From: Kevin (kevin@kevincomputers.com.sg)
Date: Sun Mar 21 2004 - 12:07:25 EST
Well, human are the weakest link in the security ring.. and social
engineering is always the easiest (if not the best) technique to open up
loopholes in a security system.
Although it's an area which requires most emphasizes and concern, it is
also the most sensitive area where security managers get stuck often in.
If the company is ok with social engineering in the pen test, then I
suppose it's ok.. It's ethical as long as you're doing it for a cause
not malicious and harmful.
-----Original Message-----
From: Blake [mailto:netspan@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 12:22 AM
To: pen-test@securityfocus.com
Subject: Email Pen-testing
Wanted to get your opinion on something...
Doing a pen-test for a small bank which was proving very difficult to
get it. A friend of mine suggested I send a backdoor trojan attachment
via an email. If they clicked on it, the backdoor performs maybe a
boxscan, grab passwords, and connects out to the Internet. --Much like a
virus.
I think this type of testing is becoming more relevant nowadays,
especially with whats out there. It reinforces properly configured
antivirus software and user awareness.
I spoke with a previous customer of mine about the idea. He said he
would be very upset if he was not told prior to that type of test as
part of normal pen-testing.
Generally speaking, my code of ethics doesn't allow me to social
engineer. I don't like lying and misleading people. Also people tend to
hate you after they've been punk'd.
What's your ideas on the email pen-tesing?
-Blake
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