Cyber Reconnaissance is the process of gathering information about potential targets, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors. It is often conducted as a precursor to a cyberattack, enabling attackers to plan and execute their attacks more effectively.
Stages of Cyber Reconnaissance
- Passive Reconnaissance: Gathering information without directly interacting with the target. This includes researching publicly available information, such as websites, social media, and public records.
- Active Reconnaissance: Interacting with the target to gather more detailed information. This includes techniques like scanning networks, probing for open ports, and using social engineering to obtain sensitive data.
Techniques Used in Cyber Reconnaissance
- Footprinting: Collecting basic information about the target, such as domain names, IP addresses, and network infrastructure.
- Network Scanning: Using tools to identify active devices, open ports, and services running on the target network.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals to disclose confidential information through phishing, pretexting, or other deceptive techniques.
- Vulnerability Scanning: Identifying weaknesses in the target's systems and applications using automated tools.
Objectives of Cyber Reconnaissance
- Identify Vulnerabilities: Finding weaknesses that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.
- Gather Intelligence: Collecting information about the target's infrastructure, security measures, and personnel.
- Plan Attacks: Using the gathered information to develop and execute effective attack strategies.
Countermeasures Against Cyber Reconnaissance
- Security Awareness Training: Educating employees about social engineering and other reconnaissance techniques.
- Network Security Measures: Implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation to protect against active reconnaissance.
- Regular Security Assessments: Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
- Monitoring and Logging: Keeping track of network activity and logs to detect and respond to reconnaissance activities.
