How to Perform a Penetration Test Step-by-Step

 🔐 Penetration Testing: Step-by-Step Guide

Penetration testing is the process of simulating real-world cyberattacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications. It’s essential for maintaining strong cybersecurity.

✅ Step 1: Define the Scope and Objectives

Identify targets (e.g., web apps, internal network, APIs).

Agree on goals (e.g., access sensitive data, privilege escalation).

Choose test type:

Black-box (no prior knowledge)

White-box (full knowledge)

Gray-box (partial knowledge)

Get written authorization – crucial for legal and ethical compliance.

✅ Step 2: Gather Intelligence (Reconnaissance)

🔍 Passive Recon

Use public sources (Google, WHOIS, social media).

Tools: Shodan, theHarvester, Recon-ng

🛠️ Active Recon

Scan live systems to gather data.

Tools: Nmap, Masscan, Netcat

Goal: Identify open ports, services, technologies, and potential attack surfaces.

✅ Step 3: Scan and Enumerate

Identify vulnerabilities using scanners:

Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS, Nikto, Burp Suite

Enumerate:

Users, shares, directories, server info, software versions.

Goal: Map out detailed attack vectors.

✅ Step 4: Exploitation

Attempt to exploit discovered vulnerabilities.

Common techniques:

SQL injection

Cross-site scripting (XSS)

Buffer overflows

Authentication bypass

Tools: Metasploit, SQLmap, Hydra, Burp Suite, ExploitDB

Note: Do this in a controlled manner to avoid damaging systems.

✅ Step 5: Post-Exploitation

Explore what access you've gained:

Can you escalate privileges?

Can you access sensitive data?

Can you move laterally in the network?

Maintain logs and screenshots for evidence.

✅ Step 6: Reporting

Write a clear, professional report detailing:

Vulnerabilities found

Exploits attempted (and successful ones)

Risk rating (e.g., CVSS score)

Recommended fixes or mitigations

Tailor the report for:

Technical teams (deep details)

Executives (business risk summary)

✅ Step 7: Remediation and Retesting

Share findings with the client or internal team.

Help them patch and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Retest to verify fixes and ensure no regressions.

🧰 Common Tools Used in Pen Testing

Category Tools

Recon & Scanning Nmap, Shodan, Recon-ng, theHarvester

Vulnerability Nessus, Nikto, OpenVAS

Exploitation Metasploit, SQLmap, Burp Suite, ExploitDB

Post-Exploit Mimikatz, PowerShell Empire, BloodHound

Reporting Dradis, Serpico, Markdown + screenshots

⚖️ Important Legal Note

Pen testing without explicit permission is illegal and unethical. Always operate under a signed agreement and document all activity.

🔁 Optional: Continuous Pen Testing

For advanced setups, integrate automated tools into CI/CD pipelines for ongoing security testing.

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