RE: Pen-Test as a favor

[techlists () comcast net]

I would like to second that suggestion about practicing with the tools in your own lab first.

I had a friend that ran a small ISP that allowed me to try a vulnerability scan on his network, with my promise that 
the tools wouldn't change anything; it would all be passive testing.

Nessus, it seems (at least at that time, maybe different now), when running an IIS test, deleted the index.htm file on 
a webserver, which wiped out this fellow's online webmail application. Needless to say, he was quite a bit peeved at 
the "service" I was providing him "as a favor".

When someone's livelihood is depending on the network you're testing, you don't want to make such mistakes. Practice 
with your tools a lot before you touch someone else's network!

PG

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Shenk, Jerry A" <jshenk () decommunications com>
> I would get something.  I don't think I'd get too crazy about it but
> definitely having something in writing will be a good idea.  Your
> friend, the Admin/CTO may not be the person who would "come after you". 
>
> BTW, I'd also be VERY careful.  Don't go testing new tools this way, do
> that in your own lab.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Benedict [mailto:chrisb () daemonnews org] 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 11:49 PM
> To: pen-test () securityfocus com
> Subject: Pen-Test as a favor
>
> Hey, I'm working as an IT intern in a doctors office and I got 
> permission to do a little pen-testing on their servers on my own time.  
> How necessary would it be to get written permission before I take any 
> action?  The Admin/CTO is a pretty good friend and I doubt would even 
> consider taking any legal action if anything happened.
>
> If I do need a contract or something could someone point me in the 
> direction of a template.  I have never even seen such a 
> contract/agreement before and I would never be able to write one up on 
> my own properly.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris Benedict
>
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This List Sponsored by: Cenzic

Concerned about Web Application Security? 
Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's 
Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise, 
you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the 
most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration 
testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a 
managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software 
(Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can 
help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php 
And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your 
results from other product. Contact us at request () cenzic com for details.
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