RE: Email Pen-testing

From: Kevin (kevin_at_kevincomputers.com.sg)
Date: 03/21/04

  • Next message: hwertz_at_voltron.homelinux.org: "Re: Email Pen-testing" 
    To: <pen-test@securityfocus.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 01:07:25 +0800

    Well, human are the weakest link in the security ring.. and social
    engineering is always the easiest (if not the best) technique to open up
    loopholes in a security system.

    Although it's an area which requires most emphasizes and concern, it is
    also the most sensitive area where security managers get stuck often in.

    If the company is ok with social engineering in the pen test, then I
    suppose it's ok.. It's ethical as long as you're doing it for a cause
    not malicious and harmful.

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Blake [mailto:netspan@hotmail.com]
    Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 12:22 AM
    To: pen-test@securityfocus.com
    Subject: Email Pen-testing

    Wanted to get your opinion on something...

    Doing a pen-test for a small bank which was proving very difficult to
    get it. A friend of mine suggested I send a backdoor trojan attachment
    via an email. If they clicked on it, the backdoor performs maybe a
    boxscan, grab passwords, and connects out to the Internet. --Much like a
    virus.

    I think this type of testing is becoming more relevant nowadays,
    especially with whats out there. It reinforces properly configured
    antivirus software and user awareness.

    I spoke with a previous customer of mine about the idea. He said he
    would be very upset if he was not told prior to that type of test as
    part of normal pen-testing.

    Generally speaking, my code of ethics doesn't allow me to social
    engineer. I don't like lying and misleading people. Also people tend to
    hate you after they've been punk'd.

    What's your ideas on the email pen-tesing?

    -Blake

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