetration tests shine when deep context and logic are required. Expert testers can chain together multiple issues to compromise a system in ways automated tools don't anticipate. They explore paths, think creatively, and adapt in real time to the environment they encounter.</p>
<p>Automated platforms excel at breadth and repetition. They perform wide sweeps of systems quickly and can generate alerts on common vulnerability classes. They're particularly strong in repetitive tasks like scanning hundreds of endpoints or validating compliance controls.</p>
<p>But platforms often rely on predefined signatures and patterns. They perform poorly when an exploit requires intuition or lateral thinking.</p>
<p>In simple terms, human services dig deep while platforms dig wide.</p>
<h3 id="heading-speed-and-frequency-of-testing">Speed and Frequency of&nbsp;Testing</h3>
<p>Automated platforms have a clear advantage in speed and frequency. They can run multiple scans in parallel, test after every code commit, and provide almost immediate feedback. This makes them ideal for DevOps pipelines and agile environments that change daily.</p>
<p>Penetration testing services, by design, occur on a schedule. A quarterly or annual test may be thorough, but it cannot match the cadence that automated tools provide.</p>
<p>Manual tests take time to plan, execute, and analyze. In fast-moving environments, this might leave gaps between testing windows.</p>
<p>For many organizations, automation fills these gaps, while manual testing provides periodic, deep insight.</p>
<h3 id="heading-cost-considerations">Cost Considerations</h3>
<p>Cost is always a factor. Automated platforms generally come with lower upfront costs compared to human-led engagements. Subscriptions scale with usage and provide continuous assessment for a predictable price. This makes them appealing to midsize companies or teams with limited budgets.</p>
<p>Penetration testing services, especially from reputable consultancies, command higher fees. These reflect labor costs, expertise, and the bespoke nature of the work.</p>
<p>However, the value gained is often more than just flaw detection: it’s expert interpretation, custom exploitation paths, and strategic guidance.</p>
<p>In cost-benefit terms, automated platforms provide the most value per dollar for baseline security, while services deliver high-value insight that can justify a higher cost.</p>
<h3 id="heading-integration-with-security-workflows">Integration with Security Workflows</h3>
<p>Automated platforms are built to integrate with broader security tooling. They often connect to continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, vulnerability management platforms, and ticketing systems. This integration ensures that issues are communicated to the teams who need them most and tracked to resolution.</p>
<p>Penetration testing services can integrate into workflows too, but this usually requires additional coordination. Reports must be ingested into tracking systems and aligned with internal priorities. Some providers offer APIs and extended services that help bridge this gap, but the process typically takes more effort than with automated platforms.</p>
<p>Integration matters because security cannot operate in isolation. Automated platforms fit more naturally into modern DevSecOps workflows, while services provide episodic insights that must be planned and bridged into operations.</p>
<h2 id="heading-real-world-context-top-providers-in-2026">Real World Context: Top Providers in&nbsp;2026</h2>
<p>To illustrate how these approaches manifest in practice, consider a few leading options. Each provider offers different strengths in manual services or automated tooling.</p>
<p>One such provider is <a href="https://xbow.com/pentest">XBOW</a>. XBOW is known for deep manual testing engagements, combining expert human testers with structured methodologies across network, application, and cloud environments. Their work emphasizes real-world attack simulations and strategic risk reporting.</p>
<p>Another well-known provider is <a href="https://www.cobalt.io/">Cobalt</a>. Cobalt blends human expertise with platform-based management. Their Pentest as a Service (PtaaS) model connects testers to client environments through a platform that organizes findings, workflows, and communication. Clients can collaborate with testers, track issues in real time, and integrate results with other systems.</p>
<p>A different model comes from <a href="https://www.synack.com/">Synack</a>. Synack uses a crowd of vetted testers who work with a secure testing platform. This hybrid model aims to combine the creativity of human testers with the scalability and tracking of automated systems. Clients benefit from diverse testing styles and coordinated reporting within a structured platform.</p>
<p>Each of these approaches has merit. Some lean more toward pure services, others toward platform-driven collaboration. Your choice should align with your security maturity and goals.</p>
<h2 id="heading-compliance-and-reporting">Compliance and Reporting</h2>
<p>For regulated industries, compliance matters. Automated platforms often include reporting features that map directly to standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. These reports can be generated on a regular cadence and integrated into audit evidence.</p>
<p>Penetration testing services provide compliance support too, but the reports are typically narrative and bespoke. The real value is in expert interpretation of compliance requirements and guidance on remediating complex findings.</p>
<p>In essence, automation provides structured, repeatable reporting, while services deliver customized insights that may carry more weight with auditors and internal stakeholders.</p>
<h2 id="heading-which-one-should-you-choose-in-2026">Which One Should You Choose in&nbsp;2026?</h2>
<p>There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Many organizations adopt both approaches. Automated platforms serve as the first line of defense by continuously scanning for known issues and tracking progress over time. Human-led services then provide a deeper second layer, uncovering complex issues and offering strategic guidance.</p>
<p>If your environment is highly dynamic, with frequent releases and evolving infrastructure, an automated platform is essential. If you operate in a high-risk sector where attackers are likely to craft bespoke exploits, human-led penetration testing services are indispensable.</p>
<p>Most mature security programs use both. Automation drives frequency and scale. Human services provide depth and insight. Together, they form a layered testing strategy that maximizes coverage and minimizes blind spots.</p>
<h2 id="heading-final-thoughts">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p>In 2026, cybersecurity testing is more sophisticated and essential than ever. Organizations must balance speed, depth, cost, and context when selecting between penetration testing services and automated platforms. While one is not inherently better than the other in all cases, understanding their differences and complementary strengths will help you build a robust security posture.</p>
<p>Automated platforms catch the routine and repetitive, giving continuous visibility into known risks. Human-led services uncover the hidden and unexpected, thinking beyond patterns to simulate real adversaries. For most teams, the future of testing lies in a hybrid approach that leverages both.</p>
<p>By aligning your security goals with the right mix of services and tools, you can stay ahead of threats now and in the years to come.</p>
<p><em>Hope you enjoyed this article. Learn more about me by</em> <a href="https://manishmshiva.me"><em><strong>visiting my website</strong></em></a><em>.</em></p>
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                <title>
                    <![CDATA[ Metasploit for Beginners — A Guide to the Powerful Exploitation Framework ]]>
                </title>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[ If you’re starting your journey into penetration testing, you’ve likely heard of Metasploit. Metasploit is one of the most versatile tools in cybersecurity. It helps simplify vulnerability testing and exploitation. Metasploit helps us find and fix we... ]]>
                </description>
                <link>https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/learn-metasploit-for-beginners/</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">679037f81f50429b12d52738</guid>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ metasploit ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ cybersecurity ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ Msfconsole ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ payloads ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ Exploitation ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ exploit ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ pentesting ]]>
                    </category>
                
                <dc:creator>
                    <![CDATA[ Manish Shivanandhan ]]>
                </dc:creator>
                <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:12:40 +0000</pubDate>
                <media:content url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1737504731562/ebce2299-d90e-4b17-a1b0-15b4dbe6d844.png" medium="image" />
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[ <p>If you’re starting your journey into penetration testing, you’ve likely heard of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.metasploit.com/">Metasploit</a>.</p>
<p>Metasploit is one of the most versatile tools in cybersecurity. It helps simplify vulnerability testing and exploitation.</p>
<p>Metasploit helps us find and fix weaknesses before malicious actors exploit them. In this tutorial, you’ll learn what Metasploit is, why it’s useful, and how to use it.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-is-metasploit"><strong>What is Metasploit?</strong></h2>
<p>Metasploit is an open-source framework for penetration testing.</p>
<p>You can use it to find vulnerabilities, exploit them, and get access to the target.</p>
<p>Metasploit provides a collection of exploits, payloads, and helper tools. It’s often called the “Swiss army knife” for pen testers.</p>
<p>Instead of writing your own scripts to exploit vulnerabilities, Metasploit gives you pre-built modules to automate a lot of your work.</p>
<p>A module is a piece of code that performs an action. These actions can include scanning, exploitation, or anything that helps to simplify a pen-test.</p>
<h2 id="heading-why-is-metasploit-useful-for-penetration-testers"><strong>Why is Metasploit Useful for Penetration Testers?</strong></h2>
<p>Pentesters try to attack networks, applications, and systems to check their security. Metasploit helps make this job easier in several ways.</p>
<p>First, it simplifies exploitation. Metasploit has a large library of exploits that allows us to attack known weaknesses in software and systems quickly.</p>
<p>Next, it helps with reconnaissance and scanning. Metasploit’s scanning tools gather information about a target, such as open ports, running services, and likely vulnerabilities.</p>
<p>After breaking in, Metasploit provides post-exploitation features. Tools like Meterpreter let pentesters keep access, collect data, and test defenses further.</p>
<p>Metasploit is also very flexible. We can build or change modules to fit our specific needs.</p>
<p>In short, Metasploit lets us do complete security tests, from finding vulnerabilities to exploiting them.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-are-metasploit-auxiliaries"><strong>What Are Metasploit Auxiliaries?</strong></h2>
<p>Auxiliary modules are helper tools within Metasploit that perform tasks other than exploitation.</p>
<p>They’re used for reconnaissance, scanning, brute-forcing and more. These flexible modules can help you gather valuable information about a target.</p>
<p>For example, an auxiliary module can scan a network for open ports, check for vulnerable services, or attempt a brute-force login on an application.</p>
<p>Here is a sample list of auxiliaries from metasploit:</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1737559559020/41a5d517-4f98-4c5c-bd7f-0e9e3dfb4977.png" alt="Metasploit auxiliaries" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>You can see that Metasploit has a range of auxiliaries, from scanners to brute-force modules, which help reveal and exploit security gaps.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-are-metasploit-exploits"><strong>What Are Metasploit Exploits?</strong></h2>
<p>Exploits are scripts or programs that take advantage of vulnerabilities in systems.</p>
<p>They help an attacker gain access or perform malicious activities. Metasploit’s library includes hundreds of exploits, covering a wide range of platforms and services.</p>
<p>For example, if a target system is running an outdated version of Samba, Metasploit may have an exploit specifically designed to exploit that vulnerability.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-are-metasploit-payloads"><strong>What Are Metasploit Payloads?</strong></h2>
<p>Payloads are scripts that run on the target system after an exploit has been successfully executed.</p>
<p>They determine what happens next — whether you open a reverse shell, add a backdoor, or perform another post-exploitation task.</p>
<p>There are two main types of payloads:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><strong>Single Payloads</strong>: These perform one task, such as creating a user account on the target.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Staged Payloads</strong>: These download a larger payload in stages, allowing for more complex actions.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>One of the most commonly used payloads is <code>windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp</code>, which gives you a command shell on the target system.</p>
<p>Pen testers and security experts use exploits to uncover weak points in networks and systems. By testing these gaps in a controlled way, they can find faults before attackers do. Once found, these flaws are fixed or patched to prevent harm. This approach helps protect data and keeps systems more secure.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-is-metasploit-meterpreter"><strong>What is Metasploit Meterpreter?</strong></h2>
<p>Meterpreter is an advanced, interactive payload within Metasploit. It allows you to interact with the target system after exploiting it.</p>
<p>Meterpreter is loaded directly into the target's memory, making it stealthier than traditional payloads.</p>
<p>Using Meterpreter, you can gather details about the operating system, transfer files between the attacker and target, and even execute commands directly on the target machine.</p>
<p>You can also set up a persistent backdoor to maintain access even after a system reboot.</p>
<p>Meterpreter is a powerful tool for post-exploitation activities, giving you complete control over the compromised system.</p>
<h2 id="heading-how-to-work-with-msfconsole"><strong>How to Work with</strong> <code>msfconsole</code></h2>
<p>Let's get some hands-on experience with Metasploit.</p>
<p><code>msfconsole</code> is the command-line interface (CLI) for Metasploit. It’s the main way to interact with the framework.</p>
<p>Metasploit is pre-installed in Kali Linux. If you are using Kali Linux, you can find the <a target="_blank" href="https://docs.rapid7.com/metasploit/installing-the-metasploit-framework/">installation instructions here</a>.</p>
<p>After installing Metasploit, launch the console by typing:</p>
<pre><code class="lang-plaintext">msfconsole
</code></pre>
<p>Once it loads, you’ll see a prompt like this</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736776944033/519269c1-9124-4467-9257-4cbe693be0df.png" alt="msfconsole" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>This is where you’ll type commands to interact with Metasploit. Let’s try some basic commands to get you started.</p>
<h3 id="heading-metasploit-commands">Metasploit commands</h3>
<ol>
<li><code>help</code>: If you’re unsure about what to do, start by typing <code>help</code>. This displays a list of available commands along with brief descriptions. For example:</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736776984407/182a0f3c-0fb2-4880-85cf-cbd0baff6538.png" alt="metasploit help command" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><code>search</code>: The search command helps us to find specific modules, such as exploits or auxiliaries (helper modules). For example, if you’re looking for modules related to scanning, you’d type:</li>
</ol>
<pre><code class="lang-plaintext">msf6 &gt; search scanner
</code></pre>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736777096451/63c0087f-80dd-42a1-98c7-9459f53b7f5a.png" alt="Metasploit search" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>Metasploit will display all modules that match the keyword scanner.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li><code>info</code>: You can use the <code>info</code> command to learn more about a module, including its options and how it works. For example:</li>
</ol>
<pre><code class="lang-plaintext">msf6 &gt; info auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp
</code></pre>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736777131375/c89a1e64-f96e-4fff-9f36-4dd5c1e7f20d.png" alt="Metasploit info command output" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<ol start="4">
<li><code>use</code>: To use an exploit or an auxiliary, we can simply type <code>use</code> along with the module name. Let's use the scanning module <code>auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp</code> which will scan for open TCP ports in a server.</li>
</ol>
<pre><code class="lang-plaintext">msf6&gt; use auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp
</code></pre>
<ol start="5">
<li><code>options</code>: Once you have loaded a module with the <code>use</code> command, you can see the list of options using the <code>options</code> command. it will give you the list of options you can set for that module.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736777161123/5e2b44bb-08ee-4489-a1c0-8d78070710b5.png" alt="Metasploit options command" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>For example, the RHOSTS parameter is used to set the target IP address for scanning. <a target="_blank" href="http://scanme.nmap.org"><code>scanme.nmap.org</code></a> lets us run port scans on that server, so let's use that to run a scan.</p>
<p>Let’s grab the IP address of the server. We will issue a simple ping command to get the IP address of the server.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736777193985/3c71c4b8-ab74-46bc-a613-3115b97eef6f.png" alt="Ping command" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>We can see that the IP address of the server is 45.33.32.156 (it can change when you run the ping command). Now let’s use this IP as our input for RHOSTS parameter. We will use the <code>set</code> command to set the IP address.</p>
<pre><code class="lang-plaintext">msf6 auxiliary(scanner/portscan/tcp)&gt; set RHOSTS 45.33.32.156
</code></pre>
<ol start="6">
<li><code>run</code>: To run a module, we use the <code>run</code> command. Now that we have set the target IP address, let's run the module to see if any ports are open.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1736777226150/9bab8d7b-9efb-4573-bcc9-1c355a468bf4.png" alt="Metasploit port scan" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>As you can see, we have found 3 ports — 22,80 and 9929. Tools like Nmap are better for in-depth port scanning, but Metasploit offers modules for almost every segment of a cybersecurity audit.</p>
<ol start="7">
<li><code>exit</code>: When you’re done using Metasploit, simply type <code>exit</code> to leave the console.</li>
</ol>
<p>The <code>msfconsole</code> is user-friendly once you get the hang of these basic commands. Take your time exploring and experimenting with the help of the <code>help</code> command.</p>
<h2 id="heading-conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p>Metasploit is one of the most powerful tools in a penetration tester’s toolkit.</p>
<p>As you grow more familiar with Metasploit, you’ll unlock its full potential and gain deeper insights into how attackers exploit systems — and how you can defend against them. Keep learning, stay curious, and always use Metasploit responsibly!</p>
<p>Join our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stealthsecurity.sh/"><strong>Weekly Newsletter</strong></a> for more tutorials on Ethical Hacking. For video tutorials on cybersecurity, check out our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@stealthsecurity_sh"><strong>Youtube Channel</strong></a>.</p>
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                <title>
                    <![CDATA[ Top Cybersecurity Certifications You Should Know About as a Developer ]]>
                </title>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[ Cybersecurity remains one of the fastest-growing fields today, and for a good reason. The need for skilled cyber defenders grows as our lives and businesses go ever more digital. A cybersecurity certification can help you boost your skills and demons... ]]>
                </description>
                <link>https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/top-cybersecurity-certifications-for-devs/</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">6723aaab6ac0ce6c240da454</guid>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ #cybersecurity ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ Certification ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ Cybersecurity Certifications ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ pentesting ]]>
                    </category>
                
                <dc:creator>
                    <![CDATA[ Manish Shivanandhan ]]>
                </dc:creator>
                <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:04:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <media:content url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730345266064/3beca7ae-38c1-41f5-a5f6-c3ebd16827b0.png" medium="image" />
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                    <![CDATA[ <p>Cybersecurity remains one of the fastest-growing fields today, and for a good reason. The need for skilled cyber defenders grows as our lives and businesses go ever more digital.</p>
<p>A cybersecurity certification can help you boost your skills and demonstrate your value to employers. If you’re new to cybersecurity or want to specialize, here are seven top certifications to advance your career.</p>
<h2 id="heading-certified-ethical-hacker-ceh"><strong>Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)</strong></h2>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://iclass.eccouncil.org/our-courses/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/">The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification</a>, from EC-Council, is a great starting point for anyone interested in ethical hacking.</p>
<p>CEH teaches you to think like a hacker. It helps you find and fix security flaws in systems. The course covers a range of hacking tools and techniques that attackers use.</p>
<p>You’ll learn how to gather information, scan networks for vulnerabilities, and exploit them. It covers system hacking, sniffing, social engineering, Denial of Service, session hijacking, malware threats, and a lot more. You can see all the topics in this screenshot from their website:</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370147296/e281efb6-0953-4c9f-adb6-122d563e8d20.png" alt="CEH Outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>You’ll also focus on web, cloud, and wireless security to get a broad view of the most common hacking techniques and defences.</p>
<p>The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, which you have to complete within four hours. CEH is ideal for beginners and IT pros shifting to security. Costs approximately $1000.</p>
<h2 id="heading-comptia-pentest"><strong>CompTIA PenTest+</strong></h2>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.comptia.org/certifications/pentest">CompTIA’s PenTest+</a> cert focuses on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. CEH gives a broad view of ethical hacking. But PenTest+ focuses on the skills needed to conduct penetration tests.</p>
<p>Pentest+ is a hands-on certification. It teaches you how to plan and scope a pen test, gather information on a target, and identify vulnerabilities.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370268891/7d8968c3-acdf-419c-adf2-3fe8a0a9d0bf.png" alt="Pentest+ outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>As described in the image above, the main skills you’ll learn by studying for this certification include:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Engagement management</p>
</li>
<li><p>Attacks and exploits</p>
</li>
<li><p>Reconnaissance and enumeration</p>
</li>
<li><p>Post-exploitation and lateral movement</p>
</li>
<li><p>Vulnerability discovery and analysis</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>You’ll practice exploiting systems and handling post-exploitation tasks like maintaining access. The focus is on real-world pen-testing, which prepares you to assess systems thoroughly and suggest security improvements.</p>
<p>You must know how to plan a pen test, exploit vulnerabilities, and suggest practical security improvements to pass the Pentest+ certification.</p>
<p>The PenTest+ exam has multiple-choice questions and performance-based tasks. You’ll need to show practical skills, not just answer questions. CompTIA designed this certification for those with some IT or cybersecurity experience. Costs approximately $400.</p>
<h2 id="heading-comptia-cybersecurity-analyst-cysa"><strong>CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)</strong></h2>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.comptia.org/certifications/cybersecurity-analyst">CompTIA’s CySA+</a> cert focuses on threat detection, analysis, and response. CySA+ is a defensive certification.</p>
<p>CySA+ is for professionals who want to learn how to identify and reduce threats before they cause major security incidents. You’ll learn to monitor networks, interpret data to spot suspicious activity, and respond effectively to security incidents.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370383606/b7ad12a4-a2a3-4a04-a9b1-5b5d70301b26.png" alt="Cysa+ outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>As described in the image above, the main skills you’ll learn by studying for this cert include:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Security operations</p>
</li>
<li><p>Incident response and management</p>
</li>
<li><p>Vulnerability management</p>
</li>
<li><p>Reporting and communication</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>CySA+ focuses on proactive threat identification and response, making it ideal for those aiming to manage security threats before they cause damage.</p>
<p>The CySA+ exam has performance-based questions. They test your ability to interpret data and take action. CySA+ is best for those with some IT or security experience. It costs the same as Pentest+, around $400.</p>
<h2 id="heading-offensive-security-certified-professional-oscp"><strong>Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)</strong></h2>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.offsec.com/courses/pen-200/">OSCP certification</a> is highly respected in cybersecurity. It is known for its tough, hands-on approach. OSCP teaches you to find, exploit, and document vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370593261/9e2e9e27-472b-4e7c-9028-04965feffbca.png" alt="OSCP outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>As described in the image above, the main topics covered in PEN-200 are:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Introduction to Cybersecurity</p>
</li>
<li><p>Report writing for Penetration Testers</p>
</li>
<li><p>Information gathering</p>
</li>
<li><p>Vulnerability scanning</p>
</li>
<li><p>Introduction to web applications</p>
</li>
<li><p>Common web application attacks</p>
</li>
<li><p>SQL injection attacks</p>
</li>
<li><p>Client-side attacks</p>
</li>
<li><p>Locating public exploits</p>
</li>
<li><p>Fixing exploits</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The OSCP exam is unique. Instead of multiple-choice questions, you’ll spend 24 hours hacking into a series of virtual machines. You must document each step you take. It’s highly practical and ideal for those with pen-testing experience who want to level up their skills.</p>
<p>This format tests your technical skills and ability to stay organized under pressure. It’s best for those with some pen-testing experience who want to advance their skills. Costs around $1000 with one month of lab access.</p>
<h2 id="heading-certified-information-security-manager-cism"><strong>Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)</strong></h2>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism">CISM certification</a>, from ISACA, is for those seeking management roles. CISM doesn’t focus on technical skills. It focuses on managing an organization’s security strategy and aligning it with business goals.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370831402/6846d5ba-5590-4b72-8293-d26ce1559d8c.png" alt="CISM outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>As described in the image above, the topics covered in CISM include risk management, incident response, and security policies. CISM is a great choice for those with a few years of experience in cybersecurity. It helps you move into a leadership role.</p>
<p>The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions,. It covers information risk management, information security governance, information security program development, and incident management. CISM shows you know both the tech and strategic sides of cybersecurity. Costs around $750.</p>
<h2 id="heading-certified-cloud-security-professional-ccsp"><strong>Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)</strong></h2>
<p>As more businesses move to the cloud, cloud security is now critical. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.isc2.org/certifications/ccsp">Certified Cloud Security Professional</a> (CCSP) certification focuses on securing cloud environments.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370924316/5d11ee6e-2ca2-4cb7-b9cf-17264916e407.png" alt="CCSP outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>CCSP covers data security, cloud architecture, compliance, and risk management. It gives you a full understanding of how to secure cloud platforms.</p>
<p>The exam is organized into domains, as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Domain 1: Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 2: Cloud Data Security</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 3: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 4: Cloud application Security</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 5: Cloud Security Operations</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 6: Legal, Risk, and Compliance</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>This certification is ideal for IT pros working with or specializing in cloud security. The certification requires some experience in cybersecurity and cloud computing.</p>
<p>CCSP will prepare you for the unique security challenges of cloud environments. You’ll be a great asset to any company using cloud tech. Costs around $600.</p>
<h2 id="heading-certified-information-systems-security-professional-cissp"><strong>Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)</strong></h2>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp">CISSP</a> certification is highly sought after in cybersecurity. It is for experienced professionals.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1730370972374/5e064513-c549-4391-be6b-4cb4c77b7d43.png" alt="CISSP outline" class="image--center mx-auto" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>CISSP covers many security topics, and is again divided into different domains. They are as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Domain 1: Security and Risk Management</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 2: Asset Security</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 3: Security and Architecture Engineering</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 4: Communication and Network Security</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 5: Identity and Access Management (IAM)</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 6: Security Assessment and Testing</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 7: Security Operations</p>
</li>
<li><p>Domain 8: Software Development Security</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>CISSP offers a deep, broad understanding of cybersecurity. It’s ideal for those seeking senior or leadership roles.</p>
<p>The CISSP exam is tough. It has 100 to 150 questions on eight security domains. It requires both technical and managerial skills. CISSP is a “gold standard” certification. It can open doors to high-level roles, like CISO or Security Director.</p>
<h2 id="heading-which-certification-should-you-choose"><strong>Which Certification Should You Choose?</strong></h2>
<p>The right certification depends on your experience and career goals. CEH or CySA+ can give you a solid foundation if you're just starting. If you want to specialize in pentesting, take PenTest+ or OSCP.</p>
<p>CCSP will prepare you for cloud security roles. For those eyeing leadership or strategic roles, CISM and CISSP provide the management-focused knowledge you’ll need.</p>
<h2 id="heading-conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p>Cybersecurity certifications are essential for building a strong foundation in digital defense skills. They open doors to high-demand roles and help you stay ahead in a constantly evolving field.</p>
<p>Hope this article helped you to understand the various certifications in the field. See you soon with another article.</p>
<p><em>Join the</em> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stealthsecurity.sh/"><strong><em>Stealth Security newsletter</em></strong></a> <em>for more articles on offensive and defensive cybersecurity. To learn how to hack real machines and get help from other ethical hackers, join the</em> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skool.com/hackershub"><em>Hacker’s Hub</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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                <title>
                    <![CDATA[ The Power of Wordlists: Why Every Ethical Hacker Needs One ]]>
                </title>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[ Wordlists are a core component of brute-force attacks. Let's learn what they are and how to use them. Imagine that you’re a security professional who’s performing a penetration test on a client’s website. Your job is to find potential weak points in ... ]]>
                </description>
                <link>https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/the-power-of-wordlists-why-every-ethical-hacker-needs-one/</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">66fd923b31eb310f117a4b8f</guid>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ Security ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ #cybersecurity ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ ethicalhacking ]]>
                    </category>
                
                    <category>
                        <![CDATA[ pentesting ]]>
                    </category>
                
                <dc:creator>
                    <![CDATA[ Manish Shivanandhan ]]>
                </dc:creator>
                <pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:34:35 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <![CDATA[ <p>Wordlists are a core component of brute-force attacks. Let's learn what they are and how to use them.</p>
<p>Imagine that you’re a security professional who’s performing a penetration test on a client’s website. Your job is to find potential weak points in their security. After running some basic scans, you notice that the login form looks vulnerable.</p>
<p>It lacks rate limiting and strong password protections. So, you might be able to try multiple passwords without being locked out. This is where a wordlist comes into play.</p>
<p>Instead of guessing random passwords one by one, you can use a pre-made wordlist. The list will contain thousands or even millions of potential passwords.</p>
<p>You can combine this wordlist with a brute-force tool like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stealthsecurity.sh/p/hacking-hydra-practical-tutorial">Hydra</a> to perform an attack. The tool goes through the wordlist, testing each password against the login form. After a while, you hit a match. You’ve just cracked the login.</p>
<p>As an ethical hacker, you would notify the client of the weak password policy. You could then suggest stronger security measures to avoid this scenario. But this shows how critical wordlists can be when it comes to exploiting weak login systems.</p>
<p>In this article, we’ll look at wordlists in detail. We’ll cover what they are and a few use cases along with some popular wordlists.</p>
<h2 id="heading-what-are-wordlists">What are Wordlists?</h2>
<p>Wordlists are exactly what they sound like: lists of words. In cybersecurity, these words represent passwords, usernames, or even URLs.</p>
<p>Wordlists can be simple collections of common passwords like “123456” or “password”. Or they can be custom lists generated to target specific systems.</p>
<p>Penetration testers feed these wordlists into tools that let them test multiple inputs quickly. These tools include password-cracking software, brute-forcing scripts, or directory scanners. The wordlist acts as the source of input, trying each word against the target in an attempt to find a match.</p>
<h2 id="heading-how-are-wordlists-used">How are Wordlists Used?</h2>
<p>Let’s look at a few common scenarios where wordlists can be useful.</p>
<h3 id="heading-password-cracking">Password Cracking</h3>
<p>One of the most common uses of wordlists is password cracking. Attackers feed a wordlist into tools like John the Ripper or Hashcat. These tools then test each word against a password hash to find a match.</p>
<p>Let’s assume that a hacker finds hashed passwords from a compromised database. They can use a wordlist to attempt to reverse those hashes into the original passwords.</p>
<p>Modern security practices encourage complex passwords. But many people still use weak, common passwords. Wordlists exploit this human tendency by including frequently used passwords.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1727791741753/79b4837b-f1e8-4af1-994f-ecd2e89075b6.png" alt="79b4837b-f1e8-4af1-994f-ecd2e89075b6" class="image--center mx-auto" width="711" height="545" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>One of the most famous password wordlists in the hacking community is Rockyou.txt. It has 14 million passwords collected after the site <a target="_blank" href="http://Rockyou.com">Rockyou.com</a> was breached by hackers. <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/praetorian-inc/Hob0Rules/blob/master/wordlists/rockyou.txt.gz">Here is the full wordlist</a>.</p>
<h3 id="heading-username-enumeration">Username Enumeration</h3>
<p>In some systems, knowing the correct username is half the battle. Hackers often use wordlists to enumerate usernames before attempting a password attack. It works by submitting different usernames to a login form and watching the system’s response.</p>
<p>For example, some systems will return an error message like “Username not found”. A well-crafted wordlist of usernames allows you to quickly discover which accounts exist.</p>
<p>A username wordlist can help in this type of scenario. It doesn’t have to be long like a password wordlist. But a list of common usernames would help. <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists/blob/master/Usernames/top-usernames-shortlist.txt">Here is one such wordlist</a>.</p>
<h3 id="heading-directory-and-file-enumeration">Directory and File Enumeration</h3>
<p>When testing a web app, it’s important to find hidden files and directories. They may not be publicly listed. And these hidden URLs may reveal sensitive information or hidden functionality.</p>
<p>Tools like <strong>Gobuster</strong> or <strong>Dirbuster</strong> use wordlists to automate this process. They try each word in the wordlist as a potential directory or file name.</p>
<p>For example, testing a wordlist on a website could find a hidden admin panel at <code>/admin</code>, or a backup file at <code>/backup.zip</code>. This can be useful for finding unintended exposures.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists/blob/master/Discovery/Web-Content/directory-list-1.0.txt">Here is a sample directory wordlist</a>.</p>
<h3 id="heading-subdomain-enumeration">Subdomain Enumeration</h3>
<p>Subdomain enumeration involves finding all the subdomains associated with a target website. Like hidden pages, subdomains can also contain useful and sensitive information.</p>
<p>For example, a product at <a target="_blank" href="http://product.com">product.com</a> can contain a development server at <a target="_blank" href="http://dev.product.com">dev.product.com</a>. Or an admin panel at <a target="_blank" href="http://admin.product.com">admin.product.com</a>. These subdomains might not be well protected like the main website.</p>
<p>Tools like <strong>Sublist3r</strong> and <strong>Amass</strong> are popular for this task. <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists/blob/master/Discovery/DNS/subdomains-top1million-5000.txt">Here is a subdomain wordlist</a> for these types of attacks.</p>
<h2 id="heading-how-to-create-custom-wordlists">How to Create Custom Wordlists</h2>
<p>Sometimes, general wordlists aren’t enough. For specific engagements, it’s worth creating your own wordlist tailored to the target.</p>
<p>For example, if you’re pentesting for a company, you might build a custom wordlist for that company. It can have employee names, department names, or relevant terms unique to that company.</p>
<p>Several tools help you create custom wordlists.</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>CeWL (custom wordlist generator)</strong> — generates wordlists by scraping text from a website specific to the target.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Crunch</strong> — creates wordlists by mixing and matching the characters that you provide.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="heading-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>
<p>Wordlists are powerful tools that every cybersecurity professional should have in their arsenal. They simplify complex tasks like password cracking, brute-forcing, and directory enumeration. The right wordlist can save you hours and help find vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently.</p>
<p><strong>Hope this tutorial helped you understand how to use wordlists. For more articles on Cybersecurity, join our free newsletter</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stealthsecurity.sh/"><strong>Stealth Security</strong></a><strong>. To learn hacking using hands-on labs, check out our private community</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skool.com/hackershub"><strong>The Hacker’s Hub</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
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