Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance from Pluralsight

Reconnaissance, the first critical phase of penetration testing, is critical in understanding the attack surface of a target web application. This course lays the foundation for becoming a skilled web app penetration tester.

Building a strong foundation for a Web Application Penetration Test is critical for success. In this course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, you’ll learn to thoroughly plan a Web App Pen Test and begin to apply the Web App Pen Testing methodology through reconnaissance. First, you’ll learn some key terms and concepts that synchronize your vocabulary with the industry. This will include exploring the various Web App Security Testing methods and types as you make work your way towards gaining a thorough understanding of the Dynamic Web App Pen Testing methodology. Next, you’ll cover the Web Application Security Test Planning process to ensure conditions are set for a successful and legal engagement. Finally, you’ll learn how to begin applying the Web App Pen Testing methodology by passively gathering information about the target and its environment from external sources. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of Web App Pen Testing needed to prepare for and begin conducting a successful Web App Pen Test.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Web Application Testing Methodologies

Web Application Security Test Planning Process

Methodology: Reconnaissance

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches explorers some key terms and concepts that synchronize their vocabularies with the industry

Examines various Web App Security Testing methods and types

Explores the Dynamic Web App Pen Testing methodology

Covers the Web Application Security Test Planning process to ensure conditions are set for a successful engagement

Develops the skill of applying the Web App Pen Testing methodology by passively gathering information about the target and its environment from external sources

Taught by Tim Tomes, a recognized expert in Web App Pen Testing

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 Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance with these activities:

Read 'The Web Application Hacker's Handbook' by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto

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Provides a comprehensive overview of web application security and reconnaissance techniques.

View Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and... on Amazon

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Review key concepts related to Reconnaissance

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Reinforces key concepts needed for effective reconnaissance during a web app penetration test.

Browse courses on Web Application Testing

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Review OWASP's Top 10 Web Application Security Risks
Understand the purpose and techniques involved in port scanning
Gain familiarity with web crawling and scraping tools

Organize and review course materials

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Reinforces understanding of concepts and improves knowledge retention.

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Review lecture notes
Organize presentation slides
Complete practice exercises

Five other activities

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Conduct reconnaissance using a variety of tools

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Provides practical experience in using tools for reconnaissance and enhances the understanding of the reconnaissance phase.

Browse courses on Penetration Testing Tools

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Use Nmap for port scanning
Employ OWASP ZAP for web crawling and scraping
Experiment with Burp Suite for web application security testing

Discuss reconnaissance findings with peers

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Fosters collaboration, promotes critical thinking, and enhances understanding of reconnaissance techniques.

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Present reconnaissance findings
Discuss and analyze potential vulnerabilities
Receive feedback and insights from peers

Create a reconnaissance report

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Enhances understanding of reconnaissance findings and improves reporting skills.

Browse courses on Vulnerability Assessment

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Document the target's network architecture
Identify potential entry points and vulnerabilities
Provide recommendations for further penetration testing

Explore advanced reconnaissance techniques

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Provides exposure to cutting-edge reconnaissance techniques, expanding knowledge and skills.

Browse courses on Vulnerability Assessment

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Understand and utilize advanced port scanning techniques
Learn web application fingerprinting methods
Explore passive reconnaissance techniques

Mentor junior penetration testers

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Reinforces knowledge, enhances communication skills, and provides opportunities for real-world application.

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Share experiences and insights
Guide and assist junior testers through reconnaissance processes
Provide feedback and support on reconnaissance reports

Career center

Learners who complete Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Application Security Analyst

The first step to becoming a successful Web Application Security Analyst is to develop a strong foundation in web application security testing. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you build that foundation. You'll learn the key terms and concepts of web application security testing, as well as the different types of testing methods and tools. You'll also learn how to plan and execute a web application security test, and how to write effective reports. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in web application security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Application Security Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in security engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and assessing security risks to an organization's information systems. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in information security analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide security advice and services to organizations. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in security consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are responsible for identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, and how to write effective reports. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in penetration testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in security architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to design and implement network topologies, and how to configure and troubleshoot network devices. You'll also learn about the different types of network security threats and how to protect against them. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in network engineering.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to write secure code, and how to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. You'll also learn about the different types of security threats and how to protect against them. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in software development.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems and networks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to install and configure operating systems, software applications, and network devices. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot and resolve system problems. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in systems administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers are responsible for identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks with the permission of the owner. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, and how to write effective reports. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in ethical hacking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in cybersecurity analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Incident Responder

Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and resolving security incidents. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in incident response.

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Security Auditor

Security Auditors are responsible for evaluating the security of computer systems and networks. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in security auditing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts are responsible for identifying and analyzing malware. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, may be helpful in developing the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Forensic Analyst

Forensic Analysts are responsible for investigating and analyzing computer crimes. This course, Web App Pen Testing: Reconnaissance, may be helpful in developing the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess security risks, and how to develop and implement security solutions. You'll also learn how to monitor and respond to security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Analyst