Workflows¶

End-to-end workflows for common security testing scenarios using Hive and APHIDS CLI.

Overview¶

This section provides comprehensive workflows for real-world security testing scenarios. Each workflow includes:

Objectives: What you'll accomplish
Prerequisites: What you need before starting
Step-by-Step Guide: Detailed instructions
Best Practices: Tips for success
Common Pitfalls: What to avoid

Available Workflows¶

🎯 Complete Penetration Test

Full penetration testing workflow from reconnaissance to reporting.

Duration: 1-2 weeks

Difficulty: Intermediate

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🔄 Continuous Monitoring

Set up automated, recurring security scans for ongoing visibility.

Duration: 2-4 hours setup

Difficulty: Intermediate

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🛡️ Vulnerability Management

Track, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities systematically.

Duration: Ongoing

Difficulty: Beginner

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🔴 Red Team Operations

Plan and execute adversary simulation exercises.

Duration: 2-4 weeks

Difficulty: Advanced

View Workflow →

Workflow Categories¶

By Objective¶

Security Assessment - Complete Penetration Test - Comprehensive security testing - Vulnerability Assessment - Identify security weaknesses - Compliance Testing - Meet regulatory requirements

Continuous Security - Continuous Monitoring - Ongoing security visibility - Change Detection - Track infrastructure changes - Automated Scanning - Schedule recurring tests

Advanced Operations - Red Team Exercise - Adversary simulation - Purple Team - Collaborative defense testing - Bug Bounty - Structured vulnerability discovery

By Duration¶

Quick (< 1 hour) - Subdomain enumeration - Port scanning - SSL/TLS analysis - Basic web scanning

Standard (1-8 hours) - Web application penetration test - Network security assessment - API security testing - Vulnerability scanning

Extended (1+ days) - Complete penetration test - Red team operation - Comprehensive security audit - Compliance assessment

By Skill Level¶

🟢 Beginner - Vulnerability Management - Basic Scanning - Asset Discovery

🟡 Intermediate - Complete Penetration Test - Continuous Monitoring - API Testing

🔴 Advanced - Red Team Operations - Custom Attack Trees - Advanced Exploitation

Workflow Components¶

Phase 1: Planning¶

Every workflow starts with planning:

Define Objectives: What are you trying to achieve?
Identify Scope: What's in and out of scope?
Get Authorization: Obtain written permission
Set Timeline: When will testing occur?
Prepare Resources: Gather tools and access

Phase 2: Execution¶

Execute your security testing:

Reconnaissance: Gather information
Scanning: Identify assets and services
Enumeration: Detailed information gathering
Vulnerability Discovery: Find security issues
Exploitation: Validate findings (if authorized)

Phase 3: Analysis¶

Analyze your findings:

Validate Results: Confirm findings are accurate
Assess Risk: Determine severity and impact
Prioritize: Rank by criticality
Document: Record all findings with evidence
Correlate: Connect related findings

Phase 4: Reporting¶

Communicate results:

Executive Summary: High-level overview
Technical Details: In-depth findings
Evidence: Proof of vulnerabilities
Recommendations: Remediation guidance
Metrics: Statistics and trends

Phase 5: Remediation¶

Fix identified issues:

Prioritize Fixes: Start with critical issues
Implement Solutions: Apply patches/changes
Verify Fixes: Retest to confirm
Update Documentation: Record changes
Track Progress: Monitor remediation status

Common Patterns¶

Pattern 1: Reconnaissance → Scan → Exploit¶

graph LR
    A[Reconnaissance] --> B[Asset Discovery]
    B --> C[Vulnerability Scan]
    C --> D[Exploitation]
    D --> E[Post-Exploitation]
    E --> F[Reporting]

Use for: Penetration testing, red team operations

Pattern 2: Continuous Monitoring¶

graph LR
    A[Initial Scan] --> B[Baseline]
    B --> C[Scheduled Scans]
    C --> D[Change Detection]
    D --> E[Alert on Changes]
    E --> C

Use for: Ongoing security monitoring, compliance

Pattern 3: Vulnerability Management¶

graph LR
    A[Scan] --> B[Identify Vulns]
    B --> C[Assess Risk]
    C --> D[Prioritize]
    D --> E[Remediate]
    E --> F[Verify]
    F --> A

Use for: Vulnerability management programs

Best Practices Across All Workflows¶

Authorization & Legal¶

✅ Always get written authorization before testing
✅ Define scope clearly in writing
✅ Establish rules of engagement
✅ Set up emergency contacts
✅ Document everything

Technical Execution¶

✅ Start with passive reconnaissance
✅ Validate findings before reporting
✅ Use multiple tools for confirmation
✅ Document your methodology
✅ Keep detailed notes

Communication¶

✅ Provide regular status updates
✅ Report critical findings immediately
✅ Use clear, non-technical language for executives
✅ Include evidence for all findings
✅ Offer actionable remediation guidance

Safety & Ethics¶

✅ Respect scope boundaries
✅ Don't cause damage or disruption
✅ Protect sensitive data discovered
✅ Follow responsible disclosure
✅ Maintain professional ethics

Tools & Resources¶

Hive Platform Features¶

Runbooks: Pre-configured testing workflows
Attack Trees: Complex multi-stage scenarios
Scan Executions: Monitor testing progress
Asset Management: Track discovered assets
Intelligence: Analyze vulnerabilities
Reporting: Generate professional reports

APHIDS CLI Features¶

Online Mode: Integrate with Hive platform
Offline Mode: Standalone operation
Module Library: 30+ security tools
Custom Modules: Extend capabilities
Automation: Script and schedule scans

External Resources¶

OWASP Testing Guide: Web application testing methodology
PTES: Penetration Testing Execution Standard
NIST SP 800-115: Technical Guide to Information Security Testing
MITRE ATT&CK: Adversary tactics and techniques

Measuring Success¶

Key Metrics¶

Coverage: Percentage of scope tested
Findings: Number and severity of issues
Time to Detect: How quickly issues are found
Time to Remediate: How quickly issues are fixed
Retest Results: Verification of fixes

Success Criteria¶

✅ Complete Coverage: All in-scope assets tested
✅ Validated Findings: All findings confirmed
✅ Clear Documentation: Comprehensive reporting
✅ Actionable Recommendations: Practical remediation guidance
✅ Stakeholder Satisfaction: Meets client expectations

Getting Started¶

Choose a workflow based on your needs:

New to Security Testing? Start with Vulnerability Management
Need Comprehensive Testing? Try Complete Penetration Test
Want Ongoing Monitoring? Set up Continuous Monitoring
Advanced Operations? Explore Red Team Operations

Support¶

Need help with workflows?

📖 Documentation: Detailed guides for each workflow
💬 Community: Share experiences and tips
🎓 Training: Video tutorials and courses
📧 Support: support@darksidesecurity.io

🚀 Ready to Start?

Choose a workflow above and begin your security testing journey!