Description

Introduction

This course offers a foundational understanding of ethical hacking and penetration testing, essential for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats. Ethical hacking involves simulating attacks on systems, networks, and applications to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them. Participants will explore core tools, techniques, and best practices, equipping them to assess and enhance organizational security. With a focus on responsible hacking principles and compliance, this training is ideal for those starting in cybersecurity or looking to strengthen their technical skill set.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of computer networks and operating systems.
• Familiarity with fundamental cybersecurity concepts.
• Awareness of ethical guidelines and legal implications in hacking.
• Experience with command-line tools is helpful but not mandatory.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
1.1. Definition and Importance of Ethical Hacking
1.2. Differentiating Between Black Hat, White Hat, and Gray Hat Hacking
1.3. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Ethical Hacking

2. Penetration Testing Methodologies
2.1. Overview of Penetration Testing Phases
2.2. Planning and Scoping a Penetration Test
2.3. Understanding Target Systems and Goals

3. Reconnaissance and Information Gathering
3.1. Passive Reconnaissance: Public Information and OSINT
3.2. Active Reconnaissance: Scanning and Probing
3.3. Key Tools for Reconnaissance

4. Vulnerability Assessment
4.1. Identifying System and Application Vulnerabilities
4.2. Overview of Vulnerability Scanning Tools (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS)
4.3. Interpreting and Validating Results

5. Exploitation Techniques
5.1. Exploiting Network Vulnerabilities
5.2. Application-Level Exploitation
5.3. Using Tools like Metasploit for Ethical Hacking

6. Post-Exploitation Practices
6.1. Gaining and Maintaining Access
6.2. Privilege Escalation Techniques
6.3. Covering Tracks: Ethical Boundaries and Reporting

7. Reporting and Remediation
7.1. Structuring and Delivering a Penetration Testing Report
7.2. Remediation Strategies and Recommendations
7.3. Best Practices for Ongoing Security Improvements

8. Hands-On Labs (Optional)
8.1. Simulated Penetration Testing Scenarios
8.2. Using Vulnerable Machines to Test Skills

Conclusion

Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of ethical hacking and penetration testing processes, gaining practical skills to identify and address vulnerabilities in IT systems responsibly. By the end of the course, they will be equipped to contribute effectively to organizational security initiatives and pursue further advanced cybersecurity roles or certifications.