Bahar Hussain

MCS, FSWD (MERN), DevOps Engineer,

MCSE, CCNA (R & S), CCNP (R & S), RHCSA,
RHCE, PGD-CS, DAT, DCS, CCNP (Security),
DCG, DMD, Certified in VMware
(Virtualization & Mobility), Data Backup &
Security , Specialist in Networks And
Multimedia Graphics
“As a Trainer, excels in imparting knowledge across Front-end Development, Graphic Design,
DevOps Engineering, and Multimedia Designing & Editing. Her hands-on approach, coupled with
industry experience, ensures learners gain practical skills in coding, design tools, and multimedia
creation, empowering them to thrive in creative and tech fields.”

Master Trainer
 System Hacking
System Hacking
Fundamentals
System hacking refers to using technical skills and knowledge to gain access to a computer
system or network. Hackers employ many methods to get into a system by exploiting its
vulnerabilities and concealing their activities to avoid detection.
Most people imagine system hacking as the work of so-called “black hat” or “gray hat”
hackers who haven’t obtained the owner’s permission to enter the system. However,
system hacking is also done by ethical hackers who received authorization beforehand to
test the system’s security and improve any weaknesses.
The purpose of system hacking depends on the motivations of those who perform it.
Malicious actors seek to exploit their discoveries after hacking into the system, usually for
financial or political gain. Ethical hackers, however, are hired by companies as security
How Malicious
consultants to help Actors Carry
identify and Out System
fix vulnerabilities Hacking
before these same malicious actors can
exploit them.
Malicious actors make use of multiple system hacking tools and techniques. System hacking
software such as Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Acunetix help attackers detect
and capitalize on vulnerabilities in the target system. Attackers may also use dedicated
tools such as a phone hacking system for mobile devices.
Perhaps the best operating system for hacking is Kali Linux, a distribution of Debian Linux.
Kali Linux has a wide range of security and penetration tools and is highly customizable,
making it likely the best OS for hacking. Specific use cases such as Kali Linux wifi hacking
The System Hacking Steps
System hackers generally follow a well-worn set of steps to gain and
maintain access to a system. Below, we’ll discuss each of the four system
hacking steps in detail.
1. Gaining Access
First and foremost, system hackers must be able to access a system. This
can be accomplished in multiple ways:
•Password attack: In perhaps the most basic technique, attackers can
attempt to enter a system by entering the login credentials of a legitimate
user. So-called “brute force” attacks try to guess a user’s password by
testing all possible combinations until the correct one is discovered.
•Stolen credentials: System hackers may already have a user’s
credentials, making it easy to access the system. For example, the user may
have been tricked by a phishing email into divulging their password.
Attackers also use databases of usernames and passwords exposed after a
data breach, assuming that users reuse the same password for multiple
systems.
•Vulnerability exploitation: New vulnerabilities are constantly being
Escalating Privileges
Once inside the computer or network, a system hacker may not be able to
carry out the entire plan of attack right away. Instead, the hacker needs to
exploit bugs or flaws in the system to gain additional privileges beyond
those authorized initially. This process is known as privilege escalation.
There are two main types of privilege escalation: horizontal and vertical.
•In horizontal privilege escalation, the attacker initially gains access to a
standard user’s account before spreading throughout the network to other
user accounts. These other accounts may have files, applications, and
emails that will be useful in the attack.
•In vertical privilege escalation, the attacker seeks to possess a higher-
level user account, such as one with administrator or root access. This
Maintaining Access
Even after gaining access to the system, hackers must work to maintain this
access so that the attack isn’t interrupted—or if it’s interrupted, it can continue
later.
For instance, the attackers may install keyloggers or spyware on a system to record
the user’s activities and keystrokes. By secretly capturing user credentials,
attackers can re-enter the system later, even if the password is changed.
Another technique to maintain access is installing a backdoor: a hidden “portal”
that allows hackers to bypass normal security controls and directly enter the
system. This can be done through malware such as Trojan horses that appear
innocuous and remain hidden for a long time.

Clearing Logs
Finally, system hackers must cover their tracks to prevent or delay their target
from discovering the attack. One common practice is to clear the system logs,
which can provide crucial evidence that an attacker has gained unauthorized entry.
Hackers may use tools such as Meterpreter to erase the proof of their movements
throughout the network.
An additional essential step involves hackers deleting the history of the commands
How to Prevent Your Systems From Being Hacked
Putting a stop to system hacking by malicious actors is a never-ending
process, as new vulnerabilities are discovered, and new defenses are
created. The security tips and best practices below will help you prevent
your systems from being hacked:
•Require users to deploy strong passwords and multi-factor authentication,
making it more difficult for attackers to gain access.
•Train and educate users in recognizing common attack techniques (e.g.,
phishing and social engineering).
•Install IT security applications such as antivirus and antimalware software,
firewalls, and SIEM (security information and event management) tools.
•Keep up-to-date with the latest security patches for your software,
firmware, and operating system.
•Join forces with ethical hackers who can help you detect system flaws
without exploiting them. These individuals will scan your IT environment for
vulnerabilities and suggest any actions that should be taken to patch them.
What is password cracking?
Password cracking refers to the malicious practice of gaining unauthorized
access to accounts or systems by deciphering passwords. It remains a huge
threat to organizations as it can lead to data breaches, financial losses,
and compromised privacy. Despite technological advances, such as
biometric security, passwords remain the primary line of defense for
individuals and organizations, acting as a digital lock that safeguards
sensitive information and digital resources. However, the effectiveness of
passwords hinges on their complexity, uniqueness, and confidentiality.
Password cracking takes advantage of weaknesses in these aspects to
breach security barriers and gain unauthorized access, and the methods
used range from simple and brute-force techniques to more sophisticated
strategies that leverage technological advancements. As technology has
evolved, so too have the tools and tactics employed by cybercriminals, and
password cracking remains a highly lucrative avenue for malicious actors.
So, to ensure you and your organization understands the risks and telltale
signs of a password cracking event, below, we take a deeper look at the
most common password cracking techniques in use today.
Common Password Cracking Techniques
Cybercriminals employ a variety of different password cracking techniques that span simple
guesswork to highly sophisticated malware attacks. In combination, these techniques
have proved highly successful for cybercriminals, which is why they are still widely used.
Explore the most commonly used types of password attacks here.
Brute force attacks
Among the most straightforward yet time-consuming methods, brute force attacks involve
systematically trying every possible password combination until the correct one is found.
Weak passwords significantly expedite the success of these attacks. Implementing strong
password policies and employing techniques like account lockout and multi-factor
authentication (MFA) can help prevent this type of password attack, and organizations must
strike a balance between convenience and security to ensure effective protection.
Dictionary attacks
Dictionary attacks rely on pre-compiled lists of common passwords, words, and phrases.
Hackers leverage the predictability of human behavior, exploiting individuals who use easily
guessable passwords. Robust defense against dictionary attacks hinges on password
complexity and the use of unique, unpredictable combinations. Password managers emerge
as valuable allies, generating and storing intricate passwords securely.
Rainbow table attacks
Rainbow table attacks involve using precomputed tables of hash values to quickly identify
corresponding plaintext passwords. Employing cryptographic techniques such as salting,
Phishing for passwords
Phishing remains a potent weapon in a hacker's arsenal. Cybercriminals craft convincing
emails and websites to deceive users into divulging their credentials. Vigilance and
education are crucial in identifying and evading such attempts. Regular employee training
can empower individuals to recognize phishing tactics and respond appropriately,
minimizing the risk of falling victim.
Keylogging malware
Keyloggers surreptitiously record keystrokes to capture passwords and other sensitive
information. Employing strong endpoint security solutions, including antivirus software, can
detect and neutralize keyloggers. Adhering to secure browsing practices, such as avoiding
untrusted websites and keeping software up to date, can also help prevent keylogging
attacks.
Credential stuffing
Credential stuffing involves using previously leaked or stolen username and password
combinations to gain unauthorized access to other accounts. Mitigation strategies include
enforcing unique passwords for each account and implementing rate limiting and CAPTCHA
mechanisms. These measures disrupt automated attacks and discourage cybercriminals
from exploiting stolen credentials.
Password spraying
Distinct from brute force attacks, password spraying involves attempting a small number of
commonly used passwords across numerous accounts. Robust authentication protocols,
How to enhance organizational password security
Enhancing organizational password security is crucial to mitigate data breaches and unauthorized
access from password cracking, and implementing a comprehensive approach to password security
can significantly reduce the risks. Explore the following elements when targeting better password
generation and management.
•Enforce password complexity requirements
Enforcing strong password complexity requirements makes passwords difficult for attackers to guess
or crack. Organizations should mandate the use of passwords that include a mix of upper- and lower-
case letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, setting minimum length requirements and
disallowing commonly used passwords helps create a solid first line of defense against password
cracking.
•Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security beyond just passwords. It requires
users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access. This could include something
they know (password), something they have (smartphone or hardware token), or something they are
(biometric data). Even if a password is compromised, MFA can prevent unauthorized access .
•Regularly update and patch software
Keeping software, including operating systems, applications, and security tools, up to date is critical.
Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. Hackers
frequently exploit outdated software to gain unauthorized access, so maintaining a patch
management strategy is essential.
•Conduct cybersecurity awareness training
Educating employees about password security best practices and the broader landscape of
•Utilize password managers
Password managers are tools that securely generate, store, and manage complex passwords for various accounts.
They eliminate the need for users to remember multiple passwords, reducing the likelihood of weak password
practices. Password managers also encrypt stored passwords, providing an additional layer of security.
•Employ privilege escalation controls
Limiting user privileges is crucial to contain the potential impact of a security breach. Implement the principle of
least privilege (PoLP) to ensure that users can only access the resources necessary for their roles. This minimizes
the damage that can be caused even if a user's credentials are compromised.
•Monitor and audit user activity
Implementing robust monitoring and auditing practices helps detect and respond to unusual or suspicious user
activity. By analyzing logs and monitoring network traffic, organizations can identify potential unauthorized access
attempts or breaches in real-time. Regularly reviewing audit logs provides insights into system usage and can aid
in forensic investigations.
•User account management
Maintain a rigorous process for user account provisioning, de-provisioning, and access management. Immediately
revoke access for employees who leave the organization or change roles. Implementing automated procedures can
ensure consistency and reduce the risk of forgotten or lingering accounts.
•Encourage regular password updates
Encourage users to change their passwords periodically. This practice helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized
access if a password is compromised. However, ensure that this process is user-friendly and doesn't lead to the use
of predictable patterns.
•Continuous security assessment and improvement
Periodically assess your organization's password security measures. Perform penetration testing,
vulnerability assessments, and security audits to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Adapt your strategies based on the evolving threat landscape and emerging technologies.
 Password Cracking
Hashcat Tools
A high-performance password recovery tool that excels at GPU-based cracking. Hashcat
supports multiple attack modes and virtually every type of password hash, making it the
go-to choice for both penetration testers and attackers testing password security.
Defense tips:
•Use unique, long salts for each password
•Regular password audits to identify weak passwords
•Monitor for unusual CPU/GPU usage patterns
•Set up alerts for multiple failed authentication attempts
John the Ripper
An open-source password cracker that automatically detects password hash types and
supports hundreds of hash and cipher formats. Known for its flexibility and customizable
rule-based attacks, it's particularly effective at cracking Unix-style password hashes.
Defense tips:
•Enable strong password policies exceeding default dictionary capabilities
•Use modern hashing algorithms with high computational costs
•Regular security audits of password hashing methods
•Monitor access to password hash files
•Implement account lockout policies
CrackStation
A web-based password cracking service leveraging massive pre-computed lookup tables,
containing over 15 billion password hashes. It's designed for instant cracking of unsalted
hashes using accumulated data from previous breaches.
Defense tips:
•Always implement password salting
•Use modern hashing algorithms with proper configurations
•Regular testing against known password databases
•Monitor for bulk hash lookup attempts
•Implement rate limiting on authentication attempts

L0phtCrack
Recently open-sourced Windows password auditing tool that specializes in cracking
Windows authentication hashes. It features advanced auditing capabilities and reporting
tools for enterprise environments.
Defense tips:
•Conduct regular Windows domain password audits
•Implement strong Active Directory password policies
•Monitor SAM file access attempts
•Use third-party password filters
•Enable Windows Defender Credential Guard
Ophcrack
A specialized tool that uses rainbow tables to crack Windows passwords. It's particularly
effective against LM and NTLM hashes and comes with a user-friendly interface and LiveCD
option for system recovery.
Defense tips:
•Disable LM hashing system-wide
•Implement complex password requirements
•Monitor for unauthorized boot attempts
•Deploy full-disk encryption
•Restrict physical access to systems
Aircrack-ng
A comprehensive suite of tools for assessing WiFi network security that includes password
cracking capabilities. It specializes in breaking WEP and WPA-PSK wireless encryption
through various attack methods.
Defense tips:
•Implement WPA3 encryption where possible
•Use enterprise authentication instead of PSK
•Conduct regular wireless security audits
•Monitor for deauthentication attacks
•Implement wireless intrusion detection systems