Summary

In this chapter, you have learned how to perform network-based penetration testing, from discovering profile systems on an organization’s network to discovering and exploiting various common network protocols and security vulnerabilities on host systems. Furthermore, you learned about various password-based attacks, how to pass the password hashes of users across the network, and how to gain access to host systems without needing to crack a user’s password.

I trust that the knowledge presented in this chapter has provided you with valuable insights, supporting your path toward becoming an ethical hacker and penetration tester in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. May this newfound understanding empower you in your journey, allowing you to navigate the industry with confidence and make a significant impact. In the next chapter, Chapter 10, Post-Exploitation Techniques, you will learn how to expand your foothold on a compromised system.