Generative AI for Penetration Testing: Red Team

Overview

Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing penetration testing. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how red teams are leveraging AI to streamline every phase of an attack—from information gathering to vulnerability discovery, exploitation, and social engineering. You'll gain practical experience with tools like SpiderFoot, Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, and PentestGPT to automate OSINT, prioritize scan results, exploit weaknesses, and maintain access in real-world scenarios. You'll also use AI to craft phishing emails and fake identities, simulating advanced social engineering tactics. Designed for cybersecurity professionals and aspiring ethical hackers, this course combines cutting-edge AI workflows with proven penetration testing strategies. Learn to think like an attacker—and use AI to move faster, smarter, and more effectively in today’s dynamic threat landscape.

Syllabus

AI-Enhanced Reconnaissance and OSINT

This module introduces learners to the foundational phase of penetration testing: reconnaissance. You will learn how to gather information about a target using both traditional open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and AI-powered automation. Emphasis is placed on the importance of obtaining clear, written client permission before any testing begins. The module covers Google Dorking, the use of cheat sheets for advanced search techniques, and the deployment of SpiderFoot, a powerful OSINT automation tool commonly found in Kali Linux. You will see how AI can help automate the collection and analysis of publicly available data to identify potential vulnerabilities and targets.

AI-Driven Vulnerability Discovery

This module moves from information gathering to vulnerability discovery. Learners will use Burp Suite, a leading web application security testing tool, to scan for common vulnerabilities, including those listed in the OWASP Top 10. The module highlights the differences between Burp Suite Community and Professional editions, especially regarding AI-powered features. Learners will practice automated and manual testing using Burp’s Scanner, Intruder, and Repeater tools, and see how AI can prioritize and analyze results.

AI-Enhanced Exploitation and Persistence

In this module, learners will leverage AI to automate the exploitation of discovered vulnerabilities and maintain post-exploitation access. The focus is on using Metasploit, a widely used penetration testing framework, in combination with PentestGPT, a specialized AI for cybersecurity. Learners will receive step-by-step guidance for exploiting services such as SSH, creating and deploying payloads, and using advanced features like Meterpreter and msfvenom for custom payload generation.