Ethical Hacking Foundations & Network Security

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Overview

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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. Build a strong foundation in ethical hacking by setting up a secure penetration testing environment and exploring the fundamentals of web technologies and HTML injection. You'll gain practical experience with Kali Linux, virtualization, Linux administration, and essential web security concepts while understanding how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and how security professionals identify them responsibly. Your journey begins with an introduction to the course, learning resources, and lab preparation before moving into a complete Kali Linux setup using VirtualBox on Windows and macOS. You'll configure virtual machines, troubleshoot installation issues, manage Linux files, permissions, packages, and user accounts, and become comfortable navigating a professional penetration testing environment. Next, you'll learn HTML fundamentals, including document structure, tags, elements, attributes, forms, and semantic page components. Building on this knowledge, you'll explore HTML injection concepts through hands-on labs using Beebox, Burp Suite, Dirbuster, and iFrame-based attacks, understanding how web vulnerabilities are identified and analyzed in controlled environments. This course is ideal for aspiring ethical hackers, cybersecurity students, IT professionals, web developers, and technology enthusiasts who want to understand web application security. Basic computer literacy is recommended, but no prior ethical hacking experience is required. The course is designed at a Beginner difficulty level. By the end of the course, you will be able to configure a secure ethical hacking lab, navigate Kali Linux confidently, understand core HTML concepts, use industry-standard security tools, identify HTML injection vulnerabilities, and perform foundational web application security testing in controlled environments.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

In this module, we will provide an overview of the course and introduce the course manual, which will be a vital resource for supporting your ethical hacking journey. We’ll guide you through the learning structure, ensuring you are prepared for the technical topics ahead.

Hacking Lab Setup

In this module, we will walk you through the essential steps of setting up a hacking lab, including virtual machine installation and configuring Kali Linux. You'll also learn to troubleshoot installation issues and make use of snapshots to ensure a secure environment for learning and experimentation.

Kali Linux 101

In this module, we will cover the basics of Kali Linux, familiarizing you with the interface, essential tools, and navigation methods. You'll also learn key Linux concepts such as file management, permissions, and system configuration.

Anonymity Online

In this module, we will focus on how to maintain your anonymity online, utilizing tools like VPNs and DNS to safeguard your privacy. You’ll gain a strong understanding of online anonymity and how to address common privacy-related challenges.

Dark Web

In this module, we will introduce you to the dark web, focusing on its structure, potential dangers, and best practices for secure access. You will also learn to install and use Tor to ensure your anonymity while exploring the dark web.

Network Pentesting

In this module, we will introduce you to network penetration testing, covering foundational concepts and tools. You will learn about network reconnaissance, WiFi setup, and critical techniques for identifying security weaknesses in networks.

Gathering Information From Networks

In this module, we will dive into network reconnaissance and sniffing, focusing on techniques like Airodump-ng and deauthentication attacks. You will gain practical experience in gathering and analyzing network information to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Wireless Attacks

In this module, we will explore various wireless network attacks, focusing on techniques for cracking WEP, WPA, and WPA2. You'll also learn how to capture key data for encryption cracking and how to strengthen wireless network security.

Post Connection Attacks

In this module, we will cover post-connection attacks, focusing on tools for network reconnaissance, such as nMap and Wireshark. You’ll also learn techniques for intercepting network traffic and how to protect against such attacks.

System Pentesting

In this module, we will introduce system penetration testing, guiding you through practical exercises like scanning with nMap and exploiting vulnerabilities. You will learn to use Metasploit and other tools to penetrate vulnerable systems securely.

Pentesting with ChatGPT

In this module, we will explore how ChatGPT can enhance your penetration testing skills. You will learn how to use it to analyze scan results, identify vulnerabilities, and execute advanced techniques like privilege escalation.