Python for Security

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. In this course, you will dive into the world of Python programming and its applications in security testing. You'll learn how to use Python for tasks such as brute force password cracking, creating socket connections, port scanning, and more. By the end, you will be able to leverage Python to identify security vulnerabilities and perform security testing on networks and systems. The course takes you through key Python concepts step-by-step. First, you'll learn how to create socket connections and use them for building a port scanner. Then, you'll explore how to grab banners from open ports and learn about SSH brute-force attacks. Further, the course covers packet sniffing, analysis, and building your own TCP server. You'll integrate the knowledge gained through a comprehensive project that involves forwarding packet sniffers. This course is ideal for those who want to learn Python with a focus on cybersecurity and security testing. While prior programming knowledge is helpful, no experience with security testing is required.

Syllabus

Introduction to Python for Security Testing

In this module, we will introduce you to the versatility of Python for security testing. You'll explore various applications like brute force password cracking, creating socket connections, and building port scanners, all essential skills for security professionals.

Port Scanning Techniques

In this module, we will guide you through the process of creating a simple port scanner using Python. You’ll build on your knowledge of socket connections to scan specific ports on a machine, and learn how to troubleshoot and debug common issues along the way.

Banner Grabbing and Enumeration

In this module, we will teach you how to create a Python program that connects to open ports and grabs banner information for enumeration purposes. You’ll integrate this feature with the port scanner from the previous module to efficiently scan and grab banners from discovered open ports in a single process.

SSH Brute Force Attacks

In this module, we will walk you through the creation of a brute-force SSH attack program using Python. You’ll learn how to use Paramiko for SSH connections, and then build and integrate a brute-force feature to test for weak passwords on SSH servers.

Packet Sniffing and Analysis

In this module, we will delve into packet sniffing and analysis with Python. You will learn to capture, format, and analyze network packets, extracting important information such as Ethernet frames, IP headers, and TCP/UDP segments.

Building a TCP Server

In this module, we will show you how to create a simple TCP server in Python. You’ll learn to set up the server to open a port, accept incoming connections, and receive data from clients.

Comprehensive Project

In this module, we will bring together all the skills you’ve learned by building the Forwarding Packet Sniffer. You’ll integrate previous projects into one comprehensive tool, offering you practical experience in security testing with Python.