About this course
This Junior Penetration Testing Training course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in the field of penetration testing. Students will learn the fundamental concepts, techniques, and tools used by penetration testers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical exercises, students will develop the skills required to assess the security of an organization's digital assets and provide recommendations for improving their overall security posture.
Course Duration: 8 weeks (32 hours)
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the fundamentals of penetration testing and its role in information security.
Identify common vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems, networks, and applications.
Utilize various reconnaissance techniques to gather information about target systems.
Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
Exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems and networks.
Analyze and interpret the results of penetration tests to generate actionable recommendations.
Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders to convey the findings and potential risks.
Adhere to ethical guidelines and legal requirements governing penetration testing activities.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Penetration Testing (4 hours)
Introduction to penetration testing and its importance in cybersecurity
Ethical considerations and legal implications
The penetration testing methodology and framework
Module 2: Information Gathering and Reconnaissance (4 hours)
Passive and active reconnaissance techniques
Gathering information using open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools
Footprinting, enumeration, and scanning techniques
Module 3: Vulnerability Assessment and Exploitation (8 hours)
Vulnerability assessment methodologies
Exploiting common vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations, weak passwords, and software flaws
Using vulnerability scanning tools and exploitation frameworks
Module 4: Network Penetration Testing (8 hours)
Network infrastructure assessment and testing
Exploiting network-level vulnerabilities, including port scanning, service enumeration, and network sniffing
Post-exploitation techniques and maintaining access
Module 5: Web Application Penetration Testing (8 hours)
Introduction to web application security vulnerabilities
Manual and automated web application scanning techniques
Exploiting common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and command injection
Module 6: Wireless Network Penetration Testing (4 hours)
Wireless network security fundamentals
Wi-Fi network scanning and reconnaissance
Exploiting wireless network vulnerabilities and cracking encryption
Module 7: Reporting and Documentation (4 hours)
Effective report writing and documentation
Prioritizing and communicating vulnerabilities and risks
Engaging with clients and stakeholders
Module 8: Ethics and Professionalism (2 hours)
Ethical guidelines and standards for penetration testing
Professional conduct and responsibilities
Continuing education and professional development opportunities
Assessment:
Quizzes and practical exercises after each module
Final practical examination to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills learned throughout the course
Note: This syllabus is a general guideline and may be tailored or modified by the instructor to meet specific training requirements or time constraints.
FAQ
I'm new to Information Technology. Will I be able to understand the content of this course?
While it helps to have some background in IT or computer science, this course has been designed keeping in mind beginners. We will guide you through the basics of networking, vulnerabilities, and essential tools. If you have the interest and are willing to put in the work, you should be able to successfully complete the course.
What are the hardware and software requirements for this course?
You will need a computer with a decent processor and at least 8GB of RAM for running the virtual lab. As for software, we'll be using a variety of open-source tools, most of which are included in Kali Linux, a free Linux distribution designed for cybersecurity.
What if I don't understand something or need help during the course?
We encourage questions and active participation. If you need help, you can post your queries in the course forum where instructors and fellow students can assist. Also, there will be live Q&A sessions with the instructors periodically.
How will this course help me in my career?
Penetration testing is a growing field with increasing demand in the job market. This course will provide you with the foundational skills needed to start a career as a junior penetration tester. Additionally, the knowledge you gain can be a stepping stone to more advanced cybersecurity roles.
