Unauthorised Access: Physical Penetration Testing For IT Security Teams

Chapter 8. Gathering the Right Equipment

"It matters little how much equipment we use; it matters much that we be masters of all we do use."

—Sam Abell

Some of the equipment you need to engage in penetration testing is obvious, some of it isn't. Some is necessary and some of it is just nice to have. This chapter is about the kit we use and why we have it. You'll likely start with a small core bag of gear that you'll expand over time as requirements dictate the addition of new equipment. In any event, electronics go out of date fast so there's no point in spending money on something that's going to become obsolete and sit in your cupboard. This chapter is by no means comprehensive; plenty of other equipment is useful, some of which is discussed throughout the book. It's important to note that we're covering the basics; the major categories and these decisions are often colored by my own preferences.