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Foundations of Ethical Hacking and Security Planning

via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

8 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Explore the core principles of ethical hacking, attacker motivations, and the essential planning required for effective security testing. This course builds a strong foundation in the mindset, methodologies, and preparatory steps necessary for successful vulnerability assessments. This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of ethical hacking, including the reasons behind security testing and the importance of adopting an attacker's perspective. You will learn how to develop a comprehensive security testing plan, understand the methodologies used by professionals, and begin gathering critical information for assessments. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to approach security challenges methodically and lay the groundwork for more advanced testing. Concepts are introduced through clear explanations and real-world scenarios, guiding learners from foundational principles to practical planning techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding attacker behavior, structured methodologies, and the initial phases of the security testing process. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to build a complete and cohesive understanding of the subject. While it offers valuable skills on its own, you'll gain the most benefit by progressing through all three courses as a structured learning journey. This course is based on Hacking For Dummies, by Kevin Beaver. From Hacking For Dummies Copyright © 2026 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Syllabus

Introduction to Vulnerability and Penetration Testing
- This module provides an overview of vulnerability and penetration testing, covering key concepts, ethical approaches, and practical strategies for identifying and mitigating security risks in systems and networks. Learners will gain foundational knowledge on how to think like an ethical hacker and apply systematic testing methodologies.
Cracking the Hacker Mindset
- This module explores the psychology and methods behind hacking, helping learners understand hacker motivations, behaviors, and attack strategies. It equips learners with the knowledge to anticipate and defend against security threats by analyzing how and why attacks are executed.
Developing Your Security Testing Plan
- This module guides learners through the essential steps of creating a structured security testing plan. It covers defining goals, selecting appropriate tools, determining system scope, and establishing testing standards. Learners will gain practical skills in planning and executing effective vulnerability and penetration tests.
Hacking Methodology
- This module provides an in-depth look at the structured approach to security testing, covering how to scan systems, identify open ports, and assess vulnerabilities using proven methodologies. Learners will gain practical skills in footprinting, port analysis, and vulnerability evaluation to enhance their cybersecurity practices.
Information Gathering
- This module focuses on techniques for gathering public information using OSINT methods, including mapping network assets through WHOIS and web crawling, and evaluating risks from social media and public websites. Learners will gain skills in identifying potential security threats and understanding how businesses expose information online.
Social Engineering
- This module provides an in-depth look at social engineering tactics, how they exploit human vulnerabilities, and the strategies to detect and mitigate such threats. Learners will examine real-world scenarios, understand the psychological aspects of deception, and develop practical countermeasures to protect organizations.
Physical Security
- This module explores the importance of physical security in protecting information assets. Learners will discover how building infrastructure, office design, and network components can be vulnerable to threats. It provides practical strategies to identify and mitigate security risks in real-world environments.
Passwords
- This module provides an in-depth look at password vulnerabilities, including social engineering, OSINT exposures, and high-tech cracking methods. Learners will gain insight into how passwords are stolen, stored, and cracked, as well as practical strategies to enhance password security across different systems.