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# System/Host Based Attacks

#### Introduction To System/Host Based Attacks

**What are System/Host Based Attacks?**

* System/Host based attacks are attacks that are targeted towards a specific system or host running a specific operating system, for example, Windows or Linux.
* Network services are not the only attack vector that can be targeted during a penetration test.
* System/Host based attacks usually come in to play after you have gained access to a target  network, whereby, you will be required to exploit servers, workstations or laptops on the internal network.

**System/Host Based Attacks**

* System/Host based attacks are primarily focused on exploiting inherent vulnerabilities on the target OS.
* Unlike network based attacks, host based attacks are much more specialized and require an understanding of the target operating system and vulnerabilities within the target OS.