Hacking For Dummies, 6th Edition

Chapter 1

Introduction to Vulnerability and Penetration Testing

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding hackers’ and malicious users’ objectives

Examining how the security testing process came about

Recognizing what endangers your computer systems

Starting to use the process for security testing

This book is about testing your computers and networks for security vulnerabilities and plugging the holes you find before the bad guys get a chance to exploit them.

Straightening Out the Terminology

Everyone has heard of hackers and malicious users. Many people have even suffered the consequences of their criminal actions. Who are these people and why do you need to know about them? The next few sections give you the lowdown on these attackers.

In this book, I use the following terminology:

• Hackers (or external attackers) try to compromise computers, sensitive information, and even entire networks for ill-gotten gains — usually from the outside — as unauthorized users. Hackers go for ...