Basic principles of Ethical Hacking- Gathering information on the target system is the first stage in ethical hacking. Footprinting refers to the methods and strategies used to collect this data. Footprinting entails acquiring information on the network, the host, and the individuals that work there. It’s a crucial step that any ethical hacker must complete in order to be successful.
Security posture
Footprinting aids in determining an organization’s security posture. It enables an ethical hacker to obtain IP addresses, DNS information, OS systems, phone numbers, email addresses, and other useful data. Footprinting can give you a good idea of how a company regards its security.
Attack surface reduction
The ethical hacker can use footprinting to understand the attack surface. One of the first things an ethical hacker will do is look at what ports are open and what the target system’s characteristics are.
What is the most straightforward method for reducing the attack surface? Make careful to close any ports that aren’t in use. Although this is a relatively fundamental notion, hackers enjoy it when it is missed. And it is frequently the case!
Network mapping
Footprinting will aid in the creation of network maps for the target company. These network maps show the topology, routers, servers, and other important network components. Footprinting assists in identifying the specifics of network components and may even allow the ethical hacker to locate the components physically!
