Overview

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This course introduces the fundamentals of ethical hacking using Kali Linux, emphasizing the skills needed to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities. Students will gain insight into penetration testing techniques essential for cybersecurity professionals. Learners will develop hands-on skills by building testing labs, performing reconnaissance, and assessing vulnerabilities in controlled environments. Practical exercises simulate real-world scenarios, preparing students to implement effective security strategies. What sets this course apart is its combination of theory and applied exercises, offering structured guidance on ethical hacking tools, open-source intelligence, and active reconnaissance. You’ll learn not just the concepts but also their practical execution. This course benefits IT professionals, security enthusiasts, and students looking to start a career in cybersecurity. Basic computer knowledge and familiarity with networking concepts are recommended. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

Syllabus

Introduction to Ethical Hacking
- This module introduces the foundational concepts of ethical hacking, including key cybersecurity terminology, threat actor motivations, and the methodologies used in penetration testing. Learners will explore the phases of penetration testing, threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and the Cyber Kill Chain framework to understand how security professionals assess and defend against cyber threats.
Building a penetration testing lab
- This module guides learners through the process of creating a safe, virtualized environment for ethical hacking practice. You will set up hypervisors, deploy Kali Linux and vulnerable systems, and configure networks to simulate real-world penetration testing scenarios. By the end, you'll be equipped to safely explore and test cybersecurity tools and techniques.
Setting up for Advanced Penetration Testing Techniques
- This module guides learners through the process of setting up a realistic penetration testing environment, including configuring Active Directory domains, virtual machines, and wireless authentication services. Participants will gain hands-on experience simulating vulnerable network scenarios to better understand advanced red teaming techniques.
Passive Reconnaissace
- This module introduces learners to passive reconnaissance techniques used in ethical hacking, focusing on gathering information stealthily through open source intelligence (OSINT). You will explore methods for anonymizing your online presence using tools like ProxyChains and TOR, and learn best practices for collecting and analyzing data without alerting the target.
Exploring Open Source Intelligence
- This module introduces key open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques for cybersecurity, including domain reconnaissance, DNS zone transfers, and automated data collection using specialized tools. Learners will gain hands-on experience with platforms like SpiderFoot, Shodan, Censys, Netcraft, and theHarvester to identify exposed systems and assess organizational vulnerabilities.
Active Reconnaissance
- This module introduces hands-on techniques for discovering live hosts, identifying open ports and services, and gathering detailed information about networked systems. Learners will practice active scanning, stealth techniques, and enumeration methods to enhance their ethical hacking and penetration testing skills. The module also covers strategies for detecting data leaks in cloud environments.
Performing Vulnerability Assessments
- This module guides learners through the process of conducting vulnerability assessments using industry-standard tools such as Nessus, Nmap, OpenVAS, and Metasploit. Participants will learn how to identify and analyze security weaknesses, generate comprehensive reports, and recommend remediation strategies to strengthen organizational security.