In a previous article we talked about what active probing is. This technique involves actively scanning a system or network to identify vulnerabilities, open ports, and other useful information. It’s a popular hacking technique that is often used by attackers to gain access to sensitive data, steal identities, or otherwise wreak havoc on a system.
There are a ton of different active probing methods that attackers can use, but some of the most common ones include port scanning, service identification, vulnerability scanning, and password cracking.
Port scanning is used to identify which ports are open on a system. This gives attackers an idea of what kind of services might be running, and therefore, which vulnerabilities may exist.
Service identification is used to identify specific services running on open ports. Attackers can then attempt to identify if the version of the software running the service has any known vulnerabilities, which can be exploited.
Vulnerability scanning involves looking for specific vulnerabilities in systems or networks. This is often done by sending specific packets to systems, and seeing if the vulnerabilities can be triggered.
Password cracking involves trying to guess login credentials for a specific service, such as a login prompt. Common techniques involve randomly guessing passwords, attempting common passwords that are frequently used, or cracking hashed passwords using rainbow tables or other methods.
As for how effective these techniques are, it really depends on the specific circumstances. If an attacker is dealing with a well-secured network, they may find it very difficult to gain access to sensitive information. However, if the network has vulnerabilities, such as out-of-date software or weak passwords, these tactics can be extremely effective.
It´s important to remember that active probing is often illegal, and it can carry serious consequences. So, always make sure to use these techniques for educational reasons and never use them in unethical ways.