Penetration testing (or pen testing) is known as a form of ethical hacking. Basically, you’re using any means necessary to get access to protected systems and networks in order to exploit software and hardware for vulnerabilities. The point is to act like a cyber-criminal to figure out how they might try to hack into your systems. Pen testing is not cheap, though, some experts charge up to $2,000 per test. But, if you’re developing an app–it is something that needs to be done.
Each and every day, there are new strains of malware being developed and distributed. Anti-virus software cannot anticipate every new cyber-threat, nor can they keep up with it all. Many times, anti-virus software plays defense rather than offense. Stolen or corrupted data can lead to mayhem, loss of business and finances.
According to British insurance company Lloyd’s of London, the damage from hacks costs businesses around $400 billion each year. Plus, a World Economic Forum (WEF) report has found that a large portion of cybercrime activities goes unreported. Moreover, a Ponemon Institute study found that the average cost of a data breach is $154 per record. Then, there are ripple costs such as:
- Loss of reputation
- Loss of business due to breach of trust
- Disruption to business activities
This is why it is imperative for companies to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against cyber-criminals, in addition to locating any software and hardware vulnerabilities. So, we have created a list of nine app hacks for pen testing–which, you can perform in-house.
- Network Discovery
This is a free app which does not need a rooted device. Not to mention, it features a user-friendly interface. What makes this app unique is it gives you an insider view into all the networks and devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Then, it identifies the OS and manufacturer of the device to help with gathering information on connected devices.
- Shark for Root
This app comes with what it calls the Shark Reader, which allows you to see the dump on the phone. As a result, you can search data on your phone to see what others are doing.
- Penetrate Pro
You need this app for Wi-Fi decoding. It can calculate the WEP/WAP keys for some wireless routers. Since it is designed as a security tool, it will not harm your device. In addition, it gives you the wireless keys of Thomson, Infinitum, Orange, DMax, SpeedTouch, O2Wireless and Eircom routers.
- dSploit
This penetration testing suite comes with all-in-one network analysis capabilities. What’s even better is it’s free. You can use this on your Android device to perform network security testing. Furthermore, it comes loaded with pre-compiled modules you can use. Although, you will need to root your device. Here are some of the available modules on the app:
- Trace
- Inspector
- Login Cracker
- Vulnerability Finder
- RouterPWN
- MITM
- Nessus
You get to perform vulnerability scans with this app’s client/server architecture. Here are other features it offers:
- View and filter reports
- Start, stop or pause running scans
- Create new scan templates
- Launch existing scans on the server
- WPScan
This app looks for WordPress vulnerabilities. A fantastic option since WordPress is the most-used CMS in the world. It works by scanning a WordPress-based website to find any vulnerabilities. Moreover, it comes with a desktop version.
- DroidSheep
This requires a rooted device in order to engage in its session hijacking tool. You can use it for security analysis of wireless networks. Not to mention, it can capture Twitter, Gmail, LinkedIn and Facebook accounts easily. You can also hijack any active web account on your network. As a result, you get to see how harmful it can be to use public Wi-Fi.
- Network Spoofer
This tool is a favorite for any Android developer who enjoys a bit of play. It works by letting you modify the website on other people’s computers from your Android phone. All you have to do is log onto the Wi-Fi network. You can then choose a spoof and tap on it to start. It’s recommended you do not try this on unauthorized networks, as it is considered a malicious hacking tool. The objective is simply to use it to see how vulnerable a network can be.
- AppUse
This free Android penetration testing platform comes with custom-made tools by AppSec Labs. It also comes with most of the configuration, meaning you don’t have to install simulators or testing tools. It does show you the ideal user experience.
Conclusion
Most hackers use the same attack methods repeatedly. When you’re able to locate your vulnerabilities and fix them, hackers will have to find another route into your networks and systems. It also costs them more time and money to do so. As a result, in addition to performing pen testing–you must engage in testing continuously. Stay on the offensive instead of playing defense.
