Hack it yourself

Posted on 12 May 2008 at 15:00

Not sure if your security setup is watertight? Davey Winder reveals how to test your security like a hacker would.

Only a complete idiot (or perhaps a government department) would run a computer, network or website without giving serious thought to security. With your data at threat from organised gangs at the top end, to solo chancers at the other, almost everyone has security applications installed to protect their system.

The problem is that we tend to assume that security software just works, and in an ideal world it should. However, configuration cock-ups, missed updates and simple human errors of judgement can leave you and your data cosseted in a false sense of security.

Often, the first time you realise your security setup isn't up to the job is when the worst happens - and even then plenty of people never actually twig that their system has been compromised. But there is an alternative: why not make the switch from gamekeeper to poacher and hack it yourself?

PC Pro has enlisted the help of penetration testers, ethical hackers and security vendors to compile the ultimate test of your own security. We're going to reveal ten ways to break into your own system, expose the holes that exist in your security software, firewall and router, and show you how to plug them.

After all, it's best to break into your own system before someone else does.

1. Discover your status
2. Test your firewall
3. Exploit your PC
4. Check for leaks
5. Send in the processor probes
6. Flex test your passwords
7. Swamp your email
8. Probe for viruses
9. Disclose your vulnerabilities
10. Rattle your router