Overview

This course 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. Prepare for the CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003) certification exam and gain in-depth knowledge of penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and the security practices necessary for effective defense. Throughout the course, you'll learn how to assess and strengthen the security posture of organizations across traditional networks, cloud, hybrid systems, and web applications. This course provides a hands-on, practical, and scenario-based learning experience, aligned with the latest exam objectives. You will not only prepare for the exam but also develop the skills and mindset needed for real-world penetration testing. As you journey through this course, you will start by exploring engagement management, including scoping, professionalism, and legal considerations. You’ll dive into practical skills such as performing reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, and exploiting common weaknesses, all while adhering to legal frameworks and ethical standards. The course then advances to cover advanced penetration testing techniques like network poisoning, SQL injection attacks, and mobile platform vulnerabilities. You'll also gain insights into cutting-edge topics such as cloud and container security. This course is ideal for IT professionals, aspiring penetration testers, and anyone looking to develop advanced cybersecurity skills. The course assumes a basic understanding of network security concepts but does not require prior penetration testing experience. It's designed for individuals aiming to pursue the CompTIA PenTest+ certification and expand their skills for real-world cybersecurity roles. By the end of the course, you will be able to assess an organization’s security posture, conduct a variety of penetration tests, identify vulnerabilities, exploit security weaknesses, and recommend effective remediation strategies. You will also be equipped to handle a range of security challenges, from web application flaws to complex network attacks.

Syllabus

Overview

In this module, we will introduce the role of a CompTIA PenTest+ certified professional and the core skills required for conducting effective penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. The content is aligned with the latest exam objectives and focuses on real-world application to help you build a strong foundation for the PenTest+ certification.

Engagement Management

In this module, we will explore the foundational principles of engagement management in penetration testing. We cover essential topics such as legal and compliance frameworks, scoping engagements, and the ethical standards required to successfully navigate real-world penetration testing scenarios.

Reconnaissance and Enumeration

In this module, we will focus on the reconnaissance phase of penetration testing, where you’ll learn how to gather critical information about a target. We dive into DNS recon, Nmap, and identifying business logic flaws, equipping you with the tools needed for effective enumeration and vulnerability discovery.

Vulnerability Discovery and Analysis

In this module, we will cover key strategies for discovering and analyzing vulnerabilities within networks and systems. The focus will be on vulnerability scanning, identifying physical attack vectors, and understanding data storage system weaknesses, all essential for successful penetration testing engagements.

Attacks and Exploits

In this module, we will dive deep into the exploitation phase of penetration testing, covering a wide range of attack techniques from network poisoning to SQL injections. We’ll also explore the latest threats targeting cloud environments, IoT devices, and mobile platforms, providing you with the knowledge to effectively exploit these vulnerabilities.

Post-exploitation and Lateral Movement

In this module, we will explore the post-exploitation phase, where attackers solidify their presence in a compromised system. You will learn about lateral movement, privilege escalation, and persistence techniques, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate complex security environments and maintain access after exploitation.