WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.439 All right, let's dive in. Today we're exploring the world 2 00:00:03.520 --> 00:00:07.160 of ethical hacking better known as penetration testing. 3 00:00:07.360 --> 00:00:09.359 Really fascinating stuff and you know, I'm. 4 00:00:09.160 --> 00:00:11.880 Really excited to be breaking down this whole career path, 5 00:00:11.960 --> 00:00:15.439 especially with this book, The pen Tester Blueprint you sent over. 6 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:18.640 Yeah, it's like the ultimate guide for anyone dreaming of 7 00:00:18.640 --> 00:00:19.480 becoming a pen tester. 8 00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:24.039 Okay, so first things first, what exactly is a penetration tester? 9 00:00:24.359 --> 00:00:27.160 I mean, we hear ethical hacker, but what's the day 10 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:27.879 to day look like. 11 00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:33.039 Well, imagine this. You're hired by a company to basically 12 00:00:33.119 --> 00:00:34.479 try and break into their systems. 13 00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:37.240 Whoa So just like a real attacker would. 14 00:00:37.079 --> 00:00:40.799 Exactly, but with one big difference. You have their permission 15 00:00:41.119 --> 00:00:42.920 and it's all above board. 16 00:00:42.960 --> 00:00:46.000 Legally, So no sneaking around in the dark, not at all. 17 00:00:46.039 --> 00:00:49.039 It's all about finding those vulnerabilities before the bad guys do. 18 00:00:49.240 --> 00:00:51.600 Right, so they can beef up their security exactly. 19 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:54.840 And the book really stresses the importance of having everything 20 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:59.520 in writing, a clear agreement outlining the scope, the targets, 21 00:00:59.799 --> 00:01:01.079 all the rules of engagement. 22 00:01:01.240 --> 00:01:03.520 Okay, that makes sense. So you're like a digital detective 23 00:01:03.679 --> 00:01:04.879 uncovering weaknesses that. 24 00:01:04.920 --> 00:01:06.799 Can be patched up A great way to put it. 25 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:11.400 Now. The book mentions methodologies like PT and OOS are 26 00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:14.239 those like the Detective's Handbook exactly. 27 00:01:14.760 --> 00:01:17.760 Think of them as structured approaches to pen testing, ensuring 28 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:19.760 thoroughness and consistency. 29 00:01:20.120 --> 00:01:22.920 So there's a method to the madness, not just random hacking. 30 00:01:23.159 --> 00:01:25.959 Right. Take the O was P Testing Guide for example. 31 00:01:26.359 --> 00:01:29.280 It breaks down the testing process for web applications into 32 00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:34.560 super specific areas like authentication, authorization, data validation. It's a 33 00:01:34.599 --> 00:01:35.280 real roadmap. 34 00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:37.879 Wow. So it's not just like poking around hoping to 35 00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:40.000 find a hole. There's an actual science to it. 36 00:01:40.079 --> 00:01:43.799 There is, and there are different phases too, like what Well, first, 37 00:01:43.879 --> 00:01:46.959 there's information gathering, learning everything you can about the target, 38 00:01:47.480 --> 00:01:50.200 kind of like reconnaissance on a digital battlefield. 39 00:01:49.680 --> 00:01:52.560 Scoping out the terrain before you make your move. Makes sense. 40 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:54.319 What comes after reconnaissance? 41 00:01:54.359 --> 00:01:58.680 Then comes vulnerability analysis, using various tools and techniques to 42 00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:01.319 uncover weaknesses and systems and applications. 43 00:02:01.439 --> 00:02:03.680 Okay, and then the exciting. 44 00:02:03.319 --> 00:02:07.400 Part, the exciting part, yes, exploitation. You actually try to 45 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:12.000 break in, but ethically remember and always within that agreed upon. 46 00:02:11.879 --> 00:02:14.840 Scope right to see what an attacker could do, not 47 00:02:14.919 --> 00:02:16.439 to cause damage exactly. 48 00:02:16.759 --> 00:02:20.199 Then there's post exploitation figuring out just how much damage 49 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:23.439 could be done, stealing data, disrupting operations. 50 00:02:23.439 --> 00:02:24.960 That kind of thing sounds intense. 51 00:02:25.319 --> 00:02:28.879 And finally reporting, Yeah, you provide the company with a 52 00:02:28.960 --> 00:02:31.879 detailed roadmap for fixing those vulnerabilities. 53 00:02:32.039 --> 00:02:35.479 So it's a whole process from start to finish, it is. Yeah. 54 00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:38.080 And speaking of different approaches, you know the book talks 55 00:02:38.080 --> 00:02:41.159 about black box, white box, and gray box testing. 56 00:02:41.520 --> 00:02:43.120 Yeah, I was curious about those. Can you break them 57 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:43.560 down for us? 58 00:02:43.639 --> 00:02:47.680 Okay? Imagine being dropped into a totally unknown city. Your 59 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:52.439 mission find a specific building, no map, no guide, just 60 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:55.680 your skills and intuition. That's black box testing. 61 00:02:55.800 --> 00:02:58.280 Wow, that sounds tough. Okay, Then what's white box? 62 00:02:58.360 --> 00:03:01.639 Whitebox is the complete opposite. You're giving blueprints to the city, 63 00:03:01.879 --> 00:03:04.759 street names, building layouts, you know exactly where to go. 64 00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:07.560 Ah, so you have all the information you need exactly 65 00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:09.639 And gray box I'm guessing it's somewhere in between. 66 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:12.719 You got it. Gray box is like having a partial map, 67 00:03:13.080 --> 00:03:15.680 maybe some street names, but not all the details. 68 00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:18.759 Interesting, So different levels of knowledge about the target makes sense. 69 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:22.719 Now let's talk skills. What do you need to know 70 00:03:22.840 --> 00:03:26.919 to become a pentester. The book mentions operating systems, networking, 71 00:03:27.240 --> 00:03:28.759 cybersecurity fundamentals. 72 00:03:28.919 --> 00:03:31.879 Those are the building blocks, the foundation, like trying to 73 00:03:31.879 --> 00:03:34.560 break into a house without knowing how doors and windows work. 74 00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:37.680 So operating systems you have to know Windows, Linux, all 75 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:38.639 those inner workings. 76 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:42.360 Absolutely, you need to understand how they function to even 77 00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:43.560 think about exploiting them. 78 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:44.199 Makes sense. 79 00:03:44.360 --> 00:03:47.680 And then networking that's like understanding the roads and highways 80 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:50.759 that connect those houses, how data flows, how networks are. 81 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:53.960 Structured right to see where the weak points might be exactly. 82 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:57.879 And then cybersecurity fundamentals those are like the overall rules of. 83 00:03:57.840 --> 00:03:59.039 The game, the ground rules. 84 00:03:59.039 --> 00:04:05.879 I get it right, understanding concepts like the CIA triad, confidentiality, integrity, availability. 85 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:08.639 It's about protecting data from all angles. 86 00:04:08.479 --> 00:04:12.360 Protecting it from unauthorized access, making sure it's not corrupted, 87 00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:14.680 and making sure it's accessible to the right people. 88 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:17.079 Got it exactly. It's a holistic approach. 89 00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:19.480 Okay, so it's more than just hacking skills. You need 90 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:22.120 a deep understanding of how everything works together. 91 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:25.800 Right, And then they're social engineering. That's a fascinating area. 92 00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:27.879 Yeah, the book touched on that. Tell me more. 93 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:31.720 It's all about the human element, exploiting human behavior to 94 00:04:31.720 --> 00:04:32.920 get access to information. 95 00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:36.639 So basically hacking the human operating system exactly. 96 00:04:37.079 --> 00:04:40.040 Things like phishing attacks where people are tricked into clicking 97 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:42.959 malicious links or revealing sensitive information. 98 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:46.480 Wow, so you're playing on people's trust and habits. 99 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:49.279 In a way. Yes, it's about understanding how people think, 100 00:04:49.480 --> 00:04:52.319 how they react, and how to exploit those patterns. 101 00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:54.839 Okay, this is getting really interesting. It's like a blend 102 00:04:54.959 --> 00:04:58.639 of technical skills, psychology, even detective work. 103 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:01.639 That's a great way to put it. And it's constantly evolving, 104 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:03.519 just like technology itself. 105 00:05:03.279 --> 00:05:06.759 Right, always changing new challenges. Now, the book talks about 106 00:05:06.759 --> 00:05:10.000 building a pen testing lab. What exactly is that? 107 00:05:10.319 --> 00:05:12.720 It's like having your own personal hacking playground? 108 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:13.720 Whoa seriously? 109 00:05:13.879 --> 00:05:16.920 Yeah, a safe space where you can experiment and practice 110 00:05:17.160 --> 00:05:21.000 hone your skills without any real world consequences. 111 00:05:21.160 --> 00:05:23.120 Okay, a hacking playground. I like the sound of that. 112 00:05:23.720 --> 00:05:25.839 But how do you even set one up? 113 00:05:26.199 --> 00:05:28.600 It can be simple or complex depending on your goals. 114 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:33.720 The book outlines different setups using virtualization software like Oracle virtual. 115 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:35.480 Box, virtual box. Okay, what does that do? 116 00:05:35.720 --> 00:05:39.000 It lets you create virtual machines, essentially simulated computers. On 117 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:40.000 your existing computer. 118 00:05:40.160 --> 00:05:42.800 So I could have a virtual Windows machine, a virtual 119 00:05:42.839 --> 00:05:44.040 Linux machine. 120 00:05:43.720 --> 00:05:46.519 Exactly, all running safely on your own system, ready for 121 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:49.680 you to practice on. You can even download pre built 122 00:05:49.920 --> 00:05:52.000 intentionally vulnerable virtual machines. 123 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:54.680 Whoa intentionally vulnerable? Why would you do that? 124 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:58.600 So you can practice exploiting those known vulnerabilities in a 125 00:05:58.639 --> 00:05:59.360 safe environment. 126 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:03.839 Ah, like a training ground with preset targets exactly. 127 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:05.759 You can find those on sites like bal hub. 128 00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:08.759 Okay, so you've got your virtual lab, your virtual targets. 129 00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:11.439 That's pretty high tech. What kind of tools do pen 130 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:12.839 testers actually use? 131 00:06:13.319 --> 00:06:15.920 There's a whole arsenal out there. The book dives into 132 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:18.120 a bunch of them. A good place to start is 133 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:19.120 Kalie Linux. 134 00:06:19.600 --> 00:06:22.759 Kalie Linux, I've heard that name before. Sounds intense. 135 00:06:23.079 --> 00:06:27.079 It's a penetration testing focused operating system. It comes with 136 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:29.319 a huge collection of tools already built in. 137 00:06:29.519 --> 00:06:32.360 Well, that's convenient. So what kind of tools are we 138 00:06:32.399 --> 00:06:32.959 talking about? 139 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:37.040 Well, there's NMP for network scanning, wire Shark for analyzing 140 00:06:37.079 --> 00:06:41.000 network traffic, metasploit for developing and executing exploits. 141 00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:43.199 Okay, those names are starting to ring a bell. 142 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:46.759 End map is like a radar for the digital world. 143 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:49.480 It lets you map out a network, see what's out there. 144 00:06:49.759 --> 00:06:52.040 Wire Shark, on the other hand, is more like a microscope, 145 00:06:52.199 --> 00:06:55.920 letting you dissect network traffic and see how systems are communicating, so. 146 00:06:55.879 --> 00:06:58.600 You can see what's being said, so to speak, exactly. 147 00:06:58.759 --> 00:07:01.920 And then there's metasploit, which provides a structured approach to 148 00:07:02.040 --> 00:07:02.959 penetration testing. 149 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:05.639 Okay, so each tool has its own specialty. 150 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:08.160 Exactly, and as you progress, you might even start building 151 00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:09.839 your own custom tools and scripts. 152 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:12.639 Wow, that sounds really advanced. But before we get there, 153 00:07:12.720 --> 00:07:15.160 let's talk about actually getting started in this field. It's 154 00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:17.040 not like you can just walk into a company and say, hey, 155 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:18.319 I'm a hacker. Hire me. 156 00:07:18.680 --> 00:07:21.639 Well, the demand for skilled pen testers is definitely growing, 157 00:07:22.319 --> 00:07:24.079 but it's still a competitive. 158 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:25.399 Field, right, So what do you need to do to 159 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:25.959 stand out? 160 00:07:26.519 --> 00:07:31.560 The book really emphasizes certifications, practical experience, and networking. 161 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:34.839 Okay, so let's start with certifications. What are some key 162 00:07:34.839 --> 00:07:35.759 ones to consider? 163 00:07:36.120 --> 00:07:41.480 Well, there's the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH, COMPTIAPEN test plus, 164 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:46.399 Compact Offensive Security Certified Professional or OSCP. 165 00:07:46.720 --> 00:07:50.279 Okay. Lots of acronyms are these like digital badges saying hey, 166 00:07:50.319 --> 00:07:51.199 I know my stuff. 167 00:07:51.279 --> 00:07:53.680 They're more than just badges. They show a real commitment 168 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:57.079 to professional development and a recognition of your skills by 169 00:07:57.079 --> 00:07:58.160 the industry. 170 00:07:57.759 --> 00:07:58.639 So they hold some weight. 171 00:07:58.800 --> 00:08:02.519 They do. CP for example, is known for his hands 172 00:08:02.519 --> 00:08:05.879 on exam. You actually have to penetrate a simulated network 173 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:06.399 to pass. 174 00:08:06.639 --> 00:08:10.079 Wow, a real test of your abilities. So certifications are important, 175 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:12.360 but what about practical experience? How do you get that 176 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.639 before applying for jobs? 177 00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:17.480 That's where Capture the Flag competitions come in or CTFs. 178 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:20.000 Capture the Flag sounds fun they are. 179 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:23.560 Think of them as digital treasure hunts for cybersecurity enthusiasts. 180 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:27.199 You're presented with challenges and have to find hidden flags 181 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:28.199 to solve them. 182 00:08:28.439 --> 00:08:32.399 Ah, I see, so like a real world simulation, but 183 00:08:32.519 --> 00:08:34.440 in a controlled environment exactly. 184 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:37.120 You get to apply your skills, learn new techniques and 185 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:38.440 they look great on a resume. 186 00:08:38.600 --> 00:08:41.159 Right shows you're proactive, always learning. 187 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:44.279 Exactly, and they're fun. You can participate online from anywhere. 188 00:08:44.440 --> 00:08:47.639 Cool. So CTFs are a great way to build up experience. 189 00:08:47.720 --> 00:08:50.519 Now what about those bug bounty programs? The book mentions 190 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:51.480 what are those all about? 191 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:54.480 Bug bounty programs are another great way to gain experience 192 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:56.360 and maybe even earn some money along the way. 193 00:08:56.519 --> 00:08:59.039 Wait, getting paid to hack sort of. 194 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:03.440 Company invite security researchers to find and report vulnerabilities in 195 00:09:03.480 --> 00:09:04.559 their systems. 196 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:07.000 So you're basically a paid consultant helping them find weak 197 00:09:07.039 --> 00:09:08.320 spots before the bad guys do. 198 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:12.360 Exactly, and the rewards can be pretty significant. Some programs 199 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:15.360 offer thousands of dollars for finding critical vulnerabilities. 200 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:18.600 Wow, so you're getting experience and getting paid for it. 201 00:09:18.600 --> 00:09:21.320 It's a win win, and it's a great way to 202 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:24.840 build your reputation in the security community. Finding a big 203 00:09:24.919 --> 00:09:27.519 vulnerability can get you noticed by top companies. 204 00:09:27.919 --> 00:09:31.600 Okay, CTFs for skills, bug bounties for real world testing, 205 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:34.919 and maybe some cash. Sounds like a good path. But 206 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:37.840 what about for total beginners? Where do you even start? 207 00:09:38.200 --> 00:09:41.320 The best advice is to start small. Don't try to 208 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:44.279 tackle the most complex challenges right away, right work your 209 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:48.600 way up exactly. There are plenty of beginner friendly CTF 210 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:52.039 platforms and bug bounty programs out there. Just jump in 211 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:53.039 and try things out. 212 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:54.840 Don't be intimidated, not at all. 213 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:58.799 Everyone starts somewhere. Just be curious, keep learning, and don't 214 00:09:58.840 --> 00:10:01.240 give up. That's what the he hacker mindset is all about. 215 00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:04.080 Okay, the hacker mindset. We touched on that earlier. What 216 00:10:04.120 --> 00:10:06.080 does it really mean to think like a hacker? 217 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:10.360 It's about curiosity, creativity and always wanting to learn more, 218 00:10:10.840 --> 00:10:13.840 looking at systems and processes and thinking how could this 219 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:14.639 be exploited? 220 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:17.360 So it's not about being malicious, it's about understanding how 221 00:10:17.399 --> 00:10:19.480 someone could be malicious exactly. 222 00:10:19.720 --> 00:10:23.600 Ethical hackers use that mindset to find vulnerabilities so they 223 00:10:23.639 --> 00:10:27.200 can be fixed, not exploited. Think like the bad guys 224 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:27.919 so you can. 225 00:10:27.799 --> 00:10:30.320 Stay ahead of them, right like those chess grant masters 226 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:32.159 who can think dozens of moves ahead. 227 00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:36.120 That's a great analogy. And just like chess, it takes 228 00:10:36.200 --> 00:10:39.159 practice to develop that kind of thinking. You need to 229 00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:43.960 be always learning, experimenting, challenging yourself to think differently. 230 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:46.919 So how do you actually develop that mindset? Any tips 231 00:10:46.960 --> 00:10:47.480 or tricks? 232 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:50.240 One thing you can try is to look at everyday 233 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:53.440 objects or processes and break them down. Ask yourself how 234 00:10:53.480 --> 00:10:56.440 they work, how they could be manipulated, where the weaknesses 235 00:10:56.519 --> 00:10:56.840 might be. 236 00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:59.519 So like, instead of just using my coffeemaker, I should 237 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:01.200 be thinking of about how it could be hacked. 238 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:04.679 Exactly. It's about looking at the world with a different perspective, 239 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.519 always asking what if. 240 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:08.960 That's a really interesting way to think about it. It's 241 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:12.159 almost like a philosophy, a way of approaching problems in general, 242 00:11:12.279 --> 00:11:12.759 you could. 243 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:15.919 Say that and is a valuable skill in lots of areas, 244 00:11:15.960 --> 00:11:17.279 not just cybersecurity. 245 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:21.080 Okay, so we've got the skills, the experience, the mindset. 246 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:25.919 What else is important for aspiring pen testers to keep inhind. 247 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:28.879 Well, the world of cybersecurity is constantly changing. There are 248 00:11:28.919 --> 00:11:30.559 always new challenges and trends. 249 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:33.799 Emerging, so you always have to be learning and adapting exactly. 250 00:11:34.399 --> 00:11:37.000 One of the biggest challenges right now is just the 251 00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:42.360 sheer complexity of systems and networks. Everything is connected and 252 00:11:42.399 --> 00:11:44.279 it's constantly growing, like. 253 00:11:44.279 --> 00:11:46.399 Trying to find a needle in a haystack that keeps 254 00:11:46.399 --> 00:11:48.039 getting bigger, right, And. 255 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:50.840 There are so many different types of systems and technologies now, 256 00:11:51.399 --> 00:11:55.159 cloud computing, mobile devices, the Internet of Things. It's a 257 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:55.919 lot to keep up with. 258 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:59.399 So pen testers need to be really versatile and adaptable. 259 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:02.639 Absolutely, you can't just specialize in one area anymore. You 260 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:06.159 need to be knowledgeable across a wide range of platforms 261 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:07.679 and technologies. 262 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:09.000 Like a doctor who needs to be able to treat 263 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:10.960 all kinds of different conditions. 264 00:12:10.440 --> 00:12:12.120 Exactly, and you need to stay up to date on 265 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:15.879 the latest research, just like a doctor would, always learning 266 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:17.240 about new vulnerabilities and. 267 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:20.720 Attack techniques, right, always evolving. So with all these challenges, 268 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:22.759 are there still opportunities in this field? 269 00:12:23.039 --> 00:12:26.600 Oh? Absolutely lots of them. One area that's really booming 270 00:12:26.679 --> 00:12:29.840 right now is cloud security. More and more companies are 271 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:32.840 moving their data and applications to the cloud, so they 272 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:35.320 need people who understand how to secure those environments. 273 00:12:35.559 --> 00:12:39.039 Makes sense. So it's not just about physical servers and networks. 274 00:12:38.679 --> 00:12:42.000 Anymore, right, It's a whole new frontier with its own 275 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:44.399 unique set of challenges and opportunities. 276 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:47.679 So the field is growing and changing all the time. 277 00:12:47.799 --> 00:12:50.320 It is, and as long as there's technology, there will 278 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:52.159 be a need for skilled pen testers. 279 00:12:52.320 --> 00:12:55.159 That's really reassuring to hear. It sounds like a challenging 280 00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:57.200 but really exciting field to be in. 281 00:12:57.480 --> 00:13:00.320 It is, and it's really rewarding knowing your help to 282 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:02.440 make the digital world a safer place. 283 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:05.000 Well, you've definitely given me a lot to think about. 284 00:13:05.080 --> 00:13:08.399 I'm sure our listeners are feeling inspired too. Any final 285 00:13:08.440 --> 00:13:11.840 thoughts or advice for those who want to explore this path. 286 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:16.559 The most important thing is to stay curious, never stop learning, experimenting, 287 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:18.759 pushing the boundaries of your knowledge. 288 00:13:18.960 --> 00:13:23.159 Embrace that hacker mindset exactly, and remember it's a journey, 289 00:13:23.279 --> 00:13:24.159 not a destination. 290 00:13:24.559 --> 00:13:27.960 There's always something new to learn, new challenges to tackle, 291 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:31.960 and never forget the ethical side of things. Use your 292 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:32.799 skills for good. 293 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:38.320 So stay curious, stay ethical, and never stop exploring. Great advice. 294 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:41.720 Well, we've covered a lot of ground today. The world 295 00:13:41.799 --> 00:13:45.879 of penetration testing is clearly complex and constantly evolving. It 296 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:49.080 definitely is, but also incredibly fascinating. Thanks so much for 297 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:50.600 taking this deep dive with us today. 298 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:52.120 It's been my pleasure. Welcome back. 299 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:53.919 All right, So, last time we got a taste of 300 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:55.960 the skills and tools pen testers use. 301 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:59.039 Yeah, just a taste. But today let's get into the 302 00:13:59.080 --> 00:14:01.600 real world inside of things exactly. 303 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:03.240 And I know we have to talk about those Capture 304 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:04.240 the Flag competitions. 305 00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:07.519 Oh yeah, the CTFs. Those are like digital obstacle courses 306 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.720 for cybersecurity folks. 307 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:11.200 Okay, obstacle courses. I like that. So how do they work? 308 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:14.240 You basically face a bunch of challenges and you have 309 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:16.720 to use your knowledge and skills to find hidden. 310 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:19.080 Flags flags, Like what kind of flags? 311 00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:21.440 They could be anything a piece of text, a code, 312 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:24.480 anything hidden within the system. Interesting. So it's like a 313 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:27.279 Stavenger Hunt, but for hackers exactly. 314 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:29.039 And you can do them online from anywhere. 315 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:31.000 Cool, so anyone can participate. 316 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:36.120 Yep. There are CTFs for all skill levels, beginners to pros. 317 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:39.320 Some you do solo, others are team events. 318 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.840 So you can really test yourself and see how you 319 00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:41.399 stack up. 320 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:44.759 Right, And they're not just for fun. CTFs look amazing 321 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:48.679 on a resume. It shows potential employers that you're serious 322 00:14:48.679 --> 00:14:49.759 about cybersecurity. 323 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:52.240 Oh, that makes sense. It shows you're actually applying what. 324 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:55.399 You know exactly. Plus you're learning new techniques, getting familiar 325 00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:56.679 with real world scenarios. 326 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:59.360 It's like a training simulation for actual hacking. 327 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:01.679 That's a great way to put it. You're getting experience, 328 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:03.720 but in a safe environment, right. 329 00:15:03.679 --> 00:15:07.080 No real world consequences if you make a mistake, exactly. 330 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:10.679 So CTFs are awesome for building your skills. And then 331 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:12.080 they're bug bounty programs. 332 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:14.360 Yeah, we touched on those earlier. Remind me how those 333 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:14.879 work again. 334 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:18.840 So companies will actually pay you to find vulnerabilities in 335 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:19.519 their systems. 336 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:21.799 Wait, so I can get paid to hack. 337 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:26.559 Well, it's ethical hacking. Remember you're working with their permission. 338 00:15:26.320 --> 00:15:28.840 Right, of course, So it's more like you're a consultant 339 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:31.159 helping them improve their security exactly. 340 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:34.600 And the rewards can be pretty sweet. Some programs offer 341 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:37.440 thousands of dollars for critical vulnerabilities. 342 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:40.480 Wow, that's pretty good. So you're learning, making a difference, 343 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:41.360 and getting paid. 344 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:43.440 Yeah, it's a great deal. Plus it's a great way 345 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:44.440 to build your reputation. 346 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.759 Makes sense. Companies are going to want to hire someone 347 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:50.000 who's already proven they can find those vulnerabilities. 348 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:51.600 And they might even hire you directly from a bug 349 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:52.440 bounty program. 350 00:15:52.600 --> 00:15:55.200 Oh wow, so it's like a direct pipeline to a job. 351 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:56.000 It can be. 352 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:56.679 Yeah. 353 00:15:56.720 --> 00:15:59.200 So yeah, bug bounties are a fantastic opportunity. 354 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:02.840 Okay, so we've got CTFs, bug bounties, lots of ways 355 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:05.799 to get real world experience. Okay, but what about those 356 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:08.000 of us who are just starting out. What's a good 357 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:08.759 first step? 358 00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:12.240 Honestly, just pick something and try it. Don't be afraid 359 00:16:12.240 --> 00:16:12.679 to jump. 360 00:16:12.600 --> 00:16:14.039 In, even if you're a beginner. 361 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:18.120 Especially if you're a beginner. There are CTF platforms and 362 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:21.919 bug bounty programs specifically for people who are just starting out. 363 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:24.840 Oh, good to know. So there are resources for every level. 364 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:29.559 Yep. The key is to just be curious, keep learning, 365 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:33.080 and don't get discouraged. That's really the foundation of the 366 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.039 hacker mindset. 367 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:36.639 Okay, the hacker mindset, we talked about it a bit before, 368 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:39.000 but I feel like we could go deeper. What does 369 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:41.759 it really mean to think like a hacker? 370 00:16:42.159 --> 00:16:47.799 It's all about curiosity, creativity and always questioning things, looking 371 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:50.440 at a system and asking how could I break this? 372 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:53.200 So it's not about wanting to break things, it's about 373 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:55.799 understanding how they could. 374 00:16:55.559 --> 00:17:00.120 Be broken exactly. Ethical hackers use that knowledge to protect systems, 375 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:01.600 not to exploit them. 376 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:04.400 So you're always thinking a few steps ahead, anticipating the 377 00:17:04.440 --> 00:17:05.960 bad guy's moves exactly. 378 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:08.599 And it takes practice to develop that kind of thinking. 379 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:10.759 You have to challenge yourself to see things differently. 380 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:13.279 Okay, so how do you actually do that? How do 381 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:15.720 you train your brain to think that way? 382 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:18.519 One way is to start looking at everyday things and 383 00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:20.920 try to break them down. Think about how they work, 384 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:24.000 how they could be manipulated, where the weak points might be. 385 00:17:24.160 --> 00:17:26.279 So like looking at a door and thinking about all 386 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:28.519 the ways you could pick the lock exactly. 387 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:30.720 It's about seeing the world through a different lens. 388 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:32.920 That's a cool way to think about it. It's almost 389 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.400 like a superpower. 390 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:36.240 It kind of is, yeah, and it's a useful skill 391 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:39.400 to have in all sorts of situations, not just cybersecurity. Right. 392 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:43.839 It's about problem solving, thinking outside the box. Okay, so 393 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:46.480 we've covered a lot about becoming a pen tester, but 394 00:17:46.599 --> 00:17:49.359 what about the future of the field. What are some 395 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:52.240 of the big challenges pen testers are facing these days? 396 00:17:52.680 --> 00:17:54.880 I think one of the biggest is just the sheer 397 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:59.000 complexity of technology. Now everything is connected, Everything is evolving 398 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:00.000 so quickly. 399 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:01.599 It must be hard to keep up it is. 400 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:05.920 You've got cloud computing, mobile devices, the Internet of things. 401 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:07.519