CompTIA PenTest+
1 Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
1-1 Common Threat Actors
1-2 Threat Intelligence Sources
1-3 Threat Actors and Motives
1-4 Threat Actor Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
1-5 Vulnerability Types
1-6 Exploit Types
1-7 Attack Types
1-8 Threat Detection and Monitoring
1-9 Threat Hunting
1-10 Incident Response
2 Architecture and Design
2-1 Security Controls
2-2 Network Architecture
2-3 Cloud and Virtualization
2-4 Web Application Security
2-5 Wireless Security
2-6 Mobile Security
2-7 IoT Security
2-8 Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security
2-9 Physical Security
2-10 Secure Software Development
3 Tools and Code
3-1 Penetration Testing Tools
3-2 Exploitation Tools
3-3 Post-Exploitation Tools
3-4 Reporting Tools
3-5 Scripting and Automation
3-6 Programming Languages
3-7 Code Analysis
3-8 Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Tools
4 Planning and Scoping
4-1 Penetration Testing Methodologies
4-2 Legal and Compliance Considerations
4-3 Scope Definition
4-4 Risk Assessment
4-5 Threat Modeling
4-6 Information Gathering
4-7 Asset Identification
4-8 Data Classification
4-9 Business Impact Analysis
4-10 Penetration Testing Objectives
5 Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification
5-1 Passive Reconnaissance
5-2 Active Reconnaissance
5-3 Vulnerability Scanning
5-4 Network Mapping
5-5 Service Identification
5-6 Web Application Scanning
5-7 Wireless Network Scanning
5-8 Social Engineering Techniques
5-9 OSINT Techniques
5-10 Vulnerability Databases
6 Attacks and Exploits
6-1 Exploit Development
6-2 Buffer Overflows
6-3 SQL Injection
6-4 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
6-5 Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
6-6 Command Injection
6-7 Privilege Escalation
6-8 Lateral Movement
6-9 Evasion Techniques
6-10 Exploit Delivery Methods
7 Penetration Testing Process
7-1 Pre-Engagement Activities
7-2 Reconnaissance
7-3 Scanning and Enumeration
7-4 Exploitation
7-5 Post-Exploitation
7-6 Reporting
7-7 Remediation
7-8 Retesting
7-9 Documentation and Evidence Collection
7-10 Communication and Coordination
8 Reporting and Communication
8-1 Report Structure
8-2 Executive Summary
8-3 Technical Findings
8-4 Risk Assessment
8-5 Remediation Recommendations
8-6 Legal and Compliance Considerations
8-7 Presentation Skills
8-8 Communication with Stakeholders
8-9 Documentation Standards
8-10 Continuous Improvement
9 Security and Compliance
9-1 Regulatory Requirements
9-2 Industry Standards
9-3 Compliance Audits
9-4 Data Protection
9-5 Privacy Laws
9-6 Incident Response Planning
9-7 Disaster Recovery Planning
9-8 Business Continuity Planning
9-9 Risk Management
9-10 Security Awareness Training
9.2 Industry Standards Explained

9.2 Industry Standards Explained

Key Concepts

1. ISO/IEC 27001

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an organization's information security.

2. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of guidelines developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk.

3. OWASP Top Ten

The OWASP Top Ten is a standard awareness document produced by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) that represents a broad consensus about the most critical security risks to web applications.

4. PCI DSS

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

5. HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. It requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information.

6. GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union. It also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the EU.

7. COBIT

COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is a framework for developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving information technology (IT) management practices. It provides a comprehensive approach to the governance and management of IT.

8. ITIL

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a set of detailed practices for IT service management (ITSM) that focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of business.

9. SANS Top 20

The SANS Top 20 is a list of the most critical security controls for effective cyber defense. It is developed by the SANS Institute and is based on the collective experience of leading experts in cybersecurity.

Explanation of Concepts

ISO/IEC 27001

ISO/IEC 27001 provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure. It includes people, processes, and IT systems by applying a risk management process. For example, an organization might use ISO/IEC 27001 to implement a robust information security policy and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

The NIST CSF consists of standards, guidelines, and best practices to manage cybersecurity-related risk. It is organized into five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. For instance, a company might use the NIST CSF to identify potential cybersecurity risks and implement measures to protect against them.

OWASP Top Ten

The OWASP Top Ten highlights the most critical web application security risks. For example, the list might include risks like Injection, Broken Authentication, and Sensitive Data Exposure. Developers and security professionals use this list to prioritize security measures and mitigate these risks.

PCI DSS

PCI DSS includes requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design, and other critical protective measures. For example, a retailer processing credit card transactions must comply with PCI DSS to ensure the secure handling of cardholder data.

HIPAA

HIPAA sets standards for the protection of electronic health information. It requires covered entities and business associates to implement technical, physical, and administrative safeguards. For example, a healthcare provider must ensure that patient records are encrypted and access is restricted to authorized personnel.

GDPR

GDPR imposes strict requirements on organizations that handle personal data of EU citizens. It emphasizes transparency, security, and accountability. For example, a company must obtain explicit consent from users before collecting their personal data and ensure it is securely stored.

COBIT

COBIT provides a framework for IT governance and management. It helps organizations align IT with business goals and ensure that IT resources are used effectively. For example, a financial institution might use COBIT to establish clear IT governance policies and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

ITIL

ITIL focuses on delivering managed IT services that align with business needs. It includes processes, procedures, tasks, and checklists that are not organization-specific, but can be implemented by an organization to improve its IT service management. For example, an IT department might use ITIL to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.

SANS Top 20

The SANS Top 20 lists the most effective security controls for reducing risk. It includes controls like inventory of authorized and unauthorized devices, continuous vulnerability assessment and remediation, and email and web browser protections. For example, an organization might use the SANS Top 20 to prioritize security investments and improve its overall security posture.

Examples and Analogies

ISO/IEC 27001

Consider ISO/IEC 27001 as building a secure fortress. Just as a fortress has multiple layers of defense, ISO/IEC 27001 provides a comprehensive framework for securing information.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

Think of the NIST CSF as a roadmap for a safe journey. Just as a roadmap guides travelers through different stages, the NIST CSF guides organizations through the stages of identifying, protecting, detecting, responding, and recovering from cybersecurity risks.

OWASP Top Ten

The OWASP Top Ten is like a checklist for building a secure house. Just as you would check for structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical safety, developers check for the top ten web application security risks.

PCI DSS

Consider PCI DSS as a set of safety regulations for a bank vault. Just as a bank vault must meet specific security standards, organizations handling credit card data must comply with PCI DSS.

HIPAA

Think of HIPAA as a privacy shield for medical records. Just as a shield protects a warrior, HIPAA protects sensitive patient data from unauthorized access.

GDPR

GDPR is like a privacy agreement between a company and its customers. Just as you would agree on terms before sharing personal information, GDPR sets strict rules for handling personal data.

COBIT

Consider COBIT as a governance blueprint for IT. Just as a blueprint outlines the structure of a building, COBIT outlines the governance and management of IT resources.

ITIL

Think of ITIL as a service manual for IT departments. Just as a service manual provides instructions for maintaining a car, ITIL provides guidelines for managing IT services.

SANS Top 20

The SANS Top 20 is like a security checklist for a fortress. Just as you would check for walls, gates, and guards, organizations check for the top 20 security controls to protect their systems.