Identify the term used for zero knowledge penetration testing.
a. Red box test
b. Grey box test
c. White box test
d. Black Box test
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is d. Black Box Test.
Explanation:
In penetration testing, a Black Box Test refers to a testing method where the tester has no prior knowledge about the internal workings or structure of the system, network, or application being tested. It simulates the perspective of an external attacker who is trying to breach the system without any insider information. The tester typically approaches the target system by gathering as much information as possible from external sources, such as public documentation, domain name system (DNS) lookups, or network scanning tools. This type of testing aims to discover vulnerabilities that might be exploited by real-world attackers who don’t have access to internal resources.
The key idea behind the Black Box Test is that the tester operates with zero knowledge about the internal system—nothing about the source code, the architecture, or any user credentials is provided in advance. This mimics a real-world attack scenario where attackers have to rely on publicly available information or the system’s surface-level characteristics to find vulnerabilities.
Key Points:
- Zero Knowledge: The tester has no prior knowledge of the system.
- External Attacker Simulation: It simulates an attack from an external hacker with no access to internal data or resources.
- Real-World Relevance: It helps identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers who are not insiders and have no inside information.
In contrast:
- Red Box Test: Not a widely recognized term in penetration testing.
- Grey Box Test: The tester has partial knowledge of the system, often provided by the client, such as architectural details or specific components.
- White Box Test: The tester has full access to the system, including source code, architecture, and even login credentials.
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