Advanced Web Exploits, Python Scripting & Network Attacks

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Overview

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Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This comprehensive course covers advanced web security exploits, Python scripting for ethical hacking, and network attacks, preparing learners for the most sophisticated cybersecurity challenges. By understanding SQL injection, utilizing Python for automation, and mastering key penetration testing tools, you’ll be equipped to assess, exploit, and protect web applications, systems, and networks. Through real-world applications, the course also explores Python’s role in ethical hacking, enabling you to script customized tools and automate attacks. The course begins with SQL fundamentals, where you’ll explore databases, relational structures, and SQL commands, laying a foundation for SQL injection techniques. You'll learn how to exploit common SQL injection vulnerabilities, including methods to retrieve passwords, database names, and full datasets. After mastering SQL injection, we dive into essential website penetration testing tools like sqlmap and ZAP, which automate vulnerability detection and help you conduct comprehensive security assessments on web applications. Python scripting is a major focus, where you’ll build a solid understanding of data types, structures, control statements, and functions in Python. Using this knowledge, you will develop custom scripts for ethical hacking, automate tasks like network scanning, and create tools to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Additionally, the course explores advanced topics such as AI hacking and large language models (LLMs), offering unique approaches to manipulating AI systems and executing prompt injections. This course is suitable for intermediate learners in cybersecurity and penetration testing who are familiar with basic network concepts and web security. It’s perfect for those interested in pursuing certifications such as CEH or OSCP. Python and scripting knowledge is encouraged, but the course offers beginner-level content in Python to help you build the necessary skills.

Syllabus

SQL 101

In this module, we will introduce you to SQL, the foundational language for interacting with databases. You will learn key SQL operations, including inserting, updating, and filtering data, laying the groundwork for more advanced topics like SQL injection.

SQL Injection

In this module, we will cover SQL Injection attacks and their impact on web applications. You'll explore how these vulnerabilities are exploited, including practical demonstrations of extracting data from databases and securing applications against such attacks.

Website Pentesting Tools

In this module, we will walk you through key tools used in website penetration testing, focusing on Sqlmap and ZAP. You'll learn how to automate vulnerability detection and analyze scan results to pinpoint security flaws in web applications.

Ethical Hacking Certifications

In this module, we will introduce you to the key ethical hacking certifications that help validate your cybersecurity skills. You'll gain insight into certifications like CEH and OSCP, understanding their importance and the benefits they offer to your career.

Network Theory

In this module, we will dive into network theory, covering foundational concepts like the OSI model and binary code. You'll also explore advanced topics like IP addressing, host calculations, and the differences between TCP and UDP protocols

AI Hacking & LLMs

In this module, we will explore the emerging field of AI hacking, focusing on how large language models (LLMs) can be leveraged in cyber attacks. You'll learn about prompt injections and cross-language prompts, two advanced techniques in AI exploitation.

Python For Ethical Hacking Setup

In this module, we will guide you through the setup process for Python in an ethical hacking environment. You’ll learn how to install Anaconda on both Windows and macOS to prepare your system for writing Python-based hacking scripts.

Python Data Types & Structures

In this module, we will cover the essential data types and structures in Python, such as numbers, strings, and lists. You'll also gain a deep understanding of how to work with collections like dictionaries, sets, and tuples for efficient data handling.

Control Statements & Loops

In this module, we will introduce you to control statements and loops in Python. You’ll learn how to manipulate the flow of your programs with conditional statements and loops, making your scripts more dynamic and efficient.

Essentials

In this module, we will cover the essential tools and techniques for Python development. You'll learn important methods for data manipulation and how to use tools like Sublime Text and Command Prompt to write and execute Python code.

Functions

In this module, we will explore the concept of functions in Python, teaching you how to define and use functions effectively. You'll also dive into advanced topics like variable scope and recursion to enhance your programming skills.