Cybersecurity Tools and Testing

🛠️ Unlocking the Power of SAP Trace: Your Troubleshooting Superpower! If you’ve ever faced a priority issue in an SAP support project where nothing seems to explain why something isn’t working—no business logic, no configuration clues—you’re not alone! This is where SAP Trace comes to the rescue. Let’s break it down: What is SAP Trace? SAP Trace is a diagnostic tool that tracks and logs the steps or activities of a user in the system. It helps uncover hidden issues, such as: • Missing authorizations. • Performance bottlenecks. • Unexpected system behavior. It’s your “last resort” tool when everything else fails to provide clarity. Transaction Codes for SAP Trace 1. ST01 (System Trace): • Monitors system activity for authorizations, kernel, database, and more. • Useful for catching authorization errors or understanding unexpected behavior. 2. ST05 (Performance Trace): • Focuses on SQL, table buffer, RFC, and enqueue traces. • Helps you analyze performance issues or pinpoint inefficient database queries. When to Use SAP Trace? • A user reports “I can’t perform this transaction”, but their roles and authorizations seem correct. • A process runs into performance issues, and you suspect database queries or RFC calls. • You’re dealing with workflow failures or locked objects. • There’s no visible reason for the error, and it’s critical to identify the root cause. How to Use SAP Trace? Here’s a step-by-step guide to using ST01 as an example: 1. Start the Trace • Go to T-code ST01. • Select the components you want to trace: Authorization, Kernel, SQL, etc. • Specify the user ID you want to trace (to focus the analysis). • Click “Activate Trace”. 2. Perform the Issue Activity • Ask the user to repeat the activity that’s causing the issue. 3. Stop the Trace • Return to ST01 and click “Deactivate Trace” to stop logging. 4. Analyze the Results • Review the trace logs to identify errors (e.g., missing authorizations) or steps causing delays. Real-Life Example A client reported that they couldn’t release a maintenance order. All roles and authorizations seemed correct. Using ST01, we found a missing authorization object that wasn’t part of the user’s role. Once added, the issue was resolved in minutes. Why You Should Use SAP Trace • It’s precise: Focuses on the specific user or process. • It’s powerful: Detects errors that are invisible in normal checks. • It’s a lifesaver: Helps you deliver solutions quickly, even under pressure. Have you used SAP Trace before? Share your experience or tips below—let’s help each other master this amazing tool!

There’s one feature I’ll never build at ChannelCrawler. Not because I don’t think it’s important. But because it is, and getting it wrong causes serious damage. I’m talking about sending mass cold emails from within the tool. Let users email hundreds of creators directly, save lots of time. It sounds useful in theory. But in practice? It’s not a good idea: - Microsoft/Google mark it as spam - Your emails start going to spam, even with your connections/customers - Deliverability gets weaker - Domain rating drops At smaller companies, the affects are much worse, because you make up a bigger percentage of the total emails going out. One person doing it wrong can ruin deliverability for the entire domain. If you're sending 1–10 highly personalised emails a day, go for it. For mass sending, even just 10+ a day you need a specialist email platform like Instantly, Smartlead, or Salesforge.ai 🔥 to do it right. We use the latter for example. I get asked about this feature often. And the answer is always the same: we’ll never build it. At most, we’ll offer integrations. Because if someone spams using our platform, we’re guilty by association. (A line from my favourite Linkin Park song.) I don't want to encourage poor practice. I only want people to be successful. The tools will help you do that. They will also help you be less spammy in your outreach to an extent too, but thats another issue altogether That’s the hill I’ll die on. 🫠 None of the platforms mentioned sponsored this post. Except ChannelCrawler I guess, since it pays my salary. . . . 👋 Hi, I’m Jake 🎙 I write and speak about growing businesses through YouTube and YouTubers 💡 Follow for more on that, or DM to chat 📈 Co-founder at ChannelCrawler, The worlds largest YouTube database

🚀 Exploring SMTP Penetration Testing: A Comprehensive Approach 🚀In today's digital-first landscape, securing communication protocols like SMTP is critical to protecting sensitive data. The SMTP Penetration Testing Research Report delves into the vulnerabilities of Simple Mail Transfer Protocol servers and offers actionable strategies to identify and mitigate risks. 🔑 Key Insights: SMTP Vulnerabilities: From open relays to user enumeration and lack of encryption, learn how attackers exploit these weak spots. Techniques Unveiled: Master banner grabbing, advanced user enumeration methods, brute force attacks, and SMTP relay exploitation. Best Practices: Practical guidelines to secure SMTP servers, including disabling unnecessary commands, implementing TLS encryption, and using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols. Real-World Application: Case studies and exercises demonstrate how to test vulnerabilities using tools like Telnet, Netcat, Nmap, and Metasploit. 💡 Why This Matters: SMTP remains a backbone of email communications, yet poorly configured servers are prime targets for cyber threats. This guide is a must-read for penetration testers, system administrators, and cybersecurity professionals committed to building resilient communication systems. 🔗 Dive into the report and fortify your SMTP servers against evolving threats. Let’s make digital communications safer, one protocol at a time! #SMTP #PenetrationTesting #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #NetworkSecurity #EmailSecurity #RedTeam #VulnerabilityManagement #SPF #DKIM #DMARC #TLS #ThreatDetection #BruteForce #Enumeration #Metasploit #TechCommunity #DigitalResilience #ProtocolSecurity #SMTPTesting #SecureServers #SecurityTools

Overcoming Missing Authorizations in SAP SU53 doesn't always tell the correct authorizations. If the program has done authorization checks to make decisions nothing will show in SU53 and the program will not execute correctly and then we have to go searching through code to find with authorization checks are there and what is being checked. Best Practice for User Access issue in SAP When SU53 Falls Short 1. Run STAUTHTRACE/ST01 - Trace will give you details of missing authorization and help to decide on next steps to provide access 2. SUIM - Check if roles for missing access are assigned to User or not, then we need to check role with minimum access for missing authorization (Based on process of organization - If we will do role changes or assign role) 3. Ensure that all the roles for the user are properly configured in PFCG. Roles are generated and User Master Comparison is green (Use transaction PFUD for User Master Comparison) 4. Role Changes/Provisioning - Always run role simulation or User simulation in GRC to avoid SOD conflicts for access to be provisioned to user SU53 will mostly fail in cases where Fiori app, Custom transactions or reports are involved. This approach minimizes risk and ensures access issues are resolved without compromising security. #SAPSecurity #SU53 #AccessControl #GRC #SODConflicts #Authorization #ST01 #SAPBestPractices #RoleProvisioning #AccessManagement #SAP

HOW TO INVESTIGATE PART 1 🔍 Phishing Emails Alert: 1- Check Email Headers (SPF, DKIM, Message-ID, Sender && Return-path) 2- Inspect Email content 3- Verify SMTP IP in Virustotal, AbuseIPDB, X-Force, Talos intelligence 4- Investigate Attachments at Virustotal, urlscan, Any.run, joesandbox, Hybrid-Analysis ↪ Note: If Attachment is a domain, check registration time 5- Confirm if the user opened the Attachment ✍ https://lnkd.in/dfscKs4n ✍ https://lnkd.in/dSMs5Tqx ✍ https://lnkd.in/d5sXYis3 ✍ https://lnkd.in/d3VS3trE. 🦠 Malware Investigation: 1- Check File hash in threat intelligence 2- AV Action, ensure not deleted/cleaned/quarantined; create L2 ticket if needed 3- Examine File path to determine device infection source 4- Check Malware category - Contact user for known results like Ransomware ✍ https://lnkd.in/dpZdSziE ✍ https://lnkd.in/dBevZUmj 🤖 Brute Force Analysis: 1- Determine login operation origin (local or remote) by checking Source IP 2- Inspect destination IP/Service to identify targeted service 3- Review Logon Type to understand login method 4- Analyze Login Failure Reason to verify user legitimacy 5- Check IDS/IPS & WAF Logs for automation tool usage 6- Confirm successful or unsuccessful login ⚔ DoS/DDoS Attack Alert: 1- Check source IP(s) to determine local or remote origin ↪Note: If remote, check threat intelligence; if local, create L2 ticket to check the host 2- Verify if Destination IP still operational manually 3- Run "netstat -an" command for strange connections 4- Run ping command to detect dropped packets ✍ DDOS: https://lnkd.in/eQ7zZzVt ✍ MaliciousNetworkBehaviour: https://lnkd.in/ewVZy2cs 🚫 Proxy Logs Investigation (Communication to bad IP/domain): 1- Check Proxy Category to determine domain type 2- Review device action 3- Examine Destination IP/domain at AbuseIPDB, Virustotal, urlscan ↪Note: For a domain, check registration time 4- Confirm Destination Port 5- Check User-agent 6- Verify Bytes Sent && Bytes Received 7- Inspect request method 8- Scrutinize Referer Header 9- Validate Content-Type Header ↪Note: Detection also possible through SIEM Graph 📊 Windows Event Log Analysis (Login & Logout): 1- Check event id/name 2- Verify login type to understand login method 3- Confirm workstation for DNS Name 4- Review status and sub-status for failure ✍ https://lnkd.in/dpVJRJmY ✍ https://lnkd.in/d7ABVqjw ✍ https://lnkd.in/dgJfKpz2 🛑 Unknown Process Installation Investigation: 1- Check process name for anomalies 2- Examine process id to identify parent or child process ↪Note: If a child process, check creator process id to identify the parent process 3- Confirm creator process name to determine the process path 4- Check process hash in threat intelligence 5- Verify token elevation to understand the user's app privilege #socanalyst #soc #blueteam #cyberdefense #securityanalyst #securityoperationscenter

Interviewer's Favourite question part 3 (Email Phishing Analysis) When a suspicious email is reported to security team, what analysis will you perform as a SOC Analyst:- 1. Sender and Domain Analysis -Verify the Sender's Email ID and Domain. -Check the domain reputation using tools like: VirusTotal MXToolbox IPVoid -Analyze domain details: Registration date Owner information 2. Subject Line Analysis -Examine the subject line to determine the intent of the email: Phishing Social engineering Promotional content 3. Email Body Analysis -Look for Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), such as: Urgency Tactics: Example: "Reset your account within an hour, or it will be disabled." Phishing URLs: Embedded URLs (e.g., within an "unsubscribe" button) designed to mislead users. -Check the reputation of such URLs using trusted tools. Attachments: Analyze suspicious attachments in a sandbox to detect malicious behavior. Avoid uploading attachments to public repositories like VirusTotal to prevent attackers from detecting the investigation and potentially bypassing detection mechanisms. 4. Email Header Analysis -Obtain the email header from the email properties. Perform header analysis: Use MXToolbox: Select "Header Analysis." Paste the header and submit for a detailed report. Verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC statuses. 5. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Verification SPF (Sender Policy Framework) -Authentication protocol specifying which IP addresses are authorized to send emails for a domain. -SPF Alignment: If the "From" field matches the "Return-Path" field, SPF alignment passes; otherwise, it fails. -SPF Authentication: If the sender's IP is authorized to send on behalf of the domain, SPF authentication passes; otherwise, it fails. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) -Uses a digital signature to verify the sender’s domain and ensure email integrity. -DKIM Alignment: If the "DKIM Signature" domain matches the "From" domain, DKIM alignment passes; otherwise, it fails. -DKIM Authentication: If the DKIM signature is invalid, the email may have been modified during transit. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) Builds on SPF and DKIM. -DMARC Policies: None: If SPF and DKIM both pass, the email is delivered to the inbox. Quarantine: If either SPF or DKIM fails, the email goes to the spam/junk folder. Reject: If both SPF and DKIM fail, the email is dropped/rejected. 6. Mail Gateway Analysis Review fields like: From To Return-Path Subject Line Message ID Verify how many users received the email from the same domain/email ID. Export email details for documentation. 7. Reporting and Mitigation Document: Analysis details Findings IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) GTI (Global Threat Intelligence) details Share the findings with relevant teams. Coordinate with Network/IT/Admin teams to: Block the malicious email, domain, IP, and hash.

Investigating Cyber Threats - Playbooks for the L1 SOC Analysts 🔍 Phishing Emails Alert: 1- Heck Email Headers (SPF, DKIM, Message-ID, Sender && Return-path) 2- Inspect Email content 3- Verify SMTP IP in Virustotal, AbuseIPDB, X-Force, Talos intelligence 4- Investigate Attachments at Virustotal, urlscan, Any.run, joesandbox, Hybrid-Analysis ↪️ Note: If the Attachment is a domain, check registration time 5- Confirm if the user opened the Attachment ✍ https://lnkd.in/dfscKs4n ✍ https://lnkd.in/dSMs5Tqx ✍ https://lnkd.in/d5sXYis3 ✍ https://lnkd.in/d3VS3trE. 🦠 Malware Investigation: 1- Check File hash in threat intelligence 2- AV Action, ensure not deleted/cleaned/quarantined; create L2 ticket if needed 3- Examine File path to determine device infection source 4- Check Malware category - Contact user for known results like Ransomware ✍ https://lnkd.in/dpZdSziE ✍ https://lnkd.in/dBevZUmj 🤖 Brute Force Analysis: 1- Determine login operation origin (local or remote) by checking Source IP 2- Inspect destination IP/Service to identify targeted service 3- Review Logon Type to understand login method 4- Analyze Login Failure Reason to verify user legitimacy 5- Check IDS/IPS & WAF Logs for automation tool usage 6- Confirm successful or unsuccessful login ⚔️ DoS/DDoS Attack Alert: 1- Check source IP(s) to determine local or remote origin ↪️Note: If remote, check threat intelligence; if local, create L2 ticket to check the host 2- Verify if Destination IP is still operational manually 3- Run "netstat -an" command for strange connections 4- Run ping command to detect dropped packets ✍ DDOS: https://lnkd.in/eQ7zZzVt ✍ MaliciousNetworkBehaviour: https://lnkd.in/ewVZy2cs 🚫 Proxy Logs Investigation (Communication to bad IP/domain): 1- Check the Proxy Category to determine the domain type 2- Review device action 3- Examine Destination IP/domain at AbuseIPDB, Virustotal, urlscan ↪️Note: For a domain, check registration time 4- Confirm Destination Port 5- Check User-agent 6- Verify Bytes Sent && Bytes Received 7- Inspect request method 8- Scrutinize Referer Header 9- Validate Content-Type Header ↪️Note: Detection also possible through SIEM Graph 📊 Windows Event Log Analysis (Login & Logout): 1- Check event id/name 2- Verify login type to understand the login method 3- Confirm workstation for DNS Name 4- Review status and sub-status for failure ✍ https://lnkd.in/dpVJRJmY ✍ https://lnkd.in/d7ABVqjw ✍ https://lnkd.in/dgJfKpz2 🛑 Unknown Process Installation Investigation: 1- Check process name for anomalies 2- Examine process ID to identify the parent or child process ↪️Note: If a child processes, check the creator process ID to identify the parent process 3- Confirm the creator process name to determine the process path 4- Check process hash in threat intelligence 5- Verify token elevation to understand the user's app privilege For more content - https://lnkd.in/d2pYU-84 #CyberSecurity #SOC #ThreatInvestigation

A common mistake I see brands make is relying on their own inboxes to test email campaigns. But just because it looks great on your device doesn’t mean it will for your customers. What's often not taken into consideration is how your campaigns render across the 60+ platforms and devices your customers might be viewing your campaigns on. This means that while you and even your team might see a beautifully designed, well-put-together campaign, your customers might be seeing a completely skewed design. Not quite the outcome you'd like... And without proper testing, that beautifully designed campaign could appear distorted, unreadable, or even completely broken for some recipients. Dark mode is a perfect example. It's estimated that around 40% of users have dark mode enabled on their devices, yet most brands don’t test how their emails render in dark mode. The result? Logos that disappear, unreadable text, and broken design elements that ruin the user experience. Internally, we use Litmus to check formatting, links, and deliverability before sending and while this is our go-to, Sinch Email on Acid also does the trick and is much more cost-effective for brands. To give you an idea, here's what you can do using a third-party tool like Litmus or Emails on Acid: ✔️ Ensure emails display correctly, including in dark mode ✔️ Make sure all links work ✔️ Confirm compatibility across 60+ devices ✔️ Prevent email clipping, especially in Gmail (102KB limit) ✔️ Minimise human error by testing beyond just your inbox ✔️ Validate mobile responsiveness ✔️ Provide proper authentication to avoid being flagged as spam ✔️ Monitor for blocklists and spam placements ✔️ Check email load times to avoid slow rendering ✔️ Review accessibility compliance (contrast, font size, readability) I’m still waiting for an ESP to integrate this functionality directly - it would be a game changer. Until then, proper testing is non-negotiable.

Smartlead and Instantly.ai integrating inbox spam tests has changed how we are monitoring email deliverability at Growth Engine X. Here’s an overview of what we are doing. First, for those that don’t know, an inbox placement test is when you send a test email to a group of emails that will report back to you where the email landing. Primary, Promotions, or Spam? Now it’s not perfect because your spam filter learns from what emails you mark as spam and obviously these inboxes have never marked anything as spam. So you should know that but I still find these tests useful enough to run now that they are integrated with the platforms. We are now running a test daily at 11 pm EST on all active campaigns and getting the inbox placements. Then, every Tuesday and Friday we will use an internal API to call to list out all inboxes that landed in spam, remove them from campaigns, and tag them so we don’t use them again. We always keep extra inboxes warming for our customers so we will push in the extra fresh inboxes as we remove the ones landing in spam. Everything can be done automatically except selecting the inboxes we will use to replace the ones in spam which I’m not sure is even worth automating. Hopefully, this gives something to think about for those that also don’t use open tracking and need a way to track email deliverability in their cold email campaigns!