Ethical Hacking for Beginners: Learn the Core Phases & Tools

Are you ready to step into the world of Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity? This beginner-friendly course will teach you the five phases of ethical hacking and the essential tools used by cybersecurity professionals to identify and secure vulnerabilities. Whether you’re an aspiring ethical hacker, IT security enthusiast, or cybersecurity student, this course will provide you with practical, hands-on experience in penetration testing, network security, reconnaissance, and exploitation techniques.

What Are the 5 Phases of Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is a structured process that follows five key stages to simulate real-world cyberattacks and assess security defenses. These phases include:

Phase 1: Reconnaissance (Footprinting & Information Gathering)
In this initial phase, ethical hackers gather critical information about the target system, including IP addresses, domain details, and network topology. Tools like Google Dorking , WHOIS lookup help in passive and active information gathering.

Phase 2: Scanning & Enumeration
This phase involves identifying open ports, live hosts, and system vulnerabilities using tools like Nmap and OpenVAS. Ethical hackers map out the target’s weaknesses to prepare for potential exploits.

Phase 3: Gaining Access (Exploitation Techniques)
Hackers use various attack methods such as SQL injection, brute force attacks, phishing, and password cracking to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access. Tools like Metasploit and John the Ripper play a key role in this stage.

Phase 4: Maintaining Access
Once access is gained, the hacker ensures persistent access by installing backdoors, Trojans, and rootkits. This step helps attackers maintain long-term control over the compromised system. Ethical hackers use penetration testing tools like Meterpreter to simulate such attacks.

Phase 5: Covering Tracks & Reporting
To avoid detection, attackers erase evidence by clearing logs, modifying timestamps, and using anti-forensic techniques. Ethical hackers, however, document their findings in detailed reports to help organizations improve security measures.

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