Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing: Hands-on Vulnerability Assessment

Introduction:

In the face of relentless cyber threats, proactive security measures are essential. This course on Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing provides hands-on training in vulnerability testing techniques. Participants will learn how to simulate real-world attacks to identify and mitigate weaknesses in systems and networks. This course bridges the gap between theoretical security knowledge and practical application, empowering professionals to fortify digital defenses ethically.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for IT professionals seeking to enhance their security skills through practical, hands-on experience, including:

• Security Analysts
• Network Administrators
• System Administrators
• IT Auditors
• Security Consultants
• Anyone interested in ethical hacking and penetration testing

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and methodologies of ethical hacking and penetration testing.
• Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments on networks and systems.
• Utilize industry-standard penetration testing tools and techniques.
• Identify and exploit common security vulnerabilities.
• Perform reconnaissance, scanning, and enumeration of target systems.
• Conduct password cracking and privilege escalation attacks.
• Perform web application security testing.
• Understand and mitigate social engineering attacks.
• Develop detailed penetration testing reports.
• Understand the legal and ethical implications of penetration testing.
• Enhance their ability to proactively identify and mitigate security risks.
• Improve their skills in securing networks and systems.
• Contribute to improved cybersecurity posture within their organization.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in ethical hacking.
• Become a more knowledgeable and effective cybersecurity professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in penetration testing.
• Learn how to use penetration testing tools and frameworks effectively.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

• Understanding the concepts of ethical hacking and penetration testing.
• The importance of ethical hacking in cybersecurity.
• Legal and ethical considerations.
• Penetration testing methodologies (e.g., OWASP, NIST).
• Setting up a penetration testing lab.

Module 2: Reconnaissance and Information Gathering

• Passive and active reconnaissance techniques.
• Utilizing tools for network scanning and information gathering (e.g., Nmap, Shodan).
• DNS enumeration and analysis.
• Website reconnaissance and analysis.
• Social engineering reconnaissance.

Module 3: Vulnerability Scanning and Analysis

• Understanding vulnerability scanners and their capabilities.
• Using vulnerability scanning tools (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS).
• Analyzing vulnerability scan results.
• Identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities.
• Manual vulnerability verification.

Module 4: Network Penetration Testing

• Network scanning and enumeration.
• Exploiting network vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflows, service exploits).
• Network sniffing and traffic analysis.
• Wireless network penetration testing.
• Firewall and intrusion detection system evasion.

Module 5: System Penetration Testing

• Operating system enumeration and analysis.
• Exploiting operating system vulnerabilities.
• Password cracking and privilege escalation.
• Post-exploitation techniques.
• System hardening and security best practices.

Module 6: Web Application Penetration Testing (OWASP Top 10)

• Understanding web application vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, cross-site scripting).
• Using web application security testing tools (e.g., Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP).
• Manual web application vulnerability testing.
• API penetration testing.
• Web server security assessment.

Module 7: Password Attacks and Cryptography

• Password cracking techniques (e.g., dictionary attacks, brute-force attacks).
• Password hashing and salting.
• Cryptography fundamentals and attacks.
• Wireless password cracking.
• Mitigating password-based vulnerabilities.

Module 8: Social Engineering and Physical Security

• Understanding social engineering techniques (e.g., phishing, pretexting).
• Performing social engineering attacks.
• Physical security assessments.
• Mitigating social engineering and physical security risks.
• Security awareness training for employees.

Module 9: Exploitation and Post-Exploitation

• Utilizing exploitation frameworks (e.g., Metasploit).
• Developing custom exploits.
• Post-exploitation techniques (e.g., maintaining access, data exfiltration).
• Creating backdoors and rootkits.
• Covering tracks and clearing logs.

Module 10: Mobile Penetration Testing

• Mobile operating system security (iOS, Android).
• Mobile application security testing.
• Mobile device management (MDM) security.
• Mobile network security.
• Mitigating mobile security risks.

Module 11: Cloud Penetration Testing

• Cloud security concepts (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Cloud vulnerability assessment tools.
• Cloud penetration testing methodologies.
• Serverless security testing.
• Cloud compliance and security best practices.

Module 12: IoT Penetration Testing

• IoT device security fundamentals.
• IoT protocol analysis and testing.
• IoT firmware analysis and reverse engineering.
• IoT network security.
• Mitigating IoT security risks.

Module 13: Reporting and Documentation

• Developing comprehensive penetration testing reports.
• Documenting vulnerabilities and remediation steps.
• Creating executive summaries and technical reports.
• Utilizing reporting templates and tools.
• Communicating security findings effectively.

Module 14: Advanced Penetration Testing Techniques

• Red teaming and adversary simulation.
• Advanced evasion techniques.
• Exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Advanced malware analysis.
• Developing custom penetration testing tools.

Module 15: Legal and Ethical Considerations and Continuous Learning

• Understanding legal and ethical frameworks for penetration testing.
• Compliance standards and regulations.
• Professional certifications and career paths in ethical hacking.
• Staying up-to-date with emerging threats and technologies.
• Building a personal development plan for ethical hacking skills.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.