Reconnaissance Guide

What is Reconnaissance?

Reconnaissance, or "recon," is the process of gathering information about a target system, network, or organization. It is the first step in penetration testing and ethical hacking, used to identify vulnerabilities and plan attacks. Reconnaissance can be passive (gathering publicly available information) or active (interacting with the target to extract data).

Types of Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance can be categorized into two main types:

• Passive Reconnaissance: Collecting information without directly interacting with the target. Examples include searching public databases, social media, and WHOIS records.
• Active Reconnaissance: Directly interacting with the target to gather information. Examples include port scanning, network mapping, and vulnerability scanning.

Reconnaissance Techniques

Here are some common techniques used in reconnaissance:

• DNS Enumeration: Querying DNS records to gather information about domain names, IP addresses, and mail servers.
• Port Scanning: Scanning a target's network to identify open ports and services using tools like Nmap.
• Network Mapping: Creating a map of the target's network infrastructure using tools like Netdiscover or Zenmap.
• WHOIS Lookup: Querying WHOIS databases to find domain registration details, such as the owner's name and contact information.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals to reveal sensitive information, such as passwords or network details.
• OSINT (Open Source Intelligence): Gathering publicly available information from sources like social media, forums, and public records.
• Google Dorking: Using advanced Google search operators to find sensitive information exposed online.
• Metadata Analysis: Extracting metadata from files (e.g., PDFs, images) to uncover hidden details.

Reconnaissance Tools

Here are some of the best tools for conducting reconnaissance:

Reconnaissance Best Practices

To conduct reconnaissance effectively and ethically, follow these best practices:

• Plan Your Approach: Define your objectives and scope before starting.
• Use Multiple Tools: Combine different tools and techniques for comprehensive results.
• Stay Stealthy: Avoid detection by using passive techniques and limiting active scans.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your findings and methods.
• Respect Legal Boundaries: Ensure your activities comply with local laws and regulations.