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What is hacking?
Hacking is the act of
penetrating a closed computer system for the knowledge and information that is
contained within. Through the study of technology and computers a hacker
can open his mind and expand his knowledge. Hacking is intended to free
information and expand minds, not to be destructive nor for material gain.
Although there is always some debate because of how the term hacker has been
both glorified and undermined by common media, but most will say that those who
destroy data, hack for money or with illegal intent should be referred to as
crackers, not hackers
What is phreaking?
Think hacker. Then think telephone system.
Combine the two and you have the makings of a phreak. It requires the study of
telephone technology in order to learn more about telephones and telephone
systems. It is very difficult (or shall we say rare) to get involved in
hacking without having some knowledge of, or receiving some exposure to,
phreaking, and vice versa.
I'm a newbie, how do I get
started?
This is easily the most
commonly asked question that we receive. And here it is in short:
Everyone has to start somewhere, and since hacking will continue to grow and
transform as technology progresses, there will always be newcomers. Due to the
increased media hype about hackers, the underground, and the Internet, the flood
of newbies/neophytes (beginners) has increased incredibly. But, there is
no simple answer to this question. The best way to start, and continue,
building your knowledge base is to read up on material that interests you. Try
locating everything you can, on and offline, about hacking, computers,
programming, cellular phones, whatever interests you. Then read it. Study it.
Understand it. Simply read.
Reading is the key to learning your new craft, and there are tons of text
files available on this site and others that will get you started on your foray
into the world of hacking and the computer underground. Simply read
everything you can get your hands on. Learn about the Internet and the
various services available through it (such as WWW, FTP, IRC, Telnet, and so
on). You must try to learn on your own. Don't go clicking the first
email link you see and then asking every question you can think of.
Hacking is about learning and finding out things for yourself, you will not be
spoon fed information, you must go out and get it. Determination and
perserverance are key factors to becoming a hacker. And it isn't an overnoght
process either. If you really want it, you will eventually get it.
Start by reading all the underground related text files on this site and
experimenting with the programs and utilities in our file archives. We
have setup an email address for serious newbie questions, please view the
Contact section of this
site for that address.
In the end, try to
find the answer on your own and only use that email address as your last resort.
Here are a couple of honest quick tips: 1) Get off of AOL if you
expect to be taken seriously. 2) Consider installing some
distribution of the Linux (Unix-based) operating system. It'll open up a whole
new world of computing for you. More details on this later in the FAQ.
What is Linux and how can I
obtain/install it?
Linux is a flavor of the
computer operating system Unix. It is probably the most widely used
operating system by hackers because of its capabilities both Internet and
programming wise. You can buy a CD that contains a distribution of Linux
on it (such as Slackware, RedHat, Debian, etc.) from your local computer store,
or from their respective websites (www.redhat.com
etc.) Or, you
could download the preferred distribution from the Internet at a site such as www.linux.org.
Installing Linux has the potential to be a very difficult task if you are not
very knowledgable about it and the computer hardware you own. I suggest
you either read the Linux documentaion available on the Internet (you can get it
at the site mentioned above) or buy a book on Linux from your local bookstore.
The documentation will guide you through the installation and setup process.
If you are planning on getting seriously into hacking, it would be in your best
interest to try and get it up and running. (And yes, you can run Linux and
Windows 95 on the same machine).
If you have more serious inquiries, email us and we'll point out more areas
of information for you to explore. (But we unfortunately don't have the capacity
to act as technical support for those wishing to install it). Although it's a
free operating system, it's advisable to spend the $50 or so for the
CD's...installation and maintenence will be that much easier.
What is a shell account?
A shell account is a program
that reads and executes commands inputted from the user (in the form of a
command-line interface). You will generally be working in a Unix environment
when using a shell account, and in basic terms, you will have direct access to
utilities such as telnet, email, IRC, job control, command history etc. There
are many types of shells available (depending on operating system, ie. Linux).
The most important difference between shells is the command language. For
example, the C shell (csh) uses a command language based on the C programming
language, or the Bourne shell which uses a different command language also. The
most popular shell is the Bourne Again Shell (bash) with includes advanced
features over the Bourne shell. But we digress...you should get the general idea
behind a shell account...if not, grab a Linux book for more info...
Who is a hacker?
A hacker is a person with great knowledge about computers and the
constant desire to learn more. Hackers are not bent on destruction, but on
exploration. Hackers follow codes of ethics, are considerate of others and their
knowledge, modest, and mature.
What skills do
hackers possess?
Although hackers are not ranked by how many languages they know
or how many boxes they rooted, it is still important to recognize some of the
skills that most hackers should possess. As an aspiring hacker, you should be
very familiar with the operating system you use (Yes, you can use Windows,
although it isn't recommended). In the case of Windows, you should, among other
things, familiarize yourself with the registry. On Unix based systems you should
be very familiar with how the operating system and the kernel work. Hackers are
also skilled programmers, and knowing many programming languages is always a
plus. More on that later. Most importantly, you should familiarize yourself with
how the internet works. RFCs (Request For Comment) can be an invaluable resource
in this, for they describe the very structure of the protocols that make up the
internet.
What programming
languages should I know?
Hackers are usually good programmers. Different programming
languages have different philosophies and different approaches to problems, so
you are advised to learn a number of programming languages. Some of the more
important languages include perl, Java, asm, and C/C++. On Windows you may want
to learn about batch programming, on Unix about shell code. In any case, you
might also want to pick up some knowledge of cgi scripting, and maybe even php.
Who is a lamer?
A lamer is a person who has just entered the hacking scene but
doesn't want to become a hacker. He/She is looking for fifteen minutes of
enjoyment, not the life of a hacker. Lamers want to be spoon-fed the little
information that is required to accomplish their goals, which are usually
limited to havoc and destruction wrecked by trojans or by exploits which the
lamer hasn't written him/herself
Who is a script kiddie?
A script kiddie is a type of lamer that knows enough about
hacking to get, compile, and run somebody else's exploit. Script kiddies (also
called script whores) use this to maliciously attack other machines. This is
frowned upon by the hacker community
Who is a newbie?
A newbie is a person new to the hacking scene, who has already
understood some of the ethics aspects involved. Newbies try to absorb
information from tutorials. They rarely ask questions except when really stuck
on a concept and in need of a bit of specifics and clarification. Newbies go on
to become hackers, a process that goes on constantly
Who is a Uberhacker?
The term Uberhacker (coined from Nietzsche's 'Ubermensch' and is
a reference in German) is used to refer to hackers who have grown beyond
themselves and amassed great deals of knowledge. They are the informal leaders
and idols of the hacker scene. It is the ultimate goal of the ambitious hacker
to become an Uberhacker.
What are scripts,
applets, and servlets?
Scripts, applets, and servlets are short programs that are
executed inside of another program --- unlike regular programs, which are
executed by the operating system. In the case of Web pages, your Web browser
executes these short programs. Recall that, when your computer is connected to
the Web, it is the client computer. A Script is an interpreted program
that runs on the client; that is, it runs on your computer, as opposed to
running on a Web server. An Applet also usually runs on the client, but
it is compiled, which means it usually runs faster than a script. Because
scripts and applets run on the client, they shift the computational work from
the Webs Server to your computer. A Servlet is an applet that runs on the
server.
What about the Law?
As a hacker or newbie you will want to be especially careful in
what you do, as you will always thread close to the edge. You should familiarize
yourself with the laws of your country pertaining to computer crime. Another
trick is to use common sense. If you wouldn't want something done to you, don't
do it to others. This works most of the time.
What is GUI?
GUI is a common acronym used when it comes to programming. GUI is
an acronym for Graphical User Interface.
What are macros?
A macro is a series of statements that instructs am
application how to complete a task.
What is email?
Email (electronic mail) is the transmission of messages
and files via a computer network. E-mail was one of the original services on the
Internet, enabling scientists and researchers working on government-sponsored
projects to communicate with colleagues at other locations. Today, e-mail
quickly is becoming a primary communication method for both personal and
business use.
What is Command
Line?
The command line or the Command line interface, is used to give
computers instructions without the aid of menus and icons. This is done by
typing the commands directly into the computer. More specific instructions can
be given using the command line.
Ethics of the Trade
Mind set of a Hacker
The hacker is an interesting entity. Hackers seek knowledge and
are not afraid of solving problems or tapping into their brain power. Hackers
are sometimes stubborn, always clever, curious and intelligent, and constantly
learning. They are thinkers who like to be challenged. Most often good hackers
are also good programmers. Again, hackers seek knowledge not wanton destruction.
This cannot be stressed often enough. Hackers do not use trojans, and never use
exploits unless they know exactly what the code they're executing is doing. Most
of the time they only use exploits which they have written themselves. They will
not execute any such code in order to wreck destruction upon a system, since
that would go against their beliefs.
On Crackers, War3z
D00dz, and other Undesirable Elements
The hacking scene has attracted a number of malicious elements
over the years. Crackers are either people who hack computers with malicious
goals in mind, such as the destruction of information or software, or people who
crack programs and remove copyright or registration restrictions. Either case is
illegal. War3z D00dz (Warez Dudes) are people who illegally distribute copy
righted and commercial software, or even pornographic material. Other strange
beasts in the underground include authors of virii, lamers, anarchists, and
cryptoanarchists, among others.
On Hackerspeak and
1337 |-|/\x0R Sp3/\|
Being normal (more or less) people, hackers communicate like
normal people (On IRC, where speed of communication is of uttermost importance,
some abbreviations for words may be used). Spelling things in an 'elite' way (eg.
1337 |-|/\x0R Sp3/\|< which stands for elite hacker speak) is just ridiculous
and lame, and often frowned upon unless used in a joke situation. Refrain from
using such lamer speak. Most hackers are actually very good at grammar and
spelling, sometimes in more than one language.
Flaming and Warfare
In an environment where exchange of ideas is facilitated, it is
only normal that clashes between people occur. This 'flaming' should be avoided
whenever possible however, it only annoys other people. On bulletin
boards/forums it should always be avoided. On IRC, you may flame people if you
really have to, but only in a private query or such, never in a public channel
where other users may be annoyed by your behavior. Warfare, or Flame War, which
involves attacking the IRC server to knock off other users, is the most
despicable form of flaming and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Privacy on the Web
How anonymous are you?
The answer to this question is appalling: You aren't. Whenever
you go on the net, you expose yourself to the world. Whenever you sign up for a
service, you leave behind information that, when disclosed, may be used
maliciously by crackers and the like. Anything you do on the net is equivalent
to abandoning your anonymity and right to privacy. Don't be discouraged, read
on.
What you can find out
about Yourself?
A lot of information about you may already be accessible around
the net. You may be surprised to find out that some public directories are
listing you. Look around for those. If you aren't listed, people may still find
out information about you. Whenever you visit a web page you expose information
about your computer to that page, information that can be retrieved easily. When
you use some kind of online chat or post to some forum, you most likely leave
your IP logged. If your IP is static, it becomes even easier to trace back to
you. If you have a shell account at a machine that runs a finger daemon, anybody
could telnet into that machine and request information about you. And so on.
Email Privacy
There are a number of options for email privacy, depending on
what you want to do. If you want to hide your real email address, maybe
anonymous remailers are for you. If you want to secure your data, you can use
PGP or the like to encrypt it. PGP can also be used to verify the source of the
data.
Anonymous Surfing
You can surf anonymously, too. This usually involves using
proxies and sacrificing some of the functionality that could otherwise be
obtained from web pages. Proxies exist for free use on the net for many
protocols, most notably HTTP, FTP, and some others. One famed service is the
Anonymizer.
On Proxies, cookies,
and Java
Proxies are machines that can be used to retrieve web pages
anonymously. The idea behind proxies is that you can access one close to you for
your web pages. If the proxy has a recent version of the web page stored, it can
then send it directly to you, thus saving you the time to connect to the remote
machine. Otherwise the proxy will retrieve the page and then send it to you. Due
to the fact that proxies act as an in-between between you and the web page, it
becomes more difficult for the web page to obtain information about you. Cookies
are small text files containing some information about you stored by a remote
site. Cookies are readable by the whole world, so a malicious site could
retrieve a cookie with some password of yours and then crack it. Java applets
and scripts, due to being executed on your machine, can be used to retrieve
information about your system or otherwise harm it.
On IRC and ICQ
IRC and ICQ are fabulous services, but their potential to harm
your privacy is fabulous as well. On IRC, as soon as you connect, your IP is
exposed to the world. You may be able to mask it, but establishing a DCC
connection will reveal it again. Other issues with IRC exist. ICQ, being poorly
programmed, is a high risk for you. Various holes in it can be used to retrieve
information or execute malicious commands on your machine. You are advised to
stay clear of ICQ if at all possible.
Processors
What are
Processors?
Every computer has a processor, they are a critical part of any
computer, they are needed to do mostly every task your computer does, processors
usually determine the power of your computer. You can purchase processors which
are faster, the benefits of having a fast processor will be faster at doing
tasks and generally will run smoother. A typical processor in a default computer
would be a Pentium 111 running at around 700 Mhertz this means it can make 700
Million cycles per second.
What are
some kinds of Processors?
There are many different types of processors out there, different
types serving different purposes. The ones most people are familliar with are
the Intel, AMD, and Cyrix based processors. Most home computers are running
these types of processors, due to their high availability, low cost, and ease of
use. However, there are many other types of less common processors as well. The
Sun Mircosystems SPARC series, for example, are mainly used in higher-end
machines, where plenty of raw power is required. The DEC (now Compaq) Alpha
processors are also used in servers that have to handle a great deal of traffic,
as well as CAD computers, and many other high-performance machines as well. The
Silicon Graphics (SGi) MIPS processors, which, like the SPARC and Alpha, are
64-bit processors, and are mainly used for computer animation and graphics
purposes (think Lord of The Rings: several hundred SGi workstations went into
those scenes).
As a hacker (or a prospective hacker), you should familiarize yourself with
UNIX, as most of the non-Intel based computers do not run Windows (with the
exception of the Alpha Processors, there is a version of Windows NT ported over
to Alpha arcitechture). You should also keep an eye out for an old Sun SPARC, or
SGi Indigo workstation (they really arent that expensive anymore), and if you
have the money and the desire to learn it, buy it. Use them to better your
understanding of Solaris (what Sun workstations run) and IRIX (SGi workstations
run this). You will need an understanding of UNIX, and how it works, if you plan
to get anywhere in the hacker world.
Do I need a
fast Processor?
You technically don't have to have a very fast processor but it
does help, I would say the minimum you would need for todays internet is around
500 Mhertz any lower and you should be looking for a new one soon.
Monitors
What are
Monitors?
Monitors or VDU's (Visual Display Unit's) are the screen what you
are looking at right now. Computer monitors are similar to televisions they use
tubes with an electron gun at the back which fires electrons at dots, when the
dots of phosphor get hit by an electron they glow to give the colours you see. .
What are LCD's and
are they better than normal Monitors?
Yes they are more accurate than normal monitors, LCD's or Liquid
Crystal Displays utilize tiny crystals which, when a charge is applied across
them, show the light passing through them. They are more slim line than normal
monitors but a lot more expensive.
Are they any
other types of Monitors?
Yes there is TFT (Thin Film Transistor screens)and Field Emission
Displays.
Modems
What are Modems?
The word "modem" stands for MOdulator DEMODulator
modems convert the digital signals in the computer to audio tones which can then
travel across a telephone system. It also converts incoming signals coming back
into digital form the fastest modem available is a 56K (kilo bits per second). .
Computers
What are
the different types of Computers?
Super Computers - These are the fastest and most
expensive type of computers in the world. They have huge processing power and
are used mainly for scientific and engineering applications. An example of a
super computers power is an IBM computer which was being built a while ago, this
super computer was able to perform 10 trillion mathematical calculations per
second! these computers can cost £100 million.
Mainframe Computers - Mainframes are used in large companies for
data processing and by scientists. These computers can cost anywhere up to £8
million.
Mini computers - These are used by smaller business's to manage
their data.
Memory Storage
What are bytes?
A byte is a unit of memory in your computer, it is made of eight
bits, in other words a byte can store eight 0s or 1s, Each code on your keyboard
is given a code consisting of eight bits these codes are the same
internationally and are called the ASCII code (American Standard Code For
Information Interchange) as an example the code for the letter A is 97 or
01100001. One byte of memory is a very small amount of storage and it is more
usual to refer to kilobytes (KB) megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB)
1 Kilobyte = 1024 bytes
1 Megabyte = 1024 kilobytes
1 Gigabyte = 1024 megabytes
What exactly is
RAM and ROM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, which basically means
once the computer gets switched off the data which has been stored by the RAM is
lost.
ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile, which means when your computer gets
switched off the data stored by the ROM will stay, it wont be lost.
What
are floppy disks?
Floppy disk drives are present on most computers and accept a 3.5
inch floppy disk. Floppy disks are useful for transferring data between
computers and for keeping a back-up for work files.
What are
hard disks?
Hard disks are a common method of storage on most computers, an
average computer would have a hard disk capacity of around five to ten
gigabytes. This would hold the Operating System, applications and games on
larger systems the hard disk may hold terabytes (1024 GB)
What
are compact disks?
Compact disks or CD's hold large quantities of data, around 650
MB in the form of text, sound, still pictures or even video clips, the data is
stored on the surface of the disk and is read by a laser in your computer.
FootPrinting
What is
FootPrinting?
Foot printing is of great importance in hacking, hackers need to
footprint mostly large companies. Footprinting will help the hacker by giving
him a picture of what the target is like, there are many footprinting
techniques, all of which will help a hacker out and make their task a lot
quicker. Footprinting is basically discovering information about a target eg a
company.
Why is
FootPrinting needed?
Footprinting is needed to ensure that you have got mostly all the
information about a company you could need. If you had not used Footprinting say
before an attack you are likely to be anonymous to key pieces of information
about that target. Footprinting will most likely be the most tiring task of
gathering information, which you need about a target, but it is one of the most
important and is seriously needed.
What are
the different techniques of Footprinting?
There are many techniques, some are as follows, Internet,
Intranet, Remote access. An example of what they entail, Internet will be domain
names, network blocks, OS of a system. Intranet could be Internal domain names,
specific IP address's of machines.
WarGames
In this area you will be able to learn about them wargames things
people talk about.
What is a
WarGames?
WarGames are servers that are put up for people to hack legally.
They are up for people to connect to and try and gain root. Most people who put
wargames up don't much care what goes on once getting root as long as you do not
start dos'ing other boxes.
Where can
I find some WarGames?
* RootHack.org
* PullThePlug.com
* HackersLab.org
* HappyHacker.org
What do I
want to achieve in a WarGame?
The most common WarGame is simply where you try to gain root.
Here of late another type of WarGame has became popular. This type is where you
have to do levels. As in you first login as level 1. Than somewhere within your
permissions their is a way to get the password or move on to the next level. You
have to do this for every level to successfully beat this WarGame.
Internet Relay Chat
What is Internet
Relay Chat most commonly called?
IRC is a acronym for Internet Relay Chat. Most of the time people
will refer to it as just IRC.
What is IRC?
Internet Relay Chat (Irc) is a replacement for and improvement to
talk.Talk is an old sort of keyboard/screen conversation tool, using an ancient,
machine=dependent protocol. Irc does everything talk does, but with a real
protocol that lets more than 2 users talk at once, with access across the
internet and providing tons of other interesting features.
For reading more in depth on this check out RFC
1459.
What are some
IRC Clients?
BitchX
- BitchX is a Linux IRC client. It was started as a script but was made into a
whole client.
mIRC
- mIRC is a simple Windows IRC client. It has a simple GUI and you can edit the
scripts on it.
Pirch
- Pirch is a Windows IRC client. It hass major advantages by allowing a user to
connect to multiple servers at one time.
Xchat
- Xchat is a Nix IRC client. It is a grraphical IRC client. It runs under the X
Window System and uses the GTK+ toolkit. Optionally it can be compiled to use
Gnome.
Klient
- Klient is a Windows IRC client. It alllows you to connect to IRC servers to
chat with people on channels or in private.
What are some
IRC commands?
/server irc.hack3r.com (This will connect you to irc.hack3r.com)
/list (This will list all non-hidden channels)
/join #channelname (This will join #channelname)
/part #channelname (This will leave #channelname)
/leave #channelname (This will leave #channelname)
/me dances (This will perform an action, "nickname: dances")
/action dances (This will perform an action, "nickname: dances")
/msg nickname Hi there! (This will send a private message to nickname: "Hi
there!")
/quit bye bye (This will quit the server with the message bye bye)
/help (This will give you Tons of information on your Client, normally)
/whois nick (This will give you information on nick)
/whowas nick (This will tell you information about nick previously on this
server)
/raw (This will send command directly to the ircd, without filtering)
/who (This will allow you to use masks and or nicknames)
/motd (This will repeat the motd for the server)
/rules (This will read the rules file for the server)
/lusers (This will show you the number of users on server)
/admin (This will show ircd admin info)
Also refer to the IRC
Module.
Telnet
What is Telnet?
Telnet is a executable found on *nix and most Windows systems.
Telnet is different from most applications because it is simple with very little
graphical user
interface.
Where can I
find Telnet in Windows?
Most Windows comes with Telnet already on it. You can either
search for it or run it. I will show you the steps how below.
Start => Search => Files or Folders .... than search for
telnet or telnet.exe
or
Start => Run .... than type telnet and click ok.
Where can I
find Telnet in *nix?
In *nix it is even easier. If you are using command line just do
like below.
~$ telnet 213...(ip)
What are the
Telnet commands?
Telnet has no set commands. Telnet is just the terminal used to
connect to a host. It is according to the operating system of the host you
connected to.
Is Telenet and
Telnet the same thing?
Many people who don't know better have labeled text about telenet
as text about telnet. When actually telenet is a network with set commands. This
is where alot of false assumptions come from.
For further reading into Telenet read information on Telenet
Hacking
Networking
How does the internet
work?
The internet is a matrix. The matrix consists of various
networks, which in turn consist of computers. This net spans the globe. Inter
connectedness is provided via standard copper-line telephone networks, fiber
optic nets, and the like. To communicate with each other, machines on the
internet use standard protocols that are independent of operating system. The
single most important service on the net is arguably Domain Name Service (DNS),
the brunt of which is handled by the thirteen root servers. These can in a sense
be considered as the center of the internet.
What are protocols?
Protocols are sets of rules that enable computers to connect to
each other and communicate. A major goal in the design of protocols is
minimization of error. The ISO/OSI model breaks the protocol system down into
seven layers, each utilizing the standards below it, with the lowest level
dealing with hardware communication and the highest one dealing with
application-to-application communication. Well-known and used protocols are the
TCP/IP protocol package (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), which
is now the standard protocol for transmission over networks. You will also
encounter higher-level protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) used
to access web sites, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) used to access files on remote
computers, an IRC protocol, and many, many others.
What is Denial of
Service (DoS/DDoS)?
Denial of Service is the malicious attack upon a machine with the
goal of preventing some service the machine offers from functioning properly,
either by bringing it down or by overloading it (and thereby maybe again
bringing it down). Commonly buffer overflows are used to disable services and
some smurf and other ping attacks may be used to overload a machine with
information. Distributed Denial of Service is an advanced method of conducting
DoS attacks by using numerous computers simultaneously to carry out the attack.
What are firewalls?
A firewall is a device, implemented in either hardware or
software, that is used to restrict the access to or from a private network.
Price tags on firewalls reach from zero to very expensive, and many large
companies prefer to develop their own firewalls, tailoring them to their
individual needs. Forms of firewalls are packet filters, which prevent certain
IP packets from passing through, and bastion hosts, which allow access to
certain services, filtering others (working similarly to proxy servers). Often
both types are used in conjunction for added security.
Tools of the Trade
Hackers detest using tools unless absolutely necessary or written
by the hacker him/herself. You may still find it that some tools are ok to use,
especially since you wouldn't want to re-invent the wheel and try to rewrite
some of the tools before you even got started in hacking. It just depends on
what kind of tools you want to use. Useful to the aspiring hacker should be port
scanners (not vulnerability scanners, mind you!), telnet clients, firewalls (for
your own protection), and the standard netstat, ping, and traceroute, among
others. Not ok to use are vulnerability scanners (SATAN, SAINT)(Unless you are
scanning your own network), trojans, canned bombers, flooders, and keyloggers.
You are advised not to use sniffers unless you write them yourself or understand
absolutely how they work. Same goes for exploits.
Local Area Networks (LANs)
What are Local Area
Networks?
When multiple computers are linked up or networked this known as
a LAN (Local Area Network) They can be linked by wire cables, fibre-optic cables
or even satellites. The computers in order for them to be connected must have a
network card fitted. If the computers which are networked are more wide spread
than say a university then they are known as WAN's (Wide Area Networks) WANS are
for example if two universities were linked together over a large geographical
area this would be a WAN, the internet is the largest WAN ever.
Network Topology
What is Network
Topology?
Network Topology is the name given to the way in which computers
are connected in a network. When using a network it is necessary to log on using
a username and password. The person responsible for looking after a network is
known as the network Administrator. They give each user access to particular
programs and data they need.
The TCP Three Way Handshake
What is a TCP
Three Way Handshake?
The three-way handshake is basically, the sending of a SYN packet
from your computer to a server, the server will then reply with a SYN/ACK, which
means that the server is in a listening state, then finally an ACK from you to
the server again as you can see there are three steps in the handshake, hence
The TCP three-way handshake.
Unix Security
What are shell
accounts?
Shell accounts are accounts on other machines (running a form of
Unix) that allow you to access resources and work on that machine, albeit
restricted access. Shell accounts may be free or commercial, the free accounts
are usually restricted (no background processes, no bots). Shell accounts are
useful for running bots, compiling applications for testing on other platforms,
for retrieving and storing files temporarily for later download, for using mail,
for running various services (if you are allowed to), and for other uses.
Are there virii for
*nix?
There are in existence numerous virii targeted at infecting *nix
computers. Due to the fact that the Windows operating system is more widespread
among unsuspecting end users, virii for *nix are a rarity. Most virii are
targeted at windows platforms. *nix boxes can still be used to store some
JavaScript virii, but those will probably be unable to propagate without access
to a windows box with its stored email addresses. Such was the case with the
'Anna' virus that spread itself via email in February 2001. Older virii, written
in asm and C, were for the most part targeted at windows platforms also. Most
trojans today are targeted at windows platforms. *nix boxes are much more
susceptible to buffer overflow exploits than to virii attacks.
On Exploits and Buffer
Overflows
An exploit is a piece of code that makes use of a loophole in a
program to make it execute some kind of malicious code. Many exploits today are
buffer overflow exploits, which make use of poorly programming. Most often
buffer overflows occur in C/C++ programs, where bound checking for variables is
not automatic. Thus, it is possible to write more data to a buffer on the stack
than the buffer is equipped to handle. The extra data might overwrite important
data, or, in the case of 'stack smashing', the extra data containing the attack
code will get control and execute itself. Such overflows also exist in Windows
programs.
What are backdoors?
A backdoor are a method by a hacker to get back into a
compromised machine with the least amount of visibility and the least amount of
time. Ideally, the attacker should also be able to get in regardless of whether
all passwords have been changed or the like. Numerous standard backdoor methods
exist, and hackers tend to invent or write their own backdoors.
What are
password files?
A: root:34jk3h4jh3.,;8363:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash
pulcerazor:EUyd5XAAtv2dA:1129:20:PulceRazor:/usr/people/pulce:/bin/csh
This is an example of a standard password file, it can be found on a *nix system
under /etc/passwd, you can view it by running it with cat. The jargon following
"root" and "pulce" is the encripted password, these can be
cracked by password crackers which can be found almost anywhere
However there are some passwd files that have this:
root:x:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash bin:x:1:1:bin:/bin:
These are called shadowed files, as the password has just been replaced with an
x, which cannot be cracked by a passwd cracker. You will most probably come
across these files nowadays as it is more secure.
pulce:EUyd5XAAtv2dA:1129:20:PulceRazor:/usr/people/pulce:/bin/csh lets take a
look at this line, pulce:EUyd5XAAtv2dA - the first section is the user name and
password :1129:20 - this is the groups that the user is in, this determines
privelages that the user has :PulceRazor:/usr/people/pulce - this is the users
name and where their home directory is :/bin/csh - This is the shell that the
user is using
Is *nix more secure
than Windows?
Unix flavors are more secure than windows for a number of
reasons. Microsoft relies on a security through obscurity model, hiding its code
and hoping that nobody will decompile and exploit it. This does fend off some
attackers, but generally is a bad idea. Unix systems usually ship with source
code, making it easier for attackers to find holes but thereby also easier to
discover and fix vulnerabilities, thereby making the program safer overall.
Having your programs scrutinized by the open source community tends to add
towards security.
Windows Security
Virii and other Agents
The single most important threat to Windows systems are virii. No
other OS is as susceptible to Trojan attacks. VBA scripts or JavaScript's
delivered via Word documents or Email can wreak havoc upon personal computers.
Downloading and running infected programs can have adverse effects on the
behavior of your PC. Beware of downloads, email attachments, and word documents.
Get a virus scanner.
Securing your
Windows Box
To prevent being wide open for attack, you can take active
measures. Get yourself a decent firewall to filter traffic and prevent Trojans
from sending out information. Buy a virus scanner to prevent such agents from
entering your system in the first place. Don't use web-based email, most of such
services are vulnerable to JavaScript attacks. Scan received word documents for
virii.
FireWalls
What is a
firewall?
A firewall is simply a protective program which help you keep
safe on the web, there are many firewalls available; some you will have to pay
for others you can get for free. Firewalls watch over your ports for anything
suspicious, they allow you to choose what can connect to the Internet so you
know what's going out and coming in. Firewalls are being used more and more as
people grow to want to be more secure on the web, a firewall is a great program
and everyone should have one.
What are the
advantages of having a FireWall?
The installation of a firewall brings great advantages also, for
example, if an infected email should install a back door (Trojan), your firewall
will prevent anyone access to it. Make sure your computer is not being attacked
whilst on the Internet or being used in an attack, only programs that you give
your permission to will be able to connect to anything outside your computer.
What FireWalls
are good, where can I get them?
Technically all firewalls are very good, although there are two
that standout due to their popularity, these two are Zonealarm and Black Ice
Defender.
Zonealarm is a great firewall, it is freely available for download at
www.zonelabs.com it does its job brilliantly, this firewall is brilliant.
Black Ice Defender is also a brilliant firewall, it gives you complete control
over everything that access's the internet, Black Ice Defender is not free, you
have to purchase it either from a store or you can order it online at there
site, www.networkice.com
How Does A
Firewall Function?
I will explain this in a basic form. If you imagine a computer
system in your head and all around it are roughly 67,000 little holes for
information to be sent in and out of your computer. These are called Ports. Now
what a firewall does is it virtually puts a block on these ports and only allows
you to open one's in which you no what is requesting to sent data and which ever
source is trying to send you data. Example, Youare sitting at home on your
computer and your firewall is switched on and suddenly a request is given to
with the ip address given to you. How, you have a choice whether to let the
person or program send you the data or gain access to the system to maybe uses
services or whatever the case maybe, or you can choose whether to not allow him
access. Now if you don’t know the ip address then you can simply press block
access and the firewall will block the address and stop the person program or
whatever the case may be accessing the ports and the system. If you no the ip
address as a friend or a system you no, then you can allow him or the system
access as you no him and trust him, and by pressing accept he will be able to
access the system. Same is when you sending or requesting data e.g Web Browser.
Most firewalls contain a feature in which when the program trying to request or
send data the firewall will ask you do you wish to grant this program access and
you choose yes or no but if a web browser attempted to you will just say yes as
you no what function the program is going to do when it is allowed access. Such
as keyloggers you will not allow access as they are trying to send the person
who planted the keylogger information on your system and what the have typed,
and so when it request’s access you will say no and the firewall will not
allow it to send whatever data it was trying to send.
Virus Scanners
What is a
Virus Scanner?
Every day new virus's are being wrote and let loose an the web,
how do you know if you have one? Well to find out you need a virus scanner. They
are made to scan your computer for virus's, infected files, Trojan horses etc
They have updates regularly due to the new virus's being written, without one
you are wide open, you may even have one now and not know about it, a virus
scanner is a must have for any computer on the internet today.
Why should you
get a Virus scanner?
The reasons are endless and should be obvious, you just have to
get one.
Do you have
any recommendations for a Virus Scanner?
There are many anti-virus programs out today, I would recommend
getting anyone you can if you don't have one already.
I would recommend Norton Anti-virus, which you have to purchase, there web site
is, www.symantec.com another good virus scanner is Inoculate IT this is a free
program, you can download it from there site, ______________
Port Scanning
What is Port
Scanning?
Port scanning is the process of connecting to ports on a target
system to determine what applications/services are running or in a listening
state.
Why would you
Port Scan?
There are many port scanning tools and techniques that can be
used to gather information on a target system, port scanning can provide you
with lots of information, from what applications are running to what Operating
system is in use. Port scanning is a major part of any attack it is a great
technique to use.
What types of
Port Scans are there?
TCP connect scan - This type of scan connects to a targets port
and completes a full three way handshake, SYN, SYN/ACK and ACK.
TCP SYN scan - This is known as half-open scanning because a full connection is
not made with the target.
TCP FIN scan - This will send a FIN packet to a target system, it usually only
works in Unix based TCP/IP.
TCP ACK scan - This scan is used to map out firewalls, it can help you
understand what the firewalls configurations are.
TCP Windows scan - This scan may will detect all open ports.
UDP scan - This scan is used to see if a certain port is open, it is rather
slow.
Key Loggers
What are Key
Loggers?
Key loggers are a little program that once activated will record
every keystroke that is made on that computer, simple as that.
Why are Key
Loggers used?
There main use is to steal passwords, although you may have other
reasons to use one but passwords are still the main objective of key loggers.
Trojans
What are
Trojans?
A Trojan is a program that consists of two files, the actual
program and a server. The server is sent out to a victim usually by E-mail,
usually named server.exe although you can modify this and also include it with
another file so it's even harder for the victim to detect. You then use the
program to connect to that server on a targets computer; this gives you access
to their computer obviously.
Why should I use
Trojans?
Technically you shouldn't use Trojans because of the fact it is
not hacking, most script-kiddies use them and the fact that Trojans are really
looked down upon by the hacking community as lame. Most hackers will not promote
the use of Trojans.
What can I do
with Trojans?
Basically Trojans are a joke, the functions on Trojans are for
example, flip around a targets background, open/close their CD draw speak to
them etc Although as more and more Trojans are being made and more patches are
coming out they are getting more malicious, being able to get passwords etc
Although most virus scanners will pick up a Trojan, so get a virus scanner.
Watch what you download.
Cookies
What are
Cookies?
Cookies are basically there to store information on the Internet,
about you, like automatically remembering your username/password for you.
Cookies some either encrypted or in plain-text.
Why are Cookies
used?
They are used to just make life a lot easier on the web. Using
Cookies allows users to sore passwords and such so they don't have to constantly
type in the password.
Are Cookies
vulnerable to exploits?
Yes, there are a few ways in which cookies can be used in
attacks, a few methods are cookie stealing and cookie snarfing. If a cookie
containg a username/password is stored in plain-text all the attacker needs to
do is get that cookie and he has your username/password.
Sniffers
What are Sniffers?
Sniffers enable you to eavesdrop on a network, there are many
network sniffers available today, the most famous probably being "sniffer".
What can
Sniffers do?
Sniffers can give you even further access to a network once a
single system has been compromised.
Why would I use
Sniffers?
Useing Sniffers could allow someone to gather information on a
network they are wanting to attack. It could also allow attackers to gain
information like Username/Passwords.
History and Usage of Programming
Languages
What is the history
and usage of html?
HTML is the language of the Net. It's a simple, universal mark-up
language that allows Web publishers to create complex pages of text and images
that can be viewed by anyone else on the Web, regardless of what kind of
computer or browser is being used. HTML stands for Hyper-Text Markup Language.
Despite what you might have heard, you don't need any special software to create
an HTML page; all you need is a word processor (such as SimpleText, BBEdit, or
Microsoft Word) and a working knowledge of HTML. And lucky for all of us, basic
HTML is dead easy.
HTML is just a series of tags that are integrated into a text document. They're
a lot like stage directions - silently telling the browser what to do, and what
props to use.
For further resources into HTML check out these links WebMonkeys
Tutorials
What is the history and
usage of C ?
The C programming language , developed in the early 1970's by
Dennis Ritchie at Bell Laboratories, originally was designed as a language to
write system software. Today, C is used to develop a wide variety of software,
including operating systems and application software such as word processing and
spreadsheet programs. While C is a powerful programming language that requires
professional programming skills, its expanded use allows it to be categorized as
a general-purpose-language that is effective for both business and scientific
applications. C runs on practically any type of computer with any operating
system, but most often is used with the UNIX operating system. In fact, most of
the UNIX operating system is written in C.
What is the history
and usage of C++ ?
Developed in the 1980's by Bjarne Sroustrup at Bell Laboratories,
C++ is an object-oriented programming language. C++ is an extension of the C
programming language, C++ includes all the elements of the C language plus has
additional features for working with objects, classes, events, and other
object-oriented concepts. Programmers commonly use C++ to develop application
software, such as word processing and spreadsheet programs, as well as database
and Internet applications. Although C++ is an outgrowth of the C programming
language, you do not need C programming experience to be a successful C++
programmer.
What is the history and
usage of Visual Basic ?
Developed by Microsoft Corporations in the early 1990's, Visual
Basic is a Windows-based application designed to assist programmers in
developing other event-driven Windows-based applications. The first step in
building a Visual Basic application is to design the graphical
user interface (GUI) using Visual Basic objects. Visual Basic objects, or
controls, include items such as command buttons, text boxes, and labels. Next,
you write any code needed to define program events. An event in Visual Basic can
be the result of an action initiated by a user. For example, when a user clicks
an object in a Visual Basic application, the application executes the Click
event. You define Visual Basic events using code statements written in Visual
Basic's own programming language, which is very similar to BASIC
and easy to learn and use. Once you have completed these steps, you can generate
the final application.
What is the
history and usage of Java?
Developed by Sun Microsystems, Java is a compiled object-oriented
programming language used to write stand-alone applications, as well as applets
and servlets. The Java language is very similar to C++.
Because of its simplicity, robustness, and portability, many programmers believe
that Java will be the programming language of the future.
What is the
history and usage of JavaScript?
JavaScript is an interpreted scripting language that allows you
to add functionality to your Web pages by inserting JavaScript code within an HTML
document. Whereas HTML
tells your browser how to display text and images; set up lists and option
buttons; and establish hyperlinks, JavaScript brings your Web page to life by
adding dynamic content and interactive elements such as scrolling messages and
data input forms. Although it shares many of the features of the full Java
language, JavaScript is a simpler language.
JavaScript is the result of a joint venture between Sun
Microsystems and Netscape
Communications Corporation. Netscape originally began developing a scripting
language called LiveScript, while Sun
was trying to simplify its Java
programming language. Today, JavaScript is endorsed by a number of software
companies and is an open language that anyone can use without purchasing a
license. JavaScript thus allows you to improve the appearance of your Web pages
without spending a large amount of money or learning a high-level programming
language.
What is the history
and usage of Perl?
PERL, which stands for Practical Extraction and Reporting
Language, originally was developed by Larry Wall as a procedural language
similar to C.
The latest release of PERL however, is an interpreted scripting language,
especially designed for processing text. Because of its strong text processing
capabilities, Perl has become a popular language for writing scripts.
What is the history
and usage of BASIC?
John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz developed a programming language
called Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code,
BASIC, in the mid-1960's at Dartmouth College. Kemeny and Kurtz designed BASIC
for use as a simple, interactive problem-solving language. Because it is so easy
to learn and to use, BASIC originally was intended as, and often is still, the
language used in the introductory programming course for students. Today, BASIC
is used on both personal computers and minicomputers to develop some business
applications. Many versions of BASIc exist, including QBasic, QuickBasic, and
MS-BASIC.
What is the
history and usage of COBOL?
COBOL (COmmon Business-Oriented Language)
developed out of a joint effort between the U.S. government, businesses, and
major universities in the early 1960's. Naval officer Grace Hopper, a pioneer in
computer programming, was a prime developer of the COBOL language.
COBOL is one of the more widely used procedural programming languages for
business applications. Although COBOL programs are often lengthy, their
English-like statements make them easy to read, write, and maintain. While COBOL
is especially useful for processing transactions on mainframes, computers of all
sizes run COBOL programs. The most popular personal computer COBOL program is
Micro Focus Personal COBOL, which supports both procedural and object-oriented
programming.
What is the
history and usage of Fortran?
FORTRAN, which stands for formula translation, was
one of the first high-level programming languages. Developed in the late 1950's
by a team of IBM programmers led by John Backus, FORTRAN was intended for
scientific mathematical and logical expressions, scientists, engineers, and
mathematicians use it most.
What is the
history and usage of Pascal?
In the late 1960's, a Swiss scientist named Niklaus Wirth created
the PASCAL programming language for the purpose of teaching structured
programming concepts to students. He named the programming language in honor of
the 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, who developed one of the
earliest calculating machines. Today, Pascal typically is used on personal
computers and minicomputers to develop scientific applications. Turbo Pascal is
an object-oriented version of Pascal.
What is the
history and usage of Ada?
In the late 1970's, the U.S. Department of Defense developed the
Ada programming language, which derived from the Pascal programming language.
For years, the U.S. Department of Defense required that programmers use Ada for
all U.S. government military software development. The Department of Defense
named the programming language after Augusta Ada Lovelace Byron, the Countess of
Lovelace, who is though to be the first female computer programmer. Ada
originally was designed to meet the needs of embedded computer systems, which
are computer systems that act as a control mechanism inside other computers.
Programmers, however, also use the Ada language for business applications.
Operating Systems
What are
Operating Systems?
All computers use an Operating system or OS. This is a complex
program which controls the entire operation of the computer. It handles all the
input and outputs, all the transfer of data, everything.
Do I have an Operating
System?
Yes, you have to have one, everyone and every computer has an
Operating system, the most famous being Windows from Microsoft. If you didnt
have one, your computer would basically be useless, you could not perform any
tasks for anything.
What Operating
Systems are there?
There are many Operating systems out now, the most famous and
widely used being Microsoft Windows. There is Unix which is often found in large
systems like at universities. There is Linux which is like Unix but more
simpiler. There are many distributions of Unix and Linux.
For more information on Linux check out the Linux
Module.
History and Usage of Operating Systems
What is the
history and usage of UNIX?
UNIX is a multiuser, multitasking operating system developed in
the early 1970s by scientist at Bell Laboratories. Because of federal
regulations, Bell Labs (a subisdiary of AT&T) was prohibited from actively
promoting UNIX in the commercial marketplace. Bell Labs instead licensed UNIX
for a low fee to numerous colleges and universities where it obtained a wide
following and was implemented on many different types of computers. After
deregulation of the telephone companies in the 1980s, UNIX was licensed to many
hardware and software companies.
Today, a version of UNIX is available for most computers of all sizes. UNIX is a
powerful operating system, capable of handling a high volume of transactions in
a mulituser environment and working with multiple CPU's using multiprocessing.
UNIX thus is used most often on workstations and servers.
A weakness of UNIX is that it has a command-line interface, and many commands
are difficult to remember and use. Some versions of UNIX, such as the version
for the Apple
Macintosh, offer a graphical
user interface to help resuce this problem. UNIX also lacks some of he
system administration features offered by other operating systems. Finally,
several widely used versions of UNIX exist, each of which is slightly different.
To move application software from one of these UNIX versions to another, you
must rewrite some programs.
What is the
history and usage of Linux?
A popular, free, UNIX-like
operating system is called Linux. Many software applications run on Linux. Red
Hat Software, for example, sells productsa and services specifically developed
for Linux.
What is the
history and usage of DOS?
The term DOS(Disk Operating System) refers to several single user
operating systems that were developed in the early 1980's for PCs. The two more
widely used versions of DOS were PC-DOS and MS-DOS. Microsoft Corporation
developed both PC-DOS and MS-DOS; the two operating systems were essentially the
same. Microsoft developed PC-DOS(Personal Computer DOS) for IBM, and IBM
installed and sold MS-DOS(Microsoft DOS) to makers of IBM-compatible personal
computers.
When first developed by Microsoft, DOS used a command-line interface. Later
versions of DOS included both command-line and menu-driven user interfaces, as
well as improved memory and disk management.
A t its peak, DOS was widely used operatin system, with an estimated 70 million
computers running it. Today, DOS no longer is widely used because it does not
offer graphical
user interface and it cannot take full advantage of modern 32-bit
microprocessors. Although it still has some users, many PC users prefer to use
the graphical interface of Windows platforms.
What is the
history and usage of Windows3.X?
To meet the need for an operating system that had a graphical
user interface, Microsoft developed Windows. Windows3.X refers to three
early versions of Microsoft Windows: Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1, and Windows 3.11.
These Windows 3.X versions were not operating systems; instead they were
operating environment. An operating environment is a graphical
user interface that works in combination with an operating system to
simplify its use.
Windows3.X was designed to work as an operating environment for DOS.
While DOS
was the actualy operating system, Windows3.X provided a graphical
user interface to simplify basic tasks such as formatting disk and copying
files. Common features of an operating environment such as Windows 3.X include
support for mouse usage, icons, and menus.
Introduced in 1990, Windows 3.0 was the first graphical
user interface for PCs. Windows 3.1 was introduced in 1992 and provided a
number of improvements to version 3.0. Windows 3.11, also called Windows
for Workgroups, was a networking version of Windows 3.1. The Windows3.X
versions of Windows also supported multitasking, so you could have several
applications running at the same time.
What is the
history and usage of Windows95?
With Windows 95, also referred to as Win95, Microsoft
developed a true multitasking operating system - not an operating environment
like early versions of Windows. Windows95 thus did not require DOS
to run, although it included some DOS
and Windows3.X
features to allow for downward compatiblity.
One advantage of Windows95 was its improved graphical
user interface, which made working with files and programs easier than the
earlier versions. In addition most programs ran faster under Windows95 because
it was written to take advantage of 32-bit processors (versus 16-bit processors)
and suported a more efficient form of multitasking. Windows95 also included
support for networking, Plug and Play technology, longer file names, and e-mail.
What is the
history and usage of Windows98?
Microsoft developed an upgrade to the Windows95
operating system, called Windows 98. The Windows 98 operating system,
also called Win98, was easier to use than Windows95 and was integrated with the
internet. For example, Windows 98 included Microsoft
Internet Explorer, a popular Web browser. The Windows 98 file manager,
called Windows Explorer, also had a Web browser look and feel. With Windows 98,
you could have an Active Desktop interface, which allowed you to set up Windows
so icons on the desktop and file names in Windows Explorer worked as Web links.
Windows 98 also provided faster system startup and shutdown, better file
management, and support for new multimedia technologies such as DVD and WebTV.
Windows 98 supported the Universal Serial Bus (USB) so you easily could add and
remove devices on your computer.
What is the
history and usage of Windows2000?
Microsoft Windows 2000 is an upgrade to the Windows 98 and
Windows NT operatin systems. Microsoft Windows NT, also referred to as
NT, was an operatin system designed for the client-server networks. Like Windows98
and Windows NT, Windows 2000 is a complete multitasking operating system (not an
operating environment) that has a graphical
user interface. Two basic versions of Windows 2000 exist: Windows 2000 for
network servers and the Windows 2000 Professional for computers connected to the
network. Windows 2000 includes all features of Windows, plus these additional
features
* Wizards to guide you through administrative activites such as adding user
accounts
* Programs to monitor network traffic and applications
* Capabilty of working with multiple CPUs using multiprocessing
* Tools for Web site creation and management
* Features to support user and account system security.
What is the
history and usage of WindowsCE?
WindowsCE is a scaled-down Windows operating system
deisgned for use on wireless communications devices and smaller computers such
as handheld computers, in-vehicle devices, and network computers. Because it is
designed for use on smaller computing devices, WindowsCE requires little memory.
On most of these devices, the WindowsCE interface incorporates many elements of
the Windows graphical
user interface. It also has multitasking, e-mail,
and Internet capabilities.
Many applications, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, have scaled-down
versions that run under WindowsCE.
Recently, Microsoft introduced the Auto PC, which is a device mounted
onto a vehicle's dashboard that is powered by WindowsCE. Using an automobile
equipped with AutoPC, the driver can obtain information such as driving
directions, traffic conditions and weather; access e-mail;
listen to the radio or a CD; and share information with a handheld computer.
Because the AutoPC is directed through voice commands, it is ideal for the
mobile user.
What is the
history and usage of MacOS?
Apple's Macintosh operating system was the first
commercially successful graphical
user interface. It was released with Macintosh computers in 1984; since
then, it has set the standard for operating system ease of use and has been the
model for most of the new graphical
user interfaces developed for non-Macintosh systems.
In recent years Apple changed the name of the operating system to MacOS.
The MacOS is available only on computers manufactured by Apple. Some of the
latest versions of MacOS come witht he two most popular Web browsers: Netscape
Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. It also has the capability of
opening, editing, and saving files created using the Windows
and DOS
platforms. Other features of the latest version of MacOS include multitasking,
built-in networking support, electronic mail, and enhanced multimedia
capabilities.
Companies and Corporations
What is Sun
Microsystems?
Sun Microsystems is a corporation that established itself in
1982. Sun has produced many things since its establishment, some of these
include Java
and a joint venture to develop JavaScript.
When first established Sun only had four employees. By 1983 Sun had already
began operations in Europe, in 1985 they spread to Canada and in 1986 they
spread to Asia and Australia.
What is Netscape
Communications?
Netscape Communications Corporation, based in Mountain View,
California, has aimed to be the leading provider of open software that links
people and information over the Internet and intranets. Netscape Communications
Corporation is widely known for their browser known as Netscape Navigator.
Netscape Communications Corporations was established in 1993.
Schools
What is some
information on MIT?
MIT or Massachusetts Institute of Technology is well known by
hackers, it is a a coeducational, privately endowed research university, it is
dedicated to advancing knowledge and educating students in science, technology
especially known for computer technology.
To check out the MIT Web Site Click Here
Browsers
What is some
information on the browser Internet Explorer?
yadda yadda yadda
What is some
information on the browser Netscape Navigator?
Netscape Navigator was first launched in 1994. Jim Clark and Marc
Andreessen launched it.
Trashing
What is Trashing?
Trashing basically is the searching through a bin of some sort in
the hope of finding information. Large companies throw things into the rubbish
not because they aren't useful they just don't need them any more, they also
don't realise the potential threat of throwing out certain things. When in the
trash outside, trashers will find whatever has been thrown out and then can use
it however they want. There can be anything in the trash from
worker/administrators names or phone numbers to Operating system manuals.
Why is Trashing
needed?
It is not imperative that you do trash, it is simply there as an
option if you would like to find out more about a target. The output of trashing
is closely linked with footprinting, although trashing can sometimes give you
more information than you needed, so it is useful sometimes.
Where to trash?
Where you decide to trash totally up to you, if you are looking
to find out more on a certain company then go to there offices, look around,
check out the security, locate the bins and watch out for security guards,
trashing is serious, if you get caught you will be in trouble.
Social Engineering
What is
Social Engineering?
Social Engineering is the process of using persuasion and/or
deception to gain access to what you need. It can be implemented through a
number of ways although the most famous would be in a telephone conversation, it
doesn't mean you have to use the telephone you could use E-mail or letters
etc......
Why do you use
Social Engineering?
Social Engineering has proven to be a great way of getting
information on a target, it can gain you lots of information about a target
which otherwise would be very difficult indeed. Social Engineering can be very
effective, it is a skill, it cannot just be performed first go, you need to
practice and practice for you to be an effective social engineer.
Logos and Ringtones
What is
this ringtones all about?
Ringtones is a way to make your phone more personal. Many people
is bored at those original ringtones that everyone got. And if our in a train or
something then you can't know if it is your cellular that is ringing (if u don't
have a vibrator) because many people may have the same. You can both make your
own ringtone that you can be sure that no one else if using. But you can also
download a ringtone from the net or get it in an sms from a friend or similar.
That way you don't have to make the ringtone. Many "older" phones have
place for about one or two but the "newer" have space for around 5 of
them. Say for example that you like beatles very very much. Then you want to
have a ringtone that should like "yellow submarine" or something else.
Then you just either upload it to the phone using an datacable or write in a
ringtone that you found on the Internet using your keyboard on the phone. If you
make an ringtone that is great then you can easily send it to a friend to the
cost of an original sms.
What models can
I download ringtones to?
You can have ringtones on almost every newer ericsson and nokia, and other
brands to of course. Just check if you got an menu called (for nokia) composer
or similar. Or read the manual if you are unsure.
Were can I
get ringtones?
There are thousands and thousands places on the net were you can get one from.
There are different forms of ringtones, one form that you write in to the phone
manually using your keyboard number or one form that you can download a so
called midi file or nokia ringtone files. Either way you use an datacable to
upload them to your phone.
What can you do
with logos?
There are thousands and thousands places on the net were you can get one from.
There are different forms of ringtones, one form that you write in to the phone
manually using your keyboard number or one form that you can download a so
called midi file or nokia ringtone files. Either way you use an datacable to
upload them to your phone.
What
different kinds of logos exists?
Currently there is the network logos that covers the network name. For example
orange or similar. There are group logos for nokia phones were you can have
different groups on and there are "screen savers" for nokia 3310 and
3330 (and US similar) the screens savers covers the whole display and only
displays when u don't do anything with you phone, meaning that as soon as u
press a button it disappears. And there are picture messages, witch you could
probably figure out by the name is used to send with a sms. There are also
"startup logos" that are similar to screen saver that they are
full-sized but as you can figure by the name you only see it when the phone
startup instead of were some people have a "startup message".
Were can I get
logos?
Logos can be found on almost every site on the net that has ringtones or
cellular software. Logos and Ringtones kindy sticks together on a site. Many
other sites also have them for downloading.
How do I make my
own logo?
To make your own logo you would need a program such as logomanager. There are
plenty of programs were you can make your own. But logomanager is good, the only
bad thing is that it is shareware and displays an "demo" on every logo
if you don't buy it. Witch is not very expansive and depending on how much you
would use it buy it.
How do I put
the logo in my phone?
The easiest way to put a logo on a phone is to use a datacable. There are
thousands of programs that you can do this with. Logomanager is only one of
them. But probably the most used. You can also send/receive logos using a
message function. The third way to do this is by using an service from were you
can make logos over the Internet and send them, this service is free or for a
little fee. There are a couple of nice sites that works that you can do this
from. The screensaver is activated by going to the profile settings and turn it
on and choose what image you want.
How do I
remove my logo?
There are several ways to remove your logo depending on what logo you have.
network images are easiest remove by sending an empty images to your phone using
another operator than you use. Then it should disappear. You can remove a
startup logo easiest by just adding/changing your startup text. The screensaver
witch is only saved as an picture sms is just to go to your menu were you choose
what picture images you have and just hit delete. Then it may change to the
basic but it is just to turn the screensaver of in profile settings.
What is
logomanager?
Logomanagar is a program were you can make logos different sizes. And also check
and edit the phonebook. Logomanagar is probably the most famous program to make
logos, and probably one of the best to. Logomanager is a shareware that must be
bought to get a "unlock" key so you can remove the "demo"
sign on every logo you make that will disappear. if you buy the program for a
not very high amount of money. For more information check: http://www.logomanager.co.uk
that is the official website for logomanager were you can download the software
and also buy it.
SMS
What is SMS?
Graphics can be anything graphical emhamced usch as: banners, web
page graphics, logos etc You make graphics using programs; it is a skill, it
takes time to perfect, people are always looking for good graphic designers so
it is good to be able to do.
How can I send free
sms or call for free with "sim clock stop" or service numbers?
First the whole sim clock stop thing is another big fake
information. Because the only thing you do when you enter the simclock code is
to stop the simclock or more exactly slow the billing process down. Atleast on
some networks, so u call and call and then "hey I am not losing money"
then u call as much as you can then 3 days later the bill comes. Great isn't it.
The other fake thing is the service number for sms. You enter a special number
is message options and then you are suppose to send sms for free. It doesn't
work, atleast not in Sweden and almost every other country who I know have
tried. I wouldn't be suprised if they wore these numbers but it is either keept
secret so the number shouldn't be shut down or either blocked because of to much
use.
How do I send sms
from the Internet?
You go to a website such as http://www.mtnsms.com and register
(if needed) then you write the number with +country number first and remove the
first zero from the number. So a cell number is 0702234567 and he lives in
Sweden with prefix 46 would be: +46792234567. And then you enter the message and
send it. There are many websites today that supports this. Mtnsms is only one of
probably hundreds of sites.
What is
picture messages?
Picture sms is as you can figure out by the name an message (sms)
with an image. You can make the image on your own, or some friend can send it to
you. You can upload it with datacable or sending it from the Internet (There are
a couple of sites supporting this, some for free, most for a small amount of
money)
What is
flashing sms?
Flashing sms is a flashing sms. That's about it, when you open
the sms the text flashes, thereby the name "flashing sms". You can
make flashing sms with a couple of programs such as PanuWorld flashing message.
You can then either upload it to your phone with datacable or send it directly
to someone elses mobile also using datacable. I don't know any free sms sites
that can make flashing sms So I guess There just simply is none. If you found
any contact me.
How do I make
my own Flashing sms?
You make your own flashing sms with a program such as PanuWorld
Flashing message. You can choose to have the whole message blinking or just a
couple of words.
Graphics
What are
Graphics?
Graphics can be anything graphical emhamced usch as: banners, web
page graphics, logos etc You make graphics using programs; it is a skill, it
takes time to perfect, people are always looking for good graphic designers so
it is good to be able to do.
Can you
recommend any programs?
Below I will list some graphic programs.
Windows
Paint - This program comes standard on Windows operating systems. It does not
allow for plugins but can allow you to make simple graphics with low file size.
Paint Shop Pro - Thie program has to be bought but it has alot more features
than regular Paint. This program allows many plugins with very nice graphics.
PhotoShop - Very nice program laong with Paint Shop Pro. Allows many plugins.
Nice program..
*Nix
Gimp - This program comes standard on *nix operating systems.
How do people
make Graphics?
To be specific i would depend on the program. Once a program is
aquired you have to learn your way around that program. You have to practice
with trial and error to get them graphics just write.
How do people
add all those effects to their Graphics?
Most people use easy to addd effects tools, known as plugins.
Most of these are free, some cost money. Some of the better ones can be
downlaoded from http://www.flamingpear.com/
and http://www.alienskill.com/ .
What is the
difference between a .jpg a .png and a .gif?
Gif's usually have a smaller size, and can also be animated, like
little looping movies. Jpg's are usually able to create pictures of higher
quality in a much smaller file seize, but are not able to be animated. A Png is
used by many pieces of software, including fireworks, it is an image file, but
is also able to store much more data besides the image files.
What is a
graphics tablet?
A graphics tablet is a flat pad which the user can write or draw
on with a device similar to a pen called a stylus. The surface on the pad is
sensitive to the position of the stylus and the stylus itself is sensitive to
the pressure applied by the user.
Flash
What is flash?
Flash is a type fo software developed by Macromedia. A trial
version can be downlaoded from http://www.macromedia.com/
. THis software is used to create interactive animated movies.
Where can I find
Flash?
Tere are many good websites and books, Such as the flash 5 Bible,
and Flash for dummies. Some good sites are http://www.flashkit.com/
http://www.flashpro.nl/ http://www.popedeflash.com/
and http://vandal.Hack3r.com
Kevin Mitnick
Who is Kevin
Mitnick?
Kevin Mitnick is a computer programmer, also one of if the not
most famous hacker to have been. Kevin Mitnick is a popular name among the
hacking society, he hacked for the fun of it, mostly for practical jokes at
first but it became more serious than that.
What did Kevin
Mitnick do?
Mitnick did a lot of things, although mostly Mitnick liked to
mess around with telephone companys. He got caught messing around with the
ARPAnet, which he was using to try and exploit a pentagon computer, he had a lot
of interests in computers although even when he caught for something, he always
got drew back.
For more info on Kevin Mitnick check the Kevin
Mitnick Homepage.
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