AI-Enhanced Ethical Hacking: A Linux-Focused Experiment

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This technical report investigates the integration of generative AI (GenAI), specifically ChatGPT, into the practice of ethical hacking through a comprehensive experimental study and conceptual analysis.

• Conducted in a controlled virtual environment, the study evaluates GenAI's effectiveness across the key stages of penetration testing on Linux-based target machines operating within a virtual local area network (LAN), including reconnaissance, scanning and enumeration, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks.
• The findings confirm that GenAI can significantly enhance and streamline the ethical hacking process while underscoring the importance of balanced human-AI collaboration rather than the complete replacement of human input.
• The report also critically examines potential risks such as misuse, data biases, hallucination, and over-reliance on AI.