Execution with macro_pack from Pluralsight

Knowing how to masquerade malicious content into legitimate files is key when performing phishing attacks. In this course, you will explore the macro_pack tool, which allows you to hide malicious payloads into Microsoft Office files.

Masquerading malicious files into legitimate files is crucial for a successful phishing attack. When the malicious payload is hidden into legitimate documents, the victims are more likely to open the file, giving us access to their computer. In this course, Execution with macro_pack, you will see one of the most useful tools for malicious file masquerading, the macro_pack. First, you will learn the basics about malicious file masquerading and an overview of the macro_pack tool. Next, you will explore how to hide a Metasploit Meterpreter payload into a Microsoft Word file. Finally, you will learn how to create a file dropper with the macro_pack, which can be used to distribute malware hosted in remote servers via unsuspicious Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of the macro_pack tool to masquerade malicious payloads into Microsoft Office files and covers three important tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework: User Execution - Malicious File (T1204.002), Command and Scripting Interpreter - Visual Basic (T1059.005) and Phishing - Spearphishing Attachment (T1566.001).

What's inside

Syllabus

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Develops core skills needed to create malware which can be used for malicious purposes

Taught by seasoned professionals who are recognized for their expertise in malicious file masquerading

Demonstrates the importance of malicious file masquerading for phishing attacks

Covers relevant and important MITRE ATT&CK frameworks that are essential to understand for security professionals

Reviews summary

Practical macro_pack for phishing attacks

According to students, this course offers a highly practical and focused introduction to using macro_pack for malicious payload masquerading. Learners found the content to be directly applicable to cybersecurity operations, particularly for phishing attacks and red teaming. The course provides clear, step-by-step demonstrations on hiding Metasploit Meterpreter payloads and creating file droppers. However, some learners noted its highly specialized scope, suggesting it's best for those specifically interested in this tool rather than broader theoretical concepts. It is considered an effective hands-on guide for its stated objectives, but more experienced users might find parts to be introductory.

Provides a solid foundation for those new to macro_pack.

"As someone new to specific payload obfuscation tools, I found the introduction to macro_pack very accessible and well-explained."

"The course starts with the basics, making it easy to follow even if you're not an expert in this particular area."

"I felt the initial overview and basic usage sections were just right for getting started with the tool."

Integrates key tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

"The course's connection to MITRE ATT&CK TTPs like T1204.002 and T1566.001 makes it highly relevant for security analysts."

"I found the explicit mention and demonstration of MITRE ATT&CK tactics very beneficial for understanding real-world application."

"It's great that the course aligns with industry-recognized frameworks, boosting its value for professionals."

Focuses on hands-on use of macro_pack for real-world scenarios.

"I really appreciated the clear, step-by-step demos; they made understanding macro_pack's practical use very straightforward."

"This course delivered on its promise, providing immediate, actionable knowledge for creating malicious payloads with the tool."

"The hands-on examples for embedding Metasploit Meterpreter were incredibly useful for my red team exercises."

May not offer sufficient depth for experienced cybersecurity professionals.

"For an experienced red teamer, some parts felt a bit too introductory. I was looking for more advanced or novel techniques."

"I completed the course quickly, as it didn't delve into the more intricate or less common features of macro_pack I was hoping for."

"While a good primer, I'd suggest supplemental learning for those aiming to master every aspect of malicious file masquerading."

Geared towards a specific tool and narrow cybersecurity tactics.

"While effective, the course is very much focused on just one tool. I hoped for a broader context of phishing techniques."

"If you're not specifically interested in macro_pack, this course might feel too narrow in its scope and application."

"It's excellent for what it covers, but don't expect a deep dive into general malware development or offensive security principles."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Execution with macro_pack with these activities:

Read 'The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security'

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Gain insights into the psychological aspects of phishing and how to protect against deception techniques.

View The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human... on Amazon

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Explore macro_pack documentation

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Familiarize yourself with the macro_pack documentation to better understand its capabilities.

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Visit the macro_pack documentation website
Read through the documentation to understand the tool's features and usage

Explore macro_pack tool documentation

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Enhance your understanding of macro_pack and its features by reviewing its official documentation.

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Access the macro_pack documentation
Review macro_pack syntax and usage
Explore macro_pack examples

Four other activities

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Create a test payload using macro_pack

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Practice using macro_pack to create a malicious payload that can be used in a phishing attack.

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Install macro_pack on your system
Create a new Microsoft Word document
Use macro_pack to create a new payload
Test the payload to ensure it works as expected

Exercise malicious macro_pack payload execution

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Enforce your understanding of hiding a Metasploit Meterpreter payload into a Microsoft Word file using macro_pack.

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Install Macro_pack tool
Prepare malicious payload
Create Microsoft Word file
Hide payload in Word file using Macro_pack
Execute the payload

Analyze phishing emails

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Sharpen your ability to identify phishing emails by examining real-world examples and practicing analysis techniques.

Browse courses on Phishing

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Collect phishing emails
Analyze sender's information
Inspect email content and attachments
Identify red flags
Practice reporting phishing emails

Contribute to open-source anti-malware projects

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Engage in the cybersecurity community and refine your skills by contributing to open-source projects focused on combating malware.

Browse courses on Threat Intelligence

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Identify suitable open-source projects
Review project documentation
Submit bug reports or feature requests
Develop or improve project features

Career center

Learners who complete Execution with macro_pack will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

Security Analysts use their knowledge of computer security to protect computer networks and systems. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become an Information Security Analyst because it teaches how to mask malicious payloads into Microsoft Office files, which could be used to launch phishing attacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

As they plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems, Security Engineers must be able to identify and mitigate security risks. This course may be useful for those looking to become Security Engineers because it will teach them how to hide malicious payloads into Microsoft Office files.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are ethical hackers who use their skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems. This course could be useful for someone seeking to become a Penetration Tester since it covers the basics of malicious file masquerading and an overview of the macro_pack tool.

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Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts investigate and analyze malware to understand how it works and to develop defenses against it.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

The job of a Cybersecurity Analyst is to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course could be useful for aspiring Cybersecurity Analysts because it will teach them how to identify and mitigate security risks.

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Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers, also known as white hat hackers, use their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities in computer systems.

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Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, build, and maintain computer networks. This course could be useful for those interested in becoming Computer Network Architects because it covers the basics of malicious file masquerading and an overview of the macro_pack tool.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants help organizations to identify and mitigate security risks. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Security Consultant because it teaches how to mask malicious payloads into Microsoft Office files, which could be used to launch phishing attacks.

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Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers typically hold a master's degree in computer science or a related field and have many years of experience in information security.

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Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.

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Computer Security Specialist

Computer Security Specialists use their knowledge of computer security to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

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Security Administrator

Security Administrators are responsible for managing an organization's computer security systems and procedures.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures for computer networks.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures for cloud computing environments.

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DevSecOps Engineer

DevSecOps Engineers work to integrate security into the software development process.