Phases of Hacking (Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access, Covering Tracks)

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🛠️ Phases of Hacking

(Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access, Covering Tracks)

Hacking—whether ethical or malicious—generally follows a structured process. Understanding these phases helps security professionals protect systems effectively.

📘 Overview of the 5 Phases

1️⃣ Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)
2️⃣ Scanning
3️⃣ Gaining Access
4️⃣ Maintaining Access
5️⃣ Covering Tracks

1️⃣ Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)

📌 Definition

Reconnaissance is the first phase of hacking where the attacker collects as much information as possible about the target system.

It is also called Footprinting.

🎯 Objective

  • Identify target systems

  • Gather IP addresses

  • Collect employee information

  • Discover domain details

🔎 Types of Reconnaissance

🔹 Passive Reconnaissance

  • No direct interaction with target

  • Collecting publicly available information
    Examples:

  • Social media

  • Company websites

  • WHOIS records

🔹 Active Reconnaissance

  • Direct interaction with target

  • Risk of detection
    Examples:

  • Ping requests

  • Port probing

📚 Information Collected

  • Domain name

  • IP addresses

  • Network infrastructure

  • Email addresses

  • Technology used (server, CMS, etc.)

2️⃣ Scanning

📌 Definition

Scanning is the process of identifying live systems, open ports, services, and vulnerabilities.

🎯 Objective

  • Find open ports

  • Detect running services

  • Identify vulnerabilities

  • Map network structure

🔎 Types of Scanning

🔹 Port Scanning

Identifies open ports (e.g., 80, 443, 21)

🔹 Network Scanning

Finds active devices in a network

🔹 Vulnerability Scanning

Detects weaknesses in software or systems

📊 Output of Scanning

  • List of open ports

  • Service versions

  • Possible vulnerabilities

3️⃣ Gaining Access

📌 Definition

This phase involves exploiting vulnerabilities to enter the system.

🎯 Objective

  • Access system

  • Bypass security

  • Escalate privileges

🔓 Common Attack Methods

  • Password attacks

  • SQL Injection

  • Buffer overflow

  • Malware installation

  • Exploiting software bugs

🔺 Privilege Escalation

After entering, attackers try to gain admin/root access.

4️⃣ Maintaining Access

📌 Definition

In this phase, attackers attempt to keep long-term access to the system.

🎯 Objective

  • Create backdoors

  • Install remote access tools

  • Maintain control

🔧 Techniques Used

  • Installing backdoor programs

  • Creating hidden admin accounts

  • Modifying system services

🚨 Why This Phase is Dangerous

It allows attackers to:

  • Monitor activities

  • Steal data continuously

  • Launch further attacks

5️⃣ Covering Tracks

📌 Definition

The final phase where attackers hide evidence of their activities.

🎯 Objective

  • Avoid detection

  • Remove logs

  • Hide malware

🔎 Common Techniques

  • Deleting log files

  • Modifying timestamps

  • Clearing command history

  • Using anonymous networks

🔄 Complete Flow of Hacking Phases

Reconnaissance → Scanning → Gaining Access → Maintaining Access → Covering Tracks

Each phase builds on the previous one.

🛡️ Importance for Cybersecurity

Understanding these phases helps:

  • Detect attacks early

  • Strengthen defenses

  • Improve monitoring

  • Prevent data breaches

📊 Summary Table

PhasePurpose
ReconnaissanceGather information
ScanningIdentify vulnerabilities
Gaining AccessExploit weaknesses
Maintaining AccessKeep control
Covering TracksHide evidence

🎓 Short Exam Definition

The phases of hacking include Reconnaissance (information gathering), Scanning (finding vulnerabilities), Gaining Access (exploiting weaknesses), Maintaining Access (sustaining control), and Covering Tracks (hiding evidence).

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