Tag: cyber security

Why Do Attackers Prefer Social Engineering Over Brute-Forcing?

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Imagine a would-be intruder outside a locked door. They could try every key in existence, hoping one fits (the brute force method), or simply knock and claim they’re a friend, tricking someone into letting them in (social engineering). Most attackers prefer the latter for good reason. Brute-forcing is time-consuming, suspicious, and often ineffective, while social engineering is like slipping a skeleton key into human trust. Why social engineering is the favored strategy?

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Using John the Ripper to Find Weak Passwords in Linux Systems (Penetration Testing)

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Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for educational and cyber security purposes, intended to help cyber security professionals and learners understand how passwords can be exposed and how to prevent such vulnerabilities. Unauthorized access to computer systems is illegal and unethical. Always obtain proper authorization before conducting penetration testing on any network or system.

In penetration testing, understanding potential vulnerabilities within Linux-based systems is essential for both offensive and defensive strategies. Linux systems store user account information in two files: the /etc/passwd file and the /etc/shadow file. Together, these files contain details that can help penetration testers uncover weak password policies and determine how secure a system’s authentication process is.

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OSINT for Social Media Investigations: Gathering Information about Individuals

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Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has become an essential technique in cyber security, investigation, and research due to its non-invasive, publicly accessible nature. Social media platforms, with their wealth of publicly available information, are prime OSINT resources for understanding a person’s online footprint, behavior, interests, and connections.

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How to Set Up and Host a Chat on the Dark Web

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Setting up a PHP-based chat application like Le Chat on a Linux virtual machine (VM) with MySQL and Apache, specifically configured to run over the Tor network, involves several steps. Even if you don’t want to run an entire .onion empire, it is good to know the basic rules of such systems, how to set it up and what are the limits of Tor’s privacy. After some research in the topic I found dozens of very different chats on the Onion network that run Le Chat, some are very friendly and legal, the other are dark and hostile. Let’s take a look at how can you host your own instance from the comfort of your chair!

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Why Business Owners Need Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

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In today’s increasingly digital world, cyber security has become an essential component of business operations. Many business owners and stakeholders may assume that cyber threats only affect large corporations or high-profile companies. However, small and medium-sized businesses are often even more vulnerable, as cyber criminals know they may lack robust security measures. Implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) is a straightforward yet crucial step that can help protect business assets and maintain trust with clients and partners. Here’s why these practices should be a priority for every business owner.

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Penetration Testing Linux Servers with Hydra for SSH Login

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Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for educational and authorized penetration testing purposes. Unauthorized access to systems is illegal and punishable by law. Always have explicit permission before attempting any form of testing on a system.

Linux servers are a backbone of today’s internet infrastructure, supporting critical operations for countless organizations. While Linux is known for its robust security features, misconfigurations and weak credentials can still leave servers vulnerable to unauthorized access. Hydra, a powerful network login cracker, is commonly used by penetration testers to assess the strength of SSH login credentials on Linux servers.

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Why Hiring an OSINT Professional is a Smart Move for Online Investigations and Background Checks

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In today’s digital age, vast amounts of data lie scattered across the internet, waiting to be unearthed. For companies seeking to protect their interests, ensure compliance, or conduct thorough background checks, this data can be invaluable – if they know how to access it. This is where hiring an OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) professional becomes a game-changer. Let’s break down why bringing in an OSINT expert is a strategic investment for any organization.

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The Art of OSINT: Locating Where a Photo Was Taken

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When doing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), the first step can often be as thrilling as detective work – for example determining where a photo was taken. Imagine you have a single photograph: it could be of a building, a beach, a street corner, or a mysterious landmark. How do you peel back the layers of pixels and find out where this place exists in the real world? Let’s go step-by-step into this fascinating process and explore the tools and tricks that can help you uncover the story behind an image’s location.

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Why Contract Workers Are a Winning Choice for Cyber Security: A Guide for Big Companies

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In the dynamic world of cyber security, the stakes are high, and the need for rapid, specialized action is constant. With cyber threats evolving at breakneck speed, companies face a difficult decision: should they invest in full-time IT security employees, or tap into the vast pool of skilled contract professionals? Let’s look into why contracting is the smarter move for agile, effective cyber security.

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Creating Strong Passwords: Best Practices and Secure Storage

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In today’s digital age, the importance of strong passwords cannot be overstated. With cyber threats on the rise, safeguarding your online accounts with robust passwords is essential. This article delves into the best practices for creating strong passwords and explores how to use and store them securely using various consumer password managers.

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Understanding Social Engineering Attacks: How They Work, How to Spot Them, and How to Protect Yourself

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In the realm of cybersecurity, social engineering attacks stand out as a particularly insidious threat. Unlike traditional cyberattacks that exploit technical vulnerabilities, social engineering leverages human psychology to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. This article delves into the mechanics of social engineering attacks, how to recognize them, and strategies to protect against them.

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