Intermediate Topic consist of the Techniques and Tools used in Cybersecurity. You will have all the basic idea how to use this Techniques and Tools in real field scenario.
Techniques Used in Cyber Security
Authentication: This fundamental cyber security technique intends to verify the identity of user based on the credentials stored in the security domain of the system. The most common mode of governance is password technology, however there are numerous other implementations like the SIM card inserted in anyone’s cell phone. SIM cards are equipped with unique ID numbers which are passed over a secure communication line for identification of a particular cell phone. The main challenge encountered in authenticating process is thwarting attempts of unauthorized people to eavesdrop on the authenticating message.
Encryption: Encryption renders data undecipherable without application of a proper key to unlock the same. To combat an encryption, one would be required to undertake solving complicated mathematical problems like factoring large primes that would consume astronomical amount of computing resources and time. Symmetric encryption utilizes the same key for the purpose of message encoding and decoding, and the security level is similar to that of the key. The distribution of the key will be accompanied by potential security risks. Asymmetric encryption utilizes a public key to encrypt the message and a private key to decrypt the same. A majority of present day security protocols are employing asymmetric encryption for distribution of keys.
Digital signatures: Digital signatures can be erected out of the same mathematical algorithms that are employed in asymmetric encryption. A user is free to test that he possesses a private key by getting some information encoded with it. Anyone can get the same decrypted by having the public key that will verify the person’s credentials. This process is in essence the exact reciprocal of public key encryption and likewise functions on the assumption that the authorized user only has the private key.
Firewall: Firewalls effectively hinders any attempt of unauthorized access to a computer when it is connected on the internet by hackers directly or via other network connections. Firewalls come bundled up with most operating systems and are turned on by default. The help of commercial firewalls can be sought if the security level of the default firewall is not strong enough or if it is posing interference to legitimate network activities.
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Cybersecurity tool categories
Security-centric Linux distributions. Before you can install tool applications, you need an OS to run them on. These Linux distributions are intended to provide an environment for cybersecurity tool usage, so they're perfect as a starting point for vulnerability scanning, penetration testing and other tasks. They usually have many other cybersecurity tools installed already, which can save you a lot of time
Network traffic visibility. There are several types of tools that give you some degree of visibility into network traffic. Examples include packet sniffers, which capture packets they observe; traffic analyzers, which explain the meaning of the fields in captured packets; and proxies, which have man-in-the-middle (MitM) access to certain network traffic so they can monitor and, in some cases, alter it.
Vulnerability scanners. This category includes tools with a wide range of capabilities, from finding hosts on a network and determining which network ports are open, to finding specific software flaws and misconfigurations in OSes, applications and firmware. Quite a few vulnerability scanning tools focus solely on web server or web application vulnerabilities. Some vulnerability scanners not only can find vulnerabilities, but they can also issue exploits to take advantage of the vulnerabilities.
Exploitation tools. The tools in this category can issue cyber attacks, so they're used mainly for penetration testing purposes. Every tool has its own combination of attacks. Some tools can also be used for other reasons, like testing application security in a nonproduction environment.
Essential Security Tools
NMap: Number One Port Scanning Tool - This is used for mapping networks and ports with a scanning tool and it features powerful NSE scripts that are perfect for detecting misconfigurations and collecting information pertaining to network security.
Security Onion: Layered Security - This network security monitoring distribution is perfect for those who want a security tool that is easy to set up and configures. Minimum effort and maximum rewards- that is the USP of the Security Onion. It peels away everything from destructive APTs to brute force scanning.
Metasploit Framework: This is a tool that protects against intrusions by monitoring exploits plus scanning and auditing.
OpenSSH: Providing Easy Access - An SSH tunnel served to secure traffic between two points including easy access to copy files securely. Considered a common man’s VPN, SSH tunnels enable you to access internal network services through only one point of access.
Wireshark: Following Networks, Finding Problems - Wire traffic views as much detail as required and it follows network streams for finding problems. Wireshark runs on Linux, Free BSD, Windows, Linux, and OS X
Nikto: All-Encompassing Security Solution - This web server testing tool has been around for more than a decade for good reasons. This security tool enables the firing at the webserver to ascertain scripts that are vulnerable, configuration mistakes and associated security problems.