In this chapter, we introduced a lot of tools that can be useful in your early penetration testing practice. As you hone your own strategies, you will certainly replace some of these tools with favorites of your own, tools that better fit with your workflow. As with the penetration test itself, your own practice and toolset will demand practice and patience to ensure you have a clear vision of where you want to use what tools. Online resources abound, and we have tried to provide those resources wherever possible in the preceding sections.

As we progress through the next few chapters, many of these tools will show off just how useful they are in other phases. We'll try to eliminate any redundant discussion, but that should not diminish their importance throughout. As you are practicing your trade, keep repeating your tests and trying out all of the options you can - this is a fun vocation, but this practice and preparation will be what separates the better penetration testers from...