Domain Ownership and DNS Footprinting for lab01.cyberseclabs.org

Understanding Domain Ownership and DNS Footprinting for lab01.cyberseclabs.org

Updated: May, 30 2025

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

One of the first steps in ethical hacking or penetration testing is thorough information gathering. DNS footprinting and WHOIS lookups are essential reconnaissance techniques. In this cybersecurity lab, we focus on lab01.cyberseclabs.org to demonstrate how to collect DNS, WHOIS, and SSL certificate data for building a threat intelligence profile.

What is DNS Footprinting and WHOIS Lookup?

DNS footprinting involves collecting public DNS records like A, MX, NS, and associated IP addresses. It maps out a target’s infrastructure. A WHOIS lookup queries databases to reveal registrar and administrative data, useful for identifying control over a domain.

Step-by-Step DNS and WHOIS Analysis of lab01.cyberseclabs.org

WHOIS Information

Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.
Registrar Website: namecheap.com
Registrant Organization: Withheld for Privacy ehf
Registrant Email: Contact

Domain Lifecycle

Registered: May 4, 2024
Last Updated: May 9, 2024
Expires: May 4, 2025

DNS Footprinting and Configuration

Primary DNS Server: denver.ns.cloudflare.com
Secondary DNS Server: harlee.ns.cloudflare.com
IP Address: 172.67.158.116
Hosting Provider: Cloudflare Inc.

SSL Certificate Check

Type: Domain Validated (DV SSL)
Issuer: Google Trust Services LLC
Status: Valid and Active

Why This Matters in Cybersecurity Labs

Footprinting and reconnaissance help penetration testers discover vulnerabilities early. The registrar, DNS setup, and SSL status give clues about a domain’s defenses or weaknesses.

Recommended Tools for DNS Footprinting and WHOIS

DomainTools WHOIS
DNSDumpster
SecurityTrails
Command Line: nslookup, dig

Lab Exercises for Students

Perform a WHOIS lookup using DomainTools.
Analyze DNS records with nslookup or dig.
Trace IP addresses via ipinfo.io.
Check SSL configuration using SSL Checker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is DNS Footprinting?

DNS footprinting is the process of collecting publicly available DNS records to map a domain’s infrastructure and exposure points.

Is DNS Footprinting Legal?

Yes — as long as queries target public records and no unauthorized actions are taken. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines.

Why is WHOIS Lookup Important in Cybersecurity?

WHOIS lookups provide registrar, registrant, and domain lifecycle data — essential for profiling and reconnaissance in cybersecurity operations.

Elvis Dicki

Editter & Manager of CybersecLabs.org

I am passionate about technology, with expertise in Python programming, computer networking, and network diagram configuration. I have a strong foundation in Python programming language, which allows me to develop efficient and scalable solutions for various projects. Additionally, my proficiency in computer networking enables me to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex network infrastructures. and I am a computer science Ph.D. candidate. With a focus on computer science, I delve deep into the realms of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. My research interests lie at the intersection of these fields, where I explore cutting-edge techniques to solve real-world problems.

Feel free to visit my bookstore and support my work!
I truly appreciate every reader who takes the time to explore my word search books. Your support means a lot and motivates me to keep creating fun and educational content for puzzle lovers of all ages.

Store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DD2Y8FXM/