Tutorials

How to use the Hydra password-cracking tool

Ethical hackers: Need help brute-forcing passwords? Get started by learning how to use the open source Hydra tool with this step-by-step tutorial and companion video. Continue Reading
How to test firewall rules with Nmap

Using Nmap to identify potential shortfalls in the rules used to govern firewall performance gives teams an easy and cost-effective way to plug holes in their security frameworks. Continue Reading
How to build a Python port scanner

Python offers beginning coders a lot of flexibility and is a novel way to build tools designed to probe port performance across your network. Continue Reading
How to conduct firewall testing and analyze test results

A misconfigured firewall can wreak havoc throughout your organization. Firewall testing to ensure rules are written correctly and that any changes are validated is critical. Continue Reading
How to use tcpreplay to replay network packet files

The suite of tools that comprise tcpreplay offers administrators a variety of network security options. Learn some of the benefits of this free utility. Continue Reading

How to use Tor -- and whether you should -- in your enterprise

The Tor browser has sparked discussion and dissension since its debut. Does the software, which promises anonymous and secure web access, have a role to play in the enterprise? Continue Reading
How to use PuTTY for SSH key-based authentication

This tutorial on the open source PuTTY SSH client covers how to install it, its basic use and step-by-step instructions for configuring key-based authentication. Continue Reading
Intro: How to use BlackArch Linux for pen testing

BlackArch Linux offers a lot of pen testing and security benefits, but it requires knowledgeable and independent professionals who can put the distribution to work. Continue Reading
How to use Pwnbox, the cloud-based VM for security testing

Pwnbox offers users the chance to hone their skills about security concepts and tools without having to build a costly lab environment. Continue Reading
How to use Social-Engineer Toolkit

Testing system components for vulnerabilities is just one part of the network security equation. What's the best way to measure users' resilience to social engineering threats? Continue Reading
How to configure sudo privilege and access control settings

Learn how to use the sudo command for access control configurations, from granting full administrative privileges to delegating roles. Continue Reading

Use sudo insults to add spice to incorrect password attempts

The life of an admin doesn't have to be dry. When a user enters a wrong password, for example, why not respond with a message that says, 'You're fired!' With sudo insults, you can. Continue Reading
Fuzzy about fuzz testing? This fuzzing tutorial will help

Organizations are searching for ways to automate and improve their application security processes. Fuzz testing is one way to fill in some of the gaps. Continue Reading
How to use a jump server to link security zones

Jump servers are a perfect example of less is more. By using these slimmed-down boxes, administrators can connect to multiple resources securely. Continue Reading
Kali vs. ParrotOS: 2 versatile Linux distros for security pros

Network security doesn't always require expensive software. Two Linux distributions -- Kali Linux and ParrotOS -- can help enterprises fill in their security gaps. Continue Reading
How to use SDelete to ensure deleted data is gone for good

When data is deleted from a disk, is it gone? One way to make sure file info is permanently erased is to use SDelete, a utility specifically tailored to remove key data. Continue Reading
How to disable removable media access with Group Policy

Removable media can pose serious security problems. But there is a way to control who has access to optical disks and USB drives through Windows' Active Directory. Continue Reading
How to use the John the Ripper password cracker

Password crackers are essential tools in any pen tester's toolbox. This step-by-step tutorial explains how to use John the Ripper, an open source offline password-cracking tool. Continue Reading
How to create fine-grained password policy in AD

Fine-grained password policies are a simple and effective way of ensuring password settings meet business requirements. Continue Reading
How to enable Active Directory fine-grained password policies

Specifying multiple password policies customized to specific account types adds another layer to an organization's security posture. Using PSOs instead of Group Policy can help. Continue Reading
How to use BeEF, the Browser Exploitation Framework

The open source BeEF pen testing tool can be used by red and blue teams alike to hook web browsers and use them as beachheads to launch further attacks. Continue Reading
How to use Wireshark OUI lookup for network security

Wireshark OUI lookup helps cyber defenders, pen testers and red teams identify and target network endpoints -- and it can be accessed from any browser. Continue Reading
How to create and add an SPF record for email authentication

Learn how to create Sender Policy Framework records to list authenticated mail servers for an email domain to fight spam, phishing, email forgery and other malicious email. Continue Reading
How to use SSH tunnels to cross network boundaries

The Secure Shell protocol authenticates and encrypts network connections. Find out how it's used to build tunnels while crossing private networks and even firewalls. Continue Reading
Use ssh-keygen to create SSH key pairs and more

Learn how to use ssh-keygen to create new key pairs, copy host keys, use a single login key pair for multiple hosts, retrieve key fingerprints and more in this tutorial. Continue Reading
Mimikatz tutorial: How it hacks Windows passwords, credentials

In this Mimikatz tutorial, learn about the password and credential dumping program, where you can acquire it and how easy it makes it to compromise system passwords. Continue Reading