Good Morning Brew: Tech and Trends Update 🌞

1. Google's AI Extravaganza at CES 2024 🤖: Google dazzled at CES 2024 with AI innovations like Duet AI and Magic Compose, blending creativity and efficiency in the digital realm.

2. Cybersecurity Buzz: 2023's Hottest Topics 🔒: From microchip implants to ethical hacking tools, last year's trending cybersecurity blogs highlighted evolving threats and advancements.

3. Ethical Hacking 2024: Tools of the Trade 💻: Dive into the future of cybersecurity with 2024's top ethical hacking tools, shaping how organizations protect their digital landscapes.

Grab your coffee and join us for a journey through the latest in technology and cybersecurity! ☕💡

Public Class FunnyForm
    Inherits Form
    Private jokeButton As Button

    Public Sub New()
        ' Initialize the form
        Me.Text = "What! a GUI!"
        Me.Size = New Size(200, 150)

        ' Create and configure the button
        jokeButton = New Button()
        jokeButton.Text = "Track the IP!"
        jokeButton.Size = New Size(120, 50)
        jokeButton.Location = New Point(40, 50)

        ' Add event handler for the button
        AddHandler jokeButton.Click, AddressOf Me.JokeButton_Click

        ' Add the button to the form
        Me.Controls.Add(jokeButton)
    End Sub

    Private Sub JokeButton_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs)
        jokeButton.Text = "I'm a Visual Basic button!"
    End Sub
End Class

' The main entry point for the application.
Sub Main()
    Application.Run(New FunnyForm())
End Sub

Google Amps Up AI at CES 2024

At CES 2024, Google took center stage with its latest AI innovations. Visitors were treated to an array of AI-powered tools designed for creativity and efficiency across Google and Android platforms.

Duet AI: A standout feature, Duet AI, now integrates into Google Workspace and Cloud, offering content summarization, email drafting, and even spreadsheet automation. For those who've ever struggled to pen that perfect apology letter, Duet AI's got your back.

Google Sheets Magic: Imagine filling out spreadsheets with just a prompt. Duet AI makes this a reality, streamlining data entry like never before.

Workspace Wonder: Available at an additional $30 per user, Duet AI is a premium feature for Workspace subscribers, adding a new dimension to productivity.

Magic Compose: Android users, rejoice! In a limited beta, Magic Compose in Google Messages suggests responses and even rewrites texts in various styles, from lyrical to Shakespearean.

Photo Fun with Magic Editor: First introduced on Pixel phones, Magic Editor lets users magically manipulate photos – erase objects, tweak backgrounds, and more with just a few taps.

YouTube Create: Video editing enters a new era with YouTube Create. This AI-assisted tool offers automatic captioning, audio cleanup, and a plethora of editing options, making video creation a breeze.

Google's CES showcase reveals a future where AI not only enhances our digital experience but transforms it.

Trending in Cybersecurity: 2023's Top Blogs

According to the data, here are the most popular blogs from the past year:

1. From Progress to Bans: How Close Are Human Microchip Implants? — A lot has happened in the past 12 months regarding human microchip implants. Here’s your roundup of recent developments.

2. 2023 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Appeal: Make Online Security Easier — Surveys show that most Americans think online security is too hard, confusing and frustrating. So as we prepare for Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the goal is to make cybersecurity easy.

3. What’s New in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Draft? — NIST has released a draft version 2.0 of the Cybersecurity Framework. Here’s what you need to know and how to get your recommendations included.

4. The Top 24 Security Predictions for 2024 (Part 1) — Where next for cyber in 2024? Here’s your annual roundup of cybersecurity forecasts, top cyber trends and cybersecurity industry prediction reports as we head into calendar year 2024.

5. Are You a Real Person? Proving You're Human Online — CAPTCHAs have been around for decades, but new AI advances are changing the methods required to prove you are a real person. So where next with human verification — and user frustrations?

6. The Top 24 Security Predictions for 2024 (Part 2) — Where next for cyber in 2024? Here’s part two of your annual roundup of cybersecurity forecasts, top cyber trends and cybersecurity industry prediction reports as we head into calendar year 2024.

7. Chip Implants: Opportunities, Concerns and What Could Be Next (note that this blog was first posted in 2022) — There were new developments in 2021 regarding implanting microchips into humans. So what plans were announced for 2022? And just as important, what are the privacy and security ramifications?

8. CL0P Ransomware Gang Attacks Top June Cyber Headlines — The CL0P ransomware gang, reportedly based in Russia, has breached at least 122 organizations using MOVEit zero day exploits. Here’s what you need to know.

9. What CIOs Can Learn from Airbnb’s Official ‘Party Pooper’ — Every organization has behaviors they are trying to discourage or stop. So what can we learn from Airbnb’s use of data and AI to achieve overall business goals?

10. What’s in the New National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan — The White House just released the new National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan. Here are the details, selected media coverage and what you need to know moving forward.

11. Fingernail Chip Implants? West Virginia's CISO Sees Value — West Virginia CISO Danielle Cox has embedded RFID chips in her fingernails. She finds ease-of-use advantages and minimal downsides. Here’s her story, including why and how it’s done. 

Ethical Hacking: 2024's Essential Toolkit

The world of ethical hacking, or penetration testing, has evolved remarkably with the introduction of automated tools. 2024 has brought a plethora of tools that are revolutionizing how organizations protect their information and systems. Ethical hacking is not only crucial for bolstering security but also for enhancing the skills of security professionals.

A New Age of Hacking Tools: Ethical hackers now have access to a wide array of tools. From packet sniffers to password crackers and port scanners, these tools identify vulnerabilities in systems, helping to fortify security.

Popular Tools of 2024: Among the most notable tools are Nmap, Nessus, Nikto, Kismet, NetStumbler, Acunetix, Netsparker, and Intruder. Each serves a unique purpose in the ethical hacking process, from network mapping to vulnerability scanning.

More Than Just Tools: The role of network administration has expanded significantly. Today, it encompasses managing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, VPNs, anti-virus software, and anti-spam filters.

Legal and Ethical Use: It's important to note that while these tools are powerful, their use must be confined within legal and ethical boundaries, primarily for enhancing security measures.

Top Ethical Hacking Tools to Watch Out For in 2024

1. Invicti

Invicti is a web application security scanner hacking tool to find SQL Injection, XSS, and vulnerabilities in web applications or services automatically. It is usually available on SAAS solution 

Features:

• It detects Dead accurate vulnerability with the help of unique Proof-Based Scanning Technology.

• It requires minimal configuration with a scalable solution. 

• It automatically detects URL rewrite rules as well as custom 404 error pages.

• There is a REST API for seamless integration with the SDLC and bug tracking systems.

• It scans up to 1,000 plus web applications within just 24 hours.

Price: It will cost from $4,500 to $26,600 with Invicti Security features. 

2. Fortify WebInspect

Fortify WebInspect is a hacking tool with comprehensive dynamic analysis security in automated mode for complex web applications and services. 

• It is used to identify security vulnerabilities by allowing it to test the dynamic behavior of running web applications. 

• It can keep the scanning in control by getting relevant information and statistics. 

• It provides Centralized Program Management, vulnerability trending, compliance management, and risk oversight with the help of simultaneous crawl professional-level testing to novice security testers. 

Price: It will cost around $29,494.00 provided by HP company with Tran security and virus protection.

3. Cain & Abel

Cain & Abel is an Operating System password recovery tool provided by Microsoft. 

• It is used to recover the MS Access passwords

• It can be used in Sniffing networks

• The password field can be uncovered. 

• It Cracks encrypted passwords with the help of dictionary attacks, brute-force, and cryptanalysis attacks.

Price: It is free. One can download it from open source. 

4. Nmap (Network Mapper)

Used in port scanning, one of the phases in ethical hacking, is the finest hacking software ever. Primarily a command-line tool, it was then developed for operating systems based on Linux or Unix, and the windows version of Nmap is now available.
 
Nmap is basically a network security mapper capable of discovering services and hosts on a network, thereby creating a network map. This software offers several features that help in probing computer networks, host discovery as well as detection of operating systems. Being script extensible it provides advanced vulnerability detection and can also adapt to network conditions such as congestion and latency while scanning.

5. Nessus

The next ethical hacking tool on the list is Nessus. Nessus is the world’s most well-known vulnerability scanner, which was designed by tenable network security. It is free and is chiefly recommended for non-enterprise usage. This network-vulnerability scanner efficiently finds critical bugs on any given system.
 
Nessus can detect the following vulnerabilities:

• Unpatched services and misconfiguration

• Weak passwords – default and common

• Various system vulnerabilities

6. Nikto

Nikto is a web scanner that scans and tests several web servers for identifying software that is outdated, dangerous CGIs or files, and other problems. It is capable of performing server-specific as well as generic checks and prints by capturing the received cookies. It is a free, open-source tool, which checks version-specific problems across 270 servers and identifies default programs and files.
 
Here are some of the chief features of Nikto hacking software:

• Open-source tool

• Checks web servers and identifies over 6400 CGIs or files that are potentially dangerous

• Checks servers for outdated versions as well as version-specific problems

• Checks plug-inns and misconfigured files

• Identifies insecure programs and files

7. Kismet

This is the best ethical hacking tool used for testing wireless networks and hacking of wireless LAN or wardriving. It passively identifies networks and collects packets and detects non-beaconing and hidden networks with the help of data traffic.
 
Kismet is basically a sniffer and wireless-network detector that works with other wireless cards and supports raw-monitoring mode.
 
Basic features of Kismet hacking software include the following:

• Runs on Linux OS, which may be Ubuntu, backtrack, or more

• Applicable to windows at times

8. NetStumbler

This is also an ethical hacking tool that is used to prevent wardriving, which works on operating systems based on windows. It is capable of detecting IEEE 902.11g, 802, and 802.11b networks. A newer version of this called MiniStumbler is now available.
 
The NetStumbler ethical hacking software has the following uses:

• Identifying AP (Access Point) network configuration

• Finding causes of interference

• Accessing the strength of signals received

• Detecting unauthorized access points 

9. Acunetix

This ethical hacking tool is fully automated, detecting and reporting on more than 4500 web vulnerabilities, including every variant of XSS and SQL Injection. Acunetix fully supports JavaScript, HTML5, and single-page applications so you can audit complex authenticated applications.

Basic features include:

• Consolidated view

• Integration of scanner results into other platforms and tools

• Prioritizing risks based on data

10. Netsparker

If you want a tool that mimics how hackers work, you want Netsparker. This tool identifies vulnerabilities in web APIs and web applications such as cross-site scripting and SQL Injection.

Features include:

• Available as an on-line service or Windows software

• Uniquely verifies identified vulnerabilities, showing that they are genuine, not false positives

• Saves time by eliminating the need for manual verification

11. Intruder

This tool is a completely automated scanner that searches for cybersecurity weaknesses, explains the risks found, and helps address them. Intruder takes on much of the heavy lifting in vulnerability management and offers over 9000 security checks.

Features included:

• Identifies missing patches, misconfigurations, and common web app issues like cross-site scripting and SQL Injection

• Integrates with Slack, Jira, and major cloud providers

• Prioritizes results based on context

• Proactively scans systems for the latest vulnerabilities

Also Read: Introduction to Cyber Security

12. Nmap

Nmap is an open-source security and port scanner, as well as a network exploration tool. It works for single hosts and large networks alike. Cybersecurity experts can use Nmap for network inventory, monitoring host and service uptime, and managing service upgrade schedules.

Among its features:

• Offer binary packages for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X

• Contains a data transfer, redirection, and debugging tool

• Results and GUI viewer

13. Metasploit

The Metasploit Framework is open-source, and Metasploit Pro is a commercial offering, with a 14-day free trial. Metasploit is geared towards penetration testing, and ethical hackers can develop and execute exploit codes against remote targets.

The features include:

• Cross-platform support

• Ideal for finding security vulnerabilities

• Great for creating evasion and anti-forensic tools

14. Aircrack-Ng

Wireless network use is rising, so it’s becoming more important to keep Wi-Fi secure. Aircrack-Ng offers ethical hackers an array of command-line tools that check and evaluate Wi-Fi network security. Aircrack-Ng is dedicated to activities such as attacking, monitoring, testing, and cracking. The tool supports Windows, OS X, Linux, eComStation, 2Free BSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Solaris.

Among its features:

• Supports exporting data to text files

• It can crack WEP keys and WPA2-PSK, and check Wi-Fi cards

• Supports multiple platforms

15. Wireshark

Wireshark is a great hacking software for analyzing data packets and can also perform deep inspections of a large number of established protocols. You can export analysis results to many different file formats like CSV, PostScript, Plaintext, and XML.

Features:

• Performs live captures and offline analysis

• Cross-platform support

• Allows coloring rules to packet lists to facilitate analysis

• It’s free

16. OpenVAS

The Open Vulnerability Assessment Scanner is a fully featured tool performs authenticated and unauthenticated testing and performance tuning. It is geared towards large-scale scans.

OpenVAS has the capabilities of various high and low-level Internet and industrial protocols, backed up by a robust internal programming language.

17. SQLMap

SQLMap is an open-source hacking software that automates detecting and exploiting SQL Injection flaws and taking control of database servers. You can use it to connect directly with specific databases. SQLMap completely supports a half-dozen SQL injection techniques (Boolean-based blind, error-based, stacked queries, time-based blind, UNION query-based, and out-of-band).

SQLMap’s features include:

• Powerful detection engine

• Supports executing arbitrary commands

• Supports MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and more.

Also Read: Why Businesses Need Ethical Hackers?

18. Ettercap

Ettercap is a free tool that is best suited for creating custom plug-ins.

Among its features:

• Content filtering

• Live connections sniffer

• Network and host analysis

• Active and passive dissection of a lot of protocols

19. Maltego

Maltego is a tool dedicated to link analysis and data mining. It comes in four forms: The free Community version, Maltego CE; Maltego Classic, which costs $999; Maltego XL, costing $1999, and the server products like Comms, CTAS, and ITDS, starting at $40000. Maltego is best suited to working with very large graphs.

Its features include:

• Support for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS

• Performs real-time information gathering and data mining

• Displays results in easy-to-read graphics

20. Burp Suite

This security-testing tool comes in three price tiers: Community edition (free), Professional edition (starting at $399 per user/per year), and Enterprise edition (starting at $3999/year). Burp Suite distinguishes itself as a web vulnerability scanner.

Its features include:

• Scan scheduling and repeating

• Uses out-of-band techniques

• Offers CI integration

21. John the Ripper

This free tool is ideal for password cracking. It was created to detect weak UNIX passwords, and can be used on DOS, Windows, and Open VMS.

Features:

• Offers a customizable cracker and several different password crackers in one bundle

• Performs dictionary attacks

• Tests different encrypted passwords

22. Angry IP Scanner

This is a free tool for scanning IP addresses and ports, though it’s unclear what it’s so angry about. You can use this scanner on the Internet or your local network, and supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

Noted features:

• Can export results in different formats

• Command-line interface tool

• Extensible with lots of data fetchers

23. SolarWinds Security Event Manager

SolarWinds emphasizes computer security improvement, automatically detecting threats and monitoring security policies. You can easily keep track of your log files and get instant alerts should anything suspicious happen.

Features include:

• Built-in integrity monitoring

• Intuitive dashboard and user interface

• Recognized as one of the best SIEM tools, helping you easily manage memory stick storage

24. Traceroute NG

Traceroute focuses on network path analysis. It can identify host names, packet loss, and IP addresses, providing accurate analysis via command line interface.

Features include:

• Supports IP4 and IPV6

• Detects paths changes and alerts you about them

• Permits continuous network probing

25. LiveAction

This is one of the best ethical hacking tools available today. Used in conjunction with LiveAction packet intelligence, it can diagnose network issues more effectively and faster.

Among its top features:

• Easy to use workflow

• Automates network’s automated data capture is fast enough to allow rapid response to security alerts

• Its packet intelligence provides deep analyses

• Onsite deployment for use in appliances

26. QualysGuard

If you want a hacker security tool that checks vulnerabilities in online cloud systems, look no further. QualysGuard lets businesses streamline their compliance and security solutions, incorporating security into digital transformation initiatives.

Top features:

• Globally trusted online hacking tool

• Scalable, end-to-end solution for all manner of IT security

• Real-time data analysis

• Responds to real-time threats

27. WebInspect

WebInspect is an automated dynamic testing tool that’s well-suited for ethical hacking operations. It offers hackers a dynamic comprehensive analysis of complex web applications and services.

Its features include:

• Lets users stay in control of scans through relevant statistics and information at a glance

• Contains a variety of technologies suited for and level of tester, from novice to professional

• Tests dynamic behavior of web applications for the purpose of spotting security vulnerabilities

28. Hashcat

Password cracking is a big part of ethical hacking, and Hashcat is a robust cracking tool. It can help ethical hackers audit password security, retrieve lost passwords, and discover the data stored in a hash.

Notable features include:

• Open source

• Multiple platform support

• Supports distributed cracking networks

• Supports automatic performance tuning

29. L0phtCrack

This is a password recovery and audit tool that can identify and assess password vulnerabilities over local networks and machines.

Features:

• Easily customizable

• Fixes weak passwords issues by forcing a password reset or locking out accounts

• Optimizes hardware courtesy of multicore and multi-GPU support

30. Rainbow Crack

Here’s another entry in the password-cracking category.  It employs rainbow tables to crack hashes, employing a time-memory tradeoff algorithm to accomplish it.

Its features include:

• Runs on Windows and Linux

• Command-line and graphic user interfaces

• Unified rainbow table file format

31. IKECrack

IKECrack is an authentication cracking tool with the bonus of being open source. This tool is designed to conduct dictionary or brute-force attacks. IKECrack enjoys a solid reputation for successfully running cryptography tasks.

Its features include:

• Strong emphasis on cryptography

• Ideally suited for either commercial or personal use

• Free

32. Sboxr

SBoxr is another open source hacking tool that emphasizes vulnerability testing. It has a favorable reputation as a customizable tool that lets hackers create their own custom security scanners.

Its main features include:

• Easy to use and GUI-based

• Supports Ruby and Python

• Uses an effective, powerful scanning engine

• Generates reports in RTF and HTML formats

• Checks for over two dozen types of web vulnerabilities

33. Medusa

Medusa is one of the best online speedy, brute-force parallel password crackers tools out there for ethical hackers.

Features:

• Includes flexible user input which can be specified in many ways

• Supports many services that allow remote authentication

• One of the best tools for thread-based parallel testing and brute-force testing

34. Cain and Abel

Cain and Abel is a tool used to recover passwords for the Microsoft Operating System. It uncovers password fields, sniffs networks, recovers MS Access passwords, and cracks encrypted passwords using brute-force, dictionary, and cryptanalysis attacks.

35. Zenmap

This open source application is the official Nmap Security Scanner software, and is multi-platform. Zenmap is ideal for any level of experience, from newbies to experienced hackers.

Among its features:

• Administrators can track new hosts or services that appear on their networks and track existing downed services

• Graphical and interactive results viewing

• Can draw topology maps of discovered networks

As we advance into 2024, these tools are not just shaping the field of cybersecurity but are also vital for any organization looking to safeguard its digital landscape.