Ethical Hacking Course

This comprehensive course structure provides a solid foundation in ethical hacking and cybersecurity, progressively building from basic concepts to more advanced hacking techniques, making students proficient in penetration testing, security auditing, and network exploitation in an ethical and legal manner.

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity
Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity
– What is cybersecurity? Importance of cybersecurity in today’s world
– Difference between ethical hacking, black hat, and white hat hacking
– Overview of key cybersecurity domains (network security, application security, cryptography, etc.)
– Ethical Hacking tools and methodologies
– Understanding the legal framework and ethical guidelines (laws of hacking, responsible disclosure, and penetration testing contracts)

Week 2: Overview of Hacking Phases and Methodologies
– Phases of ethical hacking (Reconnaissance, Scanning, Exploitation, Post-Exploitation, Reporting)
– Types of penetration testing (Network, Web application, Social engineering, Wireless network)
– Common hacking methodologies (OWASP, NIST, PTES)
– Footprinting and information gathering techniques (WHOIS, DNS queries, Google hacking)

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Module 2: Networking Concepts and Tools for Ethical Hacking
Week 3: Networking Fundamentals
– OSI model and TCP/IP model
– Common network protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, DNS, SMTP, SSH, etc.)
– Understanding IP addressing, subnets, and routing
– Common network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IDS/IPS)

Week 4: Network Scanning and Reconnaissance
– Using network scanners (Nmap, Netcat, Angry IP Scanner)
– Scanning networks for live hosts, open ports, and services
– Identifying operating systems and versions
– Banner grabbing and service enumeration
– Techniques for discovering hidden resources in a network (e.g., DNS zone transfers)

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Module 3: Footprinting and Information Gathering
Week 5: Information Gathering and Reconnaissance Techniques
– Active vs. passive information gathering
– Reconnaissance using tools (Maltego, Whois, DNSdumpster, Google Hacking)
– Footprinting through social media and open-source intelligence (OSINT)
– Using Shodan for scanning internet-connected devices
– Understanding metadata and document analysis

Week 6: Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
– What is social engineering? Types of social engineering attacks
– Phishing techniques and how they are executed
– Pretexting, baiting, and tailgating attacks
– Tools for social engineering attacks (Social-Engineer Toolkit, SET)
– Countermeasures and preventing social engineering

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Module 4: Vulnerability Analysis and Exploitation
Week 7: Vulnerability Assessment
– Introduction to vulnerability assessment tools (Nessus, OpenVAS, Nikto)
– Scanning for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations
– Understanding CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures)
– Exploitability assessment: Prioritizing vulnerabilities based on risk
– Reporting and patch management

Week 8: Exploitation of Vulnerabilities
– Basics of exploiting vulnerabilities (buffer overflows, SQL injections, etc.)
– Introduction to Metasploit Framework
– Exploiting known vulnerabilities using Metasploit
– Web application vulnerabilities (SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting, Cross-Site Request Forgery)
– Exploiting vulnerabilities in software and operating systems

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Module 5: Web Application Security and Hacking
Week 9: Web Application Security Fundamentals
– Understanding web application architecture (client-server, databases, web servers)
– Common web application vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10: SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, etc.)
– Tools for web application penetration testing (Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nikto)
– Hands-on practice with web application vulnerabilities (SQLi, XSS, Command Injection)

Week 10: Web Application Penetration Testing
– Reconnaissance and fingerprinting web servers
– Attacking web applications (Injection attacks, file inclusion, etc.)
– Bypassing web application firewalls (WAFs)
– Exploiting authentication and session management vulnerabilities
– Webshells and backdoors

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Module 6: Wireless Network Hacking
Week 11: Wireless Networking and Security
– Overview of wireless networks (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
– Common wireless protocols and their vulnerabilities
– Attacking wireless networks (cracking WEP, WPA, and WPA2 passwords)
– Tools for wireless hacking (Aircrack-ng, Kismet, Wireshark, Reaver)
– Setting up a rogue access point (Evil Twin, Man-in-the-Middle)

Week 12: Wireless Network Penetration Testing
– Conducting a full wireless network assessment
– Techniques for packet sniffing and cracking WPA/WPA2
– Eavesdropping on wireless networks
– Protecting against wireless network attacks (Encryption, MAC filtering, etc.)

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Module 7: Exploiting Operating Systems and Post-Exploitation
Week 13: Operating System Hacking
– Penetration testing on Linux, Windows, and macOS systems
– Gaining unauthorized access to operating systems
– Privilege escalation techniques (Windows and Linux)
– Lateral movement and exploitation of other systems
– Using tools like Netcat, Meterpreter, and SMBclient for post-exploitation

Week 14: Post-Exploitation and Maintaining Access
– Creating backdoors and persistent access
– Data exfiltration and evidence destruction
– Setting up reverse shells and bind shells
– Hiding activities (rootkits, encrypted communications)
– Conducting pivoting to other systems in a network

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Module 8: Advanced Ethical Hacking Techniques
Week 15: Advanced Topics in Ethical Hacking
– Advanced exploitation techniques (zero-day vulnerabilities)
– Reverse engineering and exploiting malware
– Bypassing firewalls, IDS, and IPS systems
– Conducting Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
– Using tools for advanced exploitation (Cobalt Strike, Empire, Netcat, etc.)

Week 16: Developing an Exploit and Red Team Exercises
– Developing custom exploits for unpatched vulnerabilities
– Red team vs. blue team exercises
– Using CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges for practice
– Setting up and participating in simulated penetration testing environments

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Module 9: Reporting and Documentation
Week 17: Ethical Hacking Reporting
– Writing penetration testing reports (executive summary, technical details, risk assessments)
– Documenting findings, including evidence and screenshots
– Communicating vulnerabilities and remediation steps to non-technical stakeholders
– Best practices for responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities
– Preparing for a career in ethical hacking (certifications, job roles)

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Final Project:
– Week 18: Students will perform a penetration test on a simulated target system (either network or web application) and submit a detailed report including methodology, findings, exploitation techniques, and recommendations for securing the system.

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Assessment and Certification:
– Quizzes and Assignments: Weekly quizzes and practical assignments
– Hands-on Labs: Regular exercises using ethical hacking tools and techniques
– Final Project: Completion and submission of a penetration testing report
– Certification: Issuance of a certificate upon successful completion of the course

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Career Guidance and Further Learning:
– Overview of cybersecurity certifications (CEH, OSCP, CISSP, etc.)
– Interview preparation and tips for ethical hackers
– Ongoing learning resources (books, blogs, security podcasts)
– Career paths in ethical hacking (freelance, penetration tester, cybersecurity consultant)