Violent Python: A Cookbook for Hackers, Forensic Analysts, Penetration Testers and Security Engineers

by TJ O'Connor

Overview

Violent Python shows you how to move from a theoretical understanding of offensive computing concepts to a practical implementation. Instead of relying on another attacker’s tools, this book will teach you to forge your own weapons using the Python programming language. This book demonstrates how to write Python scripts to automate large-scale network attacks, extract metadata, and investigate forensic artifacts. It also shows how to write code to intercept and analyze network traffic using Python, craft and spoof wireless frames to attack wireless and Bluetooth devices, and how to data-mine popular social media websites and evade modern anti-virus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781597499576
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	11/08/2012
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

TJ O’Connor is a Department of Defense expert on information security and a US Army paratrooper. While assigned as an assistant professor at the US Military Academy, TJ taught undergraduate courses on forensics, exploitation and information assurance. He twice co-coached the winning team at the National Security Agency’s annual Cyber Defense Exercise and won the National Defense University’s first annual Cyber Challenge. He has served on multiple red teams, including twice on the Northeast Regional Team for the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

TJ holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from North Carolina State, a Master of Science degree in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Technical Institute, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the US Military Academy. He has published technical research at USENIX workshops, ACM conferences, security conferences, the SANS Reading Room, the Internet Storm Center, the Army Magazine, and the Armed Forces Journal. He holds expert cyber security credentials, including the prestigious GIAC Security Expert (GSE) and Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE). TJ is a member of the elite SANS Red and Blue Team Cyber Guardians.

TJ O'Connor is an active duty Army Major and former faculty member at the United States Military Academy, where he taught courses on forensics, exploitation, and information assurance. He has published research at USENIX workshops, ACM Conferences, and spoken at various security conferences, including ShmooCon. He has participated in numerous cyber defense exercises, including winning the National Defense University Cyber Challenge, coaching the winning team at the National Security Agency's Cyber Defense Exercise and working as a red team member of the Northeast Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. He has earned the SANS Certifications GIAC Gold certifications in GCFA, GCIH, GSEC, GCIA, and holds other GIAC certifications.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Penetration Testing with Python

3. Forensic Investigations with Python

4. Network Traffic Analysis with Python

5. Wireless Mayhem with Python

6. Web Recon with Python

7. Antivirus Evasion with Python

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Discover how to use Python to exploit systems and build effective pen testing tools to defend your system from attackers

Editorial Reviews

"An information security specialist with the US Army, O'Connor introduces the hacker's programming language Python to new users, and describes some advanced features to those who already know it." —Reference and Research Book News, August 2013

"A quick glance at [the authors] collective credentials and experience undoubtedly creates high expectations for this title… The end result is that the book demonstrates how powerful just a few dozen lines of Python code can be… useful tips and tricks will surely be acquired simply by working through the exercises." —The Ethical Hacker Network, February 2013

"Violent Python is an excellent resource that develops and enhances a diverse set of security-related Python skills. The book also serves as a great reference, where recipes could be quickly implemented to address specific issues as they arise. Readers who are actively working in an InfoSec position will likely be able to put their newly acquired skills to use immediately, and those looking to break into the field will acquire skills that differentiate themselves from others who are dependent on prebuilt tools. This title is highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve his or her Python skills within the InfoSec realm." —The Ethical Hacker Network, February 2013

"When it comes to Python and penetration testing, TJ O'Connor is the grand Python master. This is the book that keeps on giving. From building penetration testing Python scripts, to antivirus-evading penetration testing malware, to interrogating the Windows Registry and investigating other forensic artifacts...O'Connor masterfully walks the reader from basic to advanced penetration testing techniques with sample code throughout." —Ove Carroll, SANS Certified Instructor, Co-Author of SANS Forensics 408 - Windows In Depth

"Violent Python is chalked full of practical examples and is for all security professionals. It covers the spectrum - knowledge for pen testers to forensic analysts, beginner to advanced and offensive to defensive tasks. If you are involved in information security and are looking for a Python book, this is an excellent source." —James Shewmaker, Security Analyst, Bluenotch Corporation

"The best hackers know when to write their own tools. Violent Python is a very relevant collection of examples to seed your personal hacking toolbox. From offensive actions to digital forensics, this book has useful bits for everyone." —Raphael Mudge, Creator of Armitage

From the Publisher