What is a black hat hacker?
They use their computer skills to steal confidential information, to infect computer systems, to restrict access to a system.
They use their computer skills to protect confidential information to restrict access to a system.
They check the wiring of installations, provide support to users and are aware of servers in small companies.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
A "Black Hat" hacker is the primary threat actor in the cybersecurity landscape, representing the criminal element of the hacking community. These individuals use their advanced computer skills and technical knowledge with malicious intent to breach security defenses. Their goals typically involve stealing confidential information, infecting computer systems with malware, or restricting access to a system (as seen in DDoS or ransomware attacks) for personal gain, financial profit, or ideological reasons.
Black Hat hackers operate without authorization and often hide their tracks through anonymization tools like VPNs, Tor, and proxy chains. Their methodology involves finding and exploiting vulnerabilities—often "Zero-Day" flaws that the vendor is not yet aware of—to gain a foothold in a target network. Once inside, they may engage in corporate espionage, sell stolen data on the dark web, or hold an organization's operations hostage.
For a security professional, managing the threat of Black Hat hackers is a continuous cycle of "Threat Hunting" and "Risk Mitigation." Ethical hackers must study the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by Black Hats to build more resilient defenses. While Black Hats are the "adversaries," they also drive the evolution of security technology; as they find new ways to break into systems, the industry must develop new encryption, authentication, and monitoring tools to stop them. Understanding the mindset of a Black Hat—how they prioritize targets and which vulnerabilities they find most attractive—is a key component of the CEH curriculum. It allows defenders to think like their opponents, ensuring that security controls are placed where they are most needed to protect an organization's most valuable confidential assets.
A file inside the machine with a key word or letters to check that it was successfully breached. B. A common flag with a pirate skull in meaning of hackers. C. A list of commands used as a guide to hack the machine.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
In the context of ethical hacking, "Capture the Flag" (CTF) is a specialized competition or training exercise designed to sharpen the technical skills of cybersecurity professionals. A "flag" is a specific piece of data—often a unique alphanumeric string or a specific file—hidden within a target system, server, or application. The primary purpose of the flag is to serve as objective proof that an ethical hacker or penetration tester has successfully navigated the security layers of a machine and achieved a specific level of access, such as user-level or administrative (root) access.
From a technical standpoint, flags are strategically placed in directories that are typically restricted, such as /root or /home/user in Linux environments, or within sensitive database tables. Finding the flag confirms that the attacker has exploited a specific vulnerability, such as a misconfiguration, a weak password, or a software flaw. This methodology is integral to the "Post-Exploitation" phase of a penetration test, where the goal is to demonstrate the impact of a breach.
In professional certification environments like the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box, these flags are submitted to a scoring engine to validate the completion of a task. Unlike the popularized imagery of "pirate flags" or simple command lists, a real-world digital flag is a cryptographic validator of a successful exploit. It ensures that the practitioner did not just stumble upon a system but actually manipulated its internal logic to extract sensitive information. Understanding the nature of flags helps researchers focus on the ultimate goal: identifying where sensitive data resides and how it can be protected against unauthorized extraction by malicious actors.
What tool would you use to search for hidden directories or files?
Dirb
Shodan
Ping
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
DIRB is a specializedweb content scanning toolused in ethical hacking and penetration testing to discoverhidden directories and fileson web servers. It operates by performing adictionary-based brute-force attackagainst a target website, attempting to access directories and files that are not publicly linked but may still be accessible. This makes option A the correct answer.
DIRB is typically used during theweb application reconnaissance and enumeration phasesof penetration testing. Ethical hackers rely on it to uncover misconfigurations such as exposed admin panels, backup files, configuration files, or outdated directories that could lead to further compromise. These hidden resources often exist due to poor security practices or improper cleanup during development.
Option B, Shodan, is incorrect because Shodan is a search engine used to discover internet-connected devices and services, not hidden directories within a specific website. Option C, Ping, is also incorrect because it is a network utility used only to test host reachability and does not interact with web servers at the application layer.
From a defensive security perspective, DIRB helps organizations identify unnecessary exposure in web environments. Discovering hidden directories allows administrators to remove, restrict, or secure them before attackers exploit them. When used ethically and with authorization, DIRB is a powerful tool for improving web application security and reducing attack surfaces.
As pentester can we exploit any vulnerability regardless of the affectations?
YES, we have all the freedom.
NO, since performing these acts without consent is a crime.
YES, we have all the power to perform these processes without consent.
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
The defining characteristic that separates a professional penetration tester from a criminal hacker islegal authorization and consent. In the pentesting process, it is strictly prohibited to exploit any vulnerability without the explicit, written consent of the system owner. Performing such acts without authorization—even if the intent is to "help"—is a criminal offense in most jurisdictions and can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Before any testing begins, a "Rules of Engagement" (RoE) and a "Statement of Work" (SoW) must be signed. These documents define the scope of the test: which systems can be touched, which exploits are allowed, and what hours the testing can take place. A pentester must also consider "affectations," meaning the potential impact on business operations. If exploiting a vulnerability has a high risk of crashing a production server or corrupting critical data, the tester must consult with the client before proceeding.
Ethical hacking is built on a foundation of trust and professional integrity. A pentester’s goal is to improve security, not to disrupt business or act recklessly. If a critical vulnerability is found, the ethical response is to document it and inform the client immediately so it can be fixed. This disciplined approach ensures that the pentesting process remains a valuable security tool rather than a liability, reinforcing the fact that professional power in this field must always be balanced by strict adherence to legal and ethical standards.
What is netcat?
It is a versatile, open-source network tool used for reading and writing data over network connections.
It is a hacking tool for Linux.
It is a hacking tool for Windows.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
Netcat, often referred to as the "Swiss Army Knife" of networking, is a powerful and versatile utility that uses TCP or UDP protocols to read and write data across network connections. It is a foundational tool for both system administrators and security professionals because of its ability to perform a wide variety of tasks with minimal overhead. While it is natively a Linux tool, versions like ncat (distributed with Nmap) make it available across all major operating systems.
In the context of ethical hacking, Netcat is used for:
Port Scanning: It can be used as a lightweight port scanner to check for open services on a target.
Banner Grabbing: By connecting to a specific port, testers can capture the "banner" or header sent by a service to identify its software version.
File Transfer: It can push files from one machine to another without needing FTP or SMB protocols.
Creating Backdoors and Shells: Netcat is the primary tool used to establishBind ShellsorReverse Shellsduring the exploitation phase of a pentest. An attacker can set Netcat to "listen" on a port and execute a shell (like /bin/bash or cmd.exe) whenever someone connects to it.
Its simplicity is its greatest strength; it can be scripted into complex automated tasks or used manually for quick troubleshooting. Because Netcat can be used to bypass security controls and establish unauthorized access, security teams often monitor for its presence or execution on sensitive servers. Understanding how to use and defend against Netcat is a core requirement for any information security expert.
What tool would you use to scan ports?
Metasploit
Nmap
Shodan
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
Nmap is the primary tool used forport scanning, making option B the correct answer. Port scanning is a core activity during the reconnaissance and scanning phases of penetration testing, where the goal is to identify open, closed, or filtered ports on target systems.
Nmap allows ethical hackers to discover which services are running, their versions, and potential misconfigurations. It supports multiple scan types, including TCP SYN scans, UDP scans, and service detection scans, making it highly versatile and efficient.
Option A is incorrect because Metasploit is primarily an exploitation framework, not a dedicated port scanner. Option C is incorrect because Shodan is an internet-wide search engine, not a direct scanning tool used against specific targets.
Understanding port scanning is essential for identifying attack surfaces. Open ports often expose services that may contain vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. Ethical hackers use Nmap responsibly to map networks and guide further testing.
From a defensive perspective, regular port scanning helps organizations identify unnecessary services and enforce least-exposure principles. Nmap remains one of the most fundamental tools in ethical hacking and network security.
How do you look for an exploit in metasploit?
Use.
Cannot be searched.
Search.
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
The Metasploit Framework is a vast repository containing thousands of exploits, payloads, and auxiliary modules. Navigating this extensive database effectively is critical during the "Exploitation" phase of a penetration test. The primary command used to locate a specific module within the msfconsole issearch. This command allows a tester to query the database using keywords related to a specific vulnerability, software name, or CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifier.
The search command is highly flexible and supports various filters to narrow down results. For example, a tester can search by platform (e.g., search platform:windows), module type (e.g., search type:exploit), or even by the "rank" of the exploit to find the most reliable ones (e.g., search rank:excellent). Once a list of matching modules is returned, the tester identifies the one that best matches the target's specific service version and operating system.
After finding the correct exploit through the search command, the tester then uses the use command followed by the module path to select it for configuration. Searching is a foundational skill because it allows an ethical hacker to quickly pivot from a vulnerability identified during the "Scanning" phase to the corresponding exploit in the Metasploit database. Without a robust search capability, identifying the correct payload among thousands of possibilities would be nearly impossible. Mastering this command ensures efficiency and precision, which are essential when operating within the defined time limits of a professional security engagement.
Is it possible to clone a web page?
No
Yes
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
Yes, it is possible to clone a web page, making option B the correct answer. Web page cloning involves copying the structure, appearance, and content of a legitimate website, often for malicious purposes such as phishing or credential harvesting.
Attackers use cloning to trick users into believing they are interacting with a trusted site. Ethical hackers study this technique to demonstrate the risks of social engineering and help organizations implement defenses such as user education, domain monitoring, and email security controls.
Cloning does not typically require exploiting vulnerabilities; instead, it abuses publicly available content and human trust. This makes it a powerful and common attack vector.
Understanding web page cloning helps organizations recognize phishing threats and protect users from impersonation attacks. Ethical hackers use controlled demonstrations to raise awareness and improve detection capabilities.
What is privilege escalation?
A term used in computer security to describe a situation where a user or process gains higher permissions than originally assigned.
A term used when a user formally requests elevated permissions from a system administrator.
A term used by hackers to describe asking compromised administrators for new permissions.
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
Privilege escalation is a critical concept in ethical hacking and penetration testing that refers to a situation where a user or processgains higher-level permissions than originally authorized. This makes option A the correct answer.
Privilege escalation commonly occurs after an attacker or ethical hacker gains initial access to a system with limited privileges. The next objective is often to escalate those privileges to gain administrative or root-level access. This can be achieved through misconfigurations, vulnerable software, weak file permissions, kernel exploits, or improper access control mechanisms.
Option B is incorrect because formally requesting permissions from an administrator is a legitimate administrative process, not privilege escalation. Option C is incorrect because privilege escalation does not involve requesting permissions; it involves exploiting weaknesses to obtain them without authorization.
In penetration testing, privilege escalation is typically tested during thepost-exploitation phase. Ethical hackers use it to demonstrate the potential impact of a breach, such as full system compromise, access to sensitive data, or lateral movement within a network.
Understanding privilege escalation is essential for improving defensive security. By identifying and mitigating escalation paths, organizations can enforce the principle of least privilege, strengthen access controls, and reduce the impact of successful attacks. Ethical testing of privilege escalation ultimately helps organizations harden systems against real-world threats.
When critical vulnerabilities are detected, what should be done?
Document the problem and do nothing.
Exploit it and extract as much information as possible.
Inform the corresponding area for a prompt solution.
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
In the professional penetration testing process, the discovery of a "critical" vulnerability—one that could lead to immediate system compromise or data loss—triggers a specific ethical and procedural response. While the ultimate goal of a pentest is to find weaknesses, the primary duty of an ethical hacker is to ensure the safety and security of the client’s environment. Therefore, when a critical flaw is identified, the tester must immediately inform the relevant stakeholders or technical teams so that a prompt solution or "hotfix" can be implemented.
This immediate reporting deviates from the standard "end-of-test" report delivery because critical vulnerabilities represent an "active risk". If a tester finds an unpatched, high-impact vulnerability that is publicly known, there is a high probability that a real attacker could exploit it while the pentest is still ongoing. By notifying the client immediately, the tester helps mitigate the risk of an actual breach occurring during the assessment. This process is often detailed in the "Rules of Engagement" (RoE) agreed upon before the test begins.
Once the "corresponding area" (such as the DevOps or Security Operations team) is informed, the tester documents the vulnerability with clear reproduction steps and remediation advice. The tester may then be asked to "re-test" the vulnerability after the fix has been applied to verify its effectiveness. This highlights the collaborative nature of ethical hacking; it is not just about "breaking in" (Option B), but about the strategic management of risk. Professionalism in pentesting is defined by this commitment to communication and the proactive protection of the client's assets, ensuring that vulnerabilities are closed as quickly as possible to minimize the window of opportunity for malicious actors.
