Nmap Mastery for Ethical Hacking & Network Security (2026)

Packt via Coursera

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

17 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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This course offers a deep dive into Nmap, covering everything from network fundamentals to advanced exploitation. It includes hands-on exercises on scan types, service version detection, and bypassing firewalls. You'll also explore custom scripts and reconnaissance techniques for penetration testing. This course begins by establishing a strong foundation in network fundamentals, including TCP/IP and the OSI model. It moves on to practical training in Nmap scanning techniques, where you'll master TCP, stealth, NULL, UDP, FIN, XMAS, and ACK scans, among others. Understanding the underlying principles of each scan type is key to their application in ethical hacking and network security. As the course progresses, you'll learn how to effectively conduct service version detection, operating system detection, and manage output in various formats such as XML, CSV, and HTML. You'll also explore powerful Nmap scripts for vulnerability scanning, exploitations, and reconnaissance, including safe, DOS, and exploit scripts. In addition, this course covers methods to bypass firewalls and IDS, ensuring your network scans remain effective in real-world scenarios. By the end of the course you'll delve into advanced features like Zenmap for GUI-based scanning, using Python with Nmap for automation, and applying Nmap for vulnerability assessments in penetration testing and bug bounty programs. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills necessary to conduct a range of network security assessments and exploitations using Nmap. This course is ideal for network administrators, network auditors, cybersecurity consultants, and anyone interested in mastering ethical hacking techniques. A basic understanding of IT concepts is required, but no prior knowledge of Linux, programming, or hacking is necessary. Learn through a hands-on approach with practical exercises on real-world tools like Nmap and Wireshark. Each module builds on the last, guiding you from basic network concepts to advanced exploitation and penetration testing techniques. By the end, you'll be proficient in using Nmap for ethical hacking and network security. This course is based on Nmap Mastery for Ethical Hacking & Network Security (2026), by Hacktify Technologies Pvt. Ltd.. This course is licensed and distributed by Packt. All rights reserved. Packt is one of the world's most prolific publishers of cutting-edge technical content. For over two decades we've made it our mission to curate and publish the knowledge of only the very best technical experts. We focus on real-world courses that help our customers get the job done, with coverage that extends across a wide range of established and cutting-edge technical topics. If you're an individual or an organisation that embraces learning by doing, Packt is the perfect fit for you.

Syllabus

Introduction
- This module introduces foundational concepts in networking, including the TCP/IP and OSI models, network types, and protocol fundamentals. Learners will gain an understanding of network communication, security practices, and the ethical use of tools like Nmap. The content bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in network design and management.
Ports and Protocols
- This module explores essential network protocols such as FTP, SSH, SMTP, DNS, and HTTP, explaining their functions, use cases, and associated port numbers. Learners will gain practical knowledge of how these protocols enable communication and data transfer across networks. The module also includes hands-on examples and comparisons to reinforce understanding.
Installation of Tools & Lab Setup
- This module guides learners through the installation and setup of essential tools like Nmap and Wireshark across different operating systems. It covers practical steps for preparing an environment for network scanning and traffic analysis, ensuring students can effectively use these tools in real-world scenarios.
Nmap Scan Types and Techniques
- This module provides an in-depth exploration of various Nmap scan techniques, including TCP, NULL, UDP, and stealth scans. Learners will gain the ability to identify network vulnerabilities, understand how different scans operate, and apply them in real-world scenarios while maintaining stealth. The content also covers the advantages, disadvantages, and use cases of each scan type.
Nmap Target Selection and Techniques
- This module covers advanced techniques for selecting and scanning network targets using Nmap. Learners will gain skills in scanning IP ranges, subnets, and custom lists, as well as strategies for optimizing scan speed and avoiding detection. It also includes comparisons between Nmap and other network discovery tools.
Nmap Port Scan and Techniques
- This module provides an in-depth exploration of Nmap port scanning techniques, including various scan types, optimization methods, and output management. Learners will gain practical skills in identifying open ports, using advanced scanning strategies, and analyzing network vulnerabilities.
Nmap Service Detection
- This module focuses on mastering Nmap's service version detection capabilities, including configuring detection intensity, performing light and comprehensive scans, and interpreting service outputs. Learners will gain practical skills in network scanning and service identification, which are essential for network security analysis.
Nmap OS Detection
- This module teaches learners how to use Nmap's OS detection features to identify and analyze operating systems on target hosts. It covers configuration settings, performance optimization, and advanced techniques like fuzzy detection and custom scripting. Learners will gain practical skills for network reconnaissance and system identification.
Nmap Output Formats
- This module teaches learners how to interpret, convert, and utilize various Nmap output formats, including normal, XML, HTML, CSV, greppable, and script kiddie styles. It covers practical skills for automating tasks, analyzing scan results, and choosing the best output format for different scenarios. Learners will gain hands-on knowledge of Nmap's versatile output capabilities.
Nmap Script Scan
- This module provides an in-depth exploration of Nmap's scripting capabilities, covering how to use default scripts, customize scan behavior with arguments, and apply script sets for advanced network analysis. Learners will gain practical skills in updating the script database and extracting relevant information during security assessments.
Nmap Script Attacks Categories
- This module provides a comprehensive overview of Nmap script categories, including their purposes, usage, and best practices for network and web application security testing. Learners will explore both safe and intrusive scripts, as well as techniques for customizing scans using Boolean expressions and exclusion rules. The content is designed to enhance practical skills in ethical hacking and network vulnerability assessment.
Nmap for Reconnaissance
- This module provides a deep dive into using Nmap for network reconnaissance, covering techniques like traceroute scans, DNS brute forcing, WAF detection, and directory enumeration. Learners will gain practical skills in identifying network infrastructure, discovering hidden resources, and understanding web security defenses.
Mail Exploitation
- This module explores advanced techniques for scanning and testing mail services such as SMTP, POP3, and IMAP using Nmap. Learners will gain hands-on skills in identifying vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security weaknesses in email infrastructure.
Nmap Firewall & IDS Bypass
- This module covers advanced techniques for using Nmap to bypass firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Learners will gain practical skills in manipulating scan parameters, spoofing identities, and evading network monitoring tools. The content focuses on enhancing stealth and evasion strategies in network reconnaissance.
Nmap for Python
- This module teaches how to use Nmap with Python to perform network scanning, automate tasks, and extract useful information from scans. Learners will gain hands-on experience in writing custom port scanners and interpreting scan results.
Zenmap the Nmap GUI
- This module guides learners through the installation, interface, and functionality of Zenmap, the graphical user interface for Nmap. It covers how to perform network scans, create custom profiles, and export results for analysis. Learners will gain practical skills in using Zenmap for efficient network enumeration and reporting.
Ndiff for Bug Bounty
- This module teaches learners how to use Ndiff to compare Nmap scan results over time, interpret XML outputs, and monitor network changes for vulnerability detection in bug bounty scenarios.