Phases of Hacking

Reconnaissance 

• It is also known as footprinting or information-gathering phase
• In this phase, information is gathered on three major groups/ categories
• Host
• Network
• Number of people involved in the network
• Before carrying out the attack this is the preparatory phase to gather information about the target in order to carry out a successful attack

Fig 1.1 Comparison of types of reconnaissance

Scanning

• This phase involves using the information gathered in the first phase to find vulnerabilities in the network that the hacker wants to hack. 
• It consists of three types of scanning

Fig 1.2 Comparison of types of scanning

Gaining access

• In this phase, the attacker finally manages to break into the system/network using certain tools, techniques, and processes by exploiting some vulnerabilities. 
• The attacker tries to get the administrator access to the network so that he can make changes to the system easily and effectively. 

Maintaining access

• During this phase, the attacker intends to maintain access to the target system/network. 
• He tries to maintain this access until he finishes the task he aimed to accomplish in that target.
• The attacker wants to maintain access in the background without letting the user/administrator know about it. 
• This can be done using trojans, rootkits, or other malicious files/software.

Clearing track

• The attacker also does not want to be caught thus in this last phase he clears all potential evidence that may lead to his arrest. 
• This involves clearing server logs, modifying registry values, uninstalling all applications, and deleting all folders, software, and malicious files.