Complete Ethical Hacking Course

 

Course Overview

Target Audience

  • Beginners with no prior experience in cybersecurity
  • Intermediate learners looking to enhance their ethical hacking skills

Course Duration

  • 10 weeks (3 sessions per week, 2 hours per session)

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of computer networks and operating systems
  • Familiarity with programming (Python recommended)

Course Structure 

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking (Week 1)

  • Session 1: What is Ethical Hacking?

    • Definition and importance of ethical hacking
    • Difference between ethical hacking and malicious hacking

  • Session 2: Legal and Ethical Considerations

    • Understanding laws and regulations
    • Importance of ethics in hacking
    • mirjat

  • Session 3: Types of Hackers and Hacking Phases

    • Overview of white hat, black hat, and gray hat hackers
    • Phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks

Module 2: Networking and Security Fundamentals (Weeks 2-3)

Week 2: Networking Basics

  • Session 1: Understanding Computer Networks

    • Types of networks: LAN, WAN, MAN
    • Networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)

  • Session 2: Network Devices and Architecture

    • Routers, switches, firewalls, and access points
    • OSI model and its layers

  • Session 3: Introduction to Network Security

    • Common network vulnerabilities and threats
    • Basic security measures (firewalls, intrusion detection systems)

Week 3: Operating System Fundamentals

  • Session 1: Introduction to Operating Systems

    • Overview of Windows and Linux operating systems
    • Command line basics for both systems

  • Session 2: Understanding File Systems and Permissions

    • File system structure and management
    • User permissions and access controls

  • Session 3: Project 1 - Setting Up a Virtual Lab

    • Hands-on project: Set up a virtual lab environment for ethical hacking

Module 3: Reconnaissance and Scanning (Weeks 4-5)

Week 4: Reconnaissance Techniques

  • Session 1: Footprinting and Information Gathering

    • Techniques for gathering information about a target (WHOIS, DNS queries)
    • mirjat

  • Session 2: Social Engineering and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

    • Understanding social engineering techniques
    • Using OSINT tools to gather data

  • Session 3: Project 2 - Conducting a Reconnaissance

    • Hands-on project: Perform reconnaissance on a sample target

Week 5: Scanning and Enumeration

  • Session 1: Network Scanning Techniques

    • Tools for network scanning (Nmap, Angry IP Scanner)

  • Session 2: Vulnerability Scanning

    • Understanding vulnerabilities and scanning tools (OpenVAS, Nessus)

  • Session 3: Project 3 - Scanning a Network

    • Hands-on project: Scan a network for vulnerabilities
    • mirjat

Module 4: Gaining Access (Weeks 6-7)

Week 6: Exploitation Techniques

  • Session 1: Introduction to Exploitation

    • Types of exploits and attack vectors

  • Session 2: Web Application Attacks

    • Common vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF)

  • Session 3: Project 4 - Exploiting Vulnerabilities

    • Hands-on project: Exploit a vulnerability in a controlled environment

Week 7: Password Cracking and Bypassing Security

  • Session 1: Password Cracking Techniques

    • Understanding hashing and encryption
    • Tools for password cracking (John the Ripper, Hashcat)

  • Session 2: Bypassing Authentication Mechanisms

    • Techniques for bypassing login and access controls

  • Session 3: Project 5 - Cracking Passwords

    • Hands-on project: Crack passwords using various techniques

Module 5: Maintaining Access and Covering Tracks (Weeks 8-9)

Week 8: Maintaining Access

  • Session 1: Backdoors and Rootkits

    • Understanding backdoors and rootkits
    • Techniques for maintaining access

  • Session 2: Creating Persistence

    • Methods for ensuring continued access to compromised systems

  • Session 3: Project 6 - Creating a Backdoor

    • Hands-on project: Create a simple backdoor for educational purposes

Week 9: Covering Tracks

  • Session 1: Log Management and Analysis

    • Understanding logs and their importance
    • Techniques for log manipulation

  • Session 2: Erasing Evidence

    • Methods for covering tracks after an attack

  • Session 3: Project 7 - Covering Tracks

    • Hands-on project: Remove evidence of an attack in a controlled environment

Module 6: Post-Attack and Reporting (Week 10)

  • Session 1: Post-Attack Analysis

    • Importance of post-attack analysis and remediation
    • Lessons learned and improving security posture

  • Session 2: Reporting Findings

    • How to write an ethical hacking report
    • Communicating findings to stakeholders

  • Session 3: Final Project and Course Review

    • Hands-on project: Conduct a full ethical hacking assessment and present findings

Additional Resources

  • Recommended Books and Online Courses
  • Ethical Hacking Tools and Software
  • Community and Networking Opportunities

Conclusion

By the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of ethical hacking techniques and practices. They will be equipped to conduct vulnerability assessments, identify security flaws, and recommend improvements to enhance organizational security.