Tutorial Series: Ethical Hacking Practical - Footprinting

Introduction

This tutorial walks you through the process of footprinting, a fundamental step in ethical hacking, specifically designed for beginners. Footprinting involves gathering information about computer systems and the organizations they represent. This information is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities before launching a hacking attempt. In this guide, we will focus on using the "recon-ng" tool to facilitate the footprinting process.

Step 1: Setting Up Recon-ng

To begin using recon-ng, you'll need to set up the tool on your system.

1. Install recon-ng:

   • You can install recon-ng directly from its GitHub repository. Use the following commands:

     git clone https://github.com/lanmaster53/recon-ng.git
     cd recon-ng
     pip install -r REQUIREMENTS
     

2. Launch recon-ng:

   • Navigate to the recon-ng directory and start the tool by running:

     ./recon-ng
     

3. Familiarize yourself with the interface:

   • Once launched, you'll see a command-line interface. Take a moment to explore the available commands by typing help.

Step 2: Creating a New Workspace

Creating a workspace helps you organize your footprinting activities.

1. Create a new workspace:

   • Use the following command to create a workspace:

     workspaces create <workspace_name>
     

   • Replace <workspace_name> with your preferred name for the workspace.

2. Switch to your new workspace:

   • Activate your workspace by using:

     workspaces select <workspace_name>
     

Step 3: Gathering Information

Now that your recon-ng environment is set up, you can start gathering information.

1. Add a domain:

   • To set a target domain for your footprinting, enter:

     domains add <target_domain>
     

   • Replace <target_domain> with the domain you wish to investigate.

2. Use available modules:

   • Recon-ng has several modules for different types of data collection. To see the available modules, type:

     show modules
     

3. Load a module:

   • For example, to gather WHOIS information, load the WHOIS module:

     use recon/domains-contacts/whois_pocs
     

4. Run the module:

   • After loading the module, execute it by typing:

     run
     

Step 4: Analyzing Collected Data

Once you have gathered data, it’s essential to analyze it for useful insights.

1. View collected information:

   • Check the data you have collected by using:

     show contacts
     

2. Export data:

   • To keep a record of your findings, you can export the data:

     export <format>
     

   • Replace <format> with your desired file format, such as CSV or JSON.

Conclusion

Footprinting is a critical first step in the ethical hacking process. By utilizing the recon-ng tool, you can effectively gather and analyze valuable information about your target. Remember to create organized workspaces, utilize the various modules available, and export your findings for future reference. As you progress, consider exploring further steps in the ethical hacking series to enhance your skills.