Penetration Testing
During this penetration testing I thoroughly evaluated the server’s weaknesses and sensitive data as part of the testing work. Examining the operating system, user accounts, installed apps, and databases on the server was part of the project. Of special importance were the MySQL-accessible databases that held confidential data about clients, staff members, and salaries. I also included comprehensive instructions on how to use Vagrant to manage virtual machine environments and SSH to secure network services. Along with instructions on how to use tools like Hashcat to crack password hashes, the document also contains commands for accessing and inspecting data in the databases, including tables holding employee IDs, names, password hashes, and wages. I used three techniques throughout the penetration testing to obtain important data on clients, staff members, and their private information. Using the Metasploit technique, I was able to access user accounts, browse directories, take advantage of open ports, and get data from the server. By exposing weak passwords and employing a bespoke dictionary, the Hydra approach allowed access to sensitive data and accounts. Hydra Hashcat was also used to crack the hashes by manipulating dictionaries and retrieving passwords. These techniques gave important insights into the security flaws and any threats that the server’s infrastructure may have. The organization is exposed to serious hazards when employee data, such as salary and password hashes, is made public. It may have a negative impact on recruiting efforts since it could cause people to lose faith in the organization if sensitive employee data is made public. Furthermore, there is grave anxiety over the possibility that workers could be stolen by other companies as a result of the exposed data. Furthermore, there could be serious repercussions from the release of customer information, such as a decline in client trust, a possible government inquiry and prosecution for data breaches, and bad press that could harm the company’s brand. To sum up, the results of the penetration testing project highlight how crucial it is to protect sensitive data and fix infrastructure flaws on the server. The possible consequences of a data breach, such as the loss of confidence among employees and customers, legal implications, and harm to one’s brand, underscore the pressing requirement for strong security protocols and proactive risk management approaches. It is essential that the company give cybersecurity top priority and put in place thorough safeguards to protect confidential data and reduce security risks.