Hack I.T. introduces penetration testing and its vital role in an overall network security plan. You will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a penetration testing professional, the motivation and strategies of the underground hacking community, and potential system vulnerabilities, along with corresponding avenues of attack. Most importantly, the book provides a framework for performing penetration testing and offers step-by-step descriptions of each stage in the process. The latest information on the necessary hardware for performing penetration testing, as well as an extensive reference on the available security tools, is included.