Information gathering is a crucial phase in the context of cybersecurity and ethical hacking. It involves collecting data about a target, which can be a person, organization, or system, to identify potential vulnerabilities. This process is often divided into two main types:
Passive Information Gathering:
Involves collecting information without directly interacting with the target.
Utilizes publicly available resources such as social media, websites, and databases.
Examples include using search engines, social networking sites, and WHOIS databases.
Active Information Gathering:
Involves direct interaction with the target to collect information.
Techniques may include network scanning, pinging, and using tools to probe the target’s systems.
This method can reveal more detailed information about the target’s infrastructure.
The goal of information gathering is to create a comprehensive profile of the target, which can then be used to plan further actions, such as penetration testing or vulnerability assessments.
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