As a security consultant, the black box, external database security test can be implemented by following these steps:
a. To identify the scope of the test, it is important to define the boundaries and objectives of the assessment. This can be done by understanding the company's infrastructure, identifying the critical systems, databases, and associated components that need to be tested, and determining the potential risks and vulnerabilities that may exist.
b. The end of the test can be indicated by achieving the predetermined objectives and goals of the assessment. This may include successfully identifying vulnerabilities, potential entry points, and providing recommendations for mitigating the risks.
c. In black box testing scenarios, the assessor requires special skills such as the ability to think like a malicious attacker, strong knowledge of various attack techniques and methodologies, and expertise in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities without having any prior knowledge about the system or its internal architecture.
d. The first three main goals of the test can be:
1. Identifying vulnerabilities: This involves searching for weaknesses in the system that could be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access or compromise the database.
2. Assessing data protection: Evaluating the effectiveness of the security controls in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored in the database.
3. Testing access controls: Examining the mechanisms and policies in place to regulate access to the database, including user authentication, authorization, and privilege management.
e. Specific techniques to gather information can include:
1. Open source intelligence (OSINT): Collecting information from publicly available sources, such as websites, social media, or public records, to gain insights about the target organization's infrastructure, personnel, or technologies.
2. Network scanning: Using tools to discover and map the network infrastructure, identify active hosts, and determine potential entry points or vulnerabilities.
3. Vulnerability scanning: Conducting automated scans to identify known vulnerabilities in the target system, including the database software, operating system, or network devices.
f. Techniques to attempt system access may include:
1. Password cracking: Using automated tools to test the strength of user passwords or attempting to crack weak passwords to gain unauthorized access.
2. SQL injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute malicious SQL queries that can manipulate the database or gain unauthorized access.
3. Social engineering: Attempting to deceive authorized personnel through techniques like phishing or pretexting in order to obtain login credentials or other sensitive information.
These steps and techniques provide a comprehensive framework for conducting a black box, external database security test. Remember to adapt the approach based on the specific requirements and context of the organization being assessed.
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