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Coursera

Practical Cyber Hacking Skills for Beginners

Packt via Coursera

Overview

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Step into the world of ethical hacking with this hands-on course designed for beginners. Learn the core principles of cybersecurity, including the CIA and DAD triads, common vulnerabilities, and hacking methodologies. Explore real-world cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and social engineering, while discovering how hackers exploit weaknesses in networks and systems. This course takes you through essential tools and techniques used in cybersecurity, such as virtualization with Kali Linux, network security with NMAP, and penetration testing using Burp Suite. You’ll gain practical experience in reconnaissance, password cracking, and web security by working with tools like Hashcat, Maltego, and Recon-NG. Step-by-step demonstrations will help you set up secure environments, analyze vulnerabilities, and mitigate risks effectively. As you progress, you’ll learn to harden networks, configure firewalls, and simulate cyberattacks to understand how they work. You'll also explore incident response planning, data leak prevention, and cybersecurity auditing to manage cyber threats proactively. The course includes real-world scenarios and hands-on labs to build your confidence in handling security challenges. Ideal for aspiring ethical hackers, cybersecurity enthusiasts, IT professionals, and students, this course requires no prior experience in hacking or security. With beginner-friendly explanations and practical demonstrations, you’ll develop the foundational skills needed to secure systems, detect vulnerabilities, and defend against cyber threats.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to the Course
    • In this module, we will introduce the fundamentals of cybersecurity and explore why it is a critical field today. We will discuss cybersecurity as a career path, the risks associated with poor security practices, and set the stage for the skills you will develop throughout the course.
  • Cyber Security Principles
    • In this module, we will explore the core principles of cybersecurity, such as the CIA and DAD triads, which define the security landscape. You will also learn about key cybersecurity vulnerabilities, how they are classified, and why understanding them is essential for effective security defense.
  • Threats and Attacks Revisited
    • In this module, we will revisit critical cyber threats, focusing on different hacker profiles, their motivations, and the techniques they use to compromise systems. We will also dive into malware, ransomware, social engineering, and the methodologies behind cyber-attacks.
  • Virtualization and Kali Linux
    • In this module, we will focus on virtualization and Kali Linux, essential tools for ethical hackers. You will learn how to install VirtualBox and Kali Linux, troubleshoot common installation issues, and get hands-on experience using Linux commands for cybersecurity tasks.
  • Phishing
    • In this module, we will explore phishing, one of the most prevalent cyber threats. You will learn about phishing techniques, how attackers create fake websites and emails, and how to recognize and defend against these attacks effectively.
  • Network Security
    • In this module, we will delve into network security, covering fundamental concepts such as IP addressing, protocols, and firewalls. You will also learn about home network setups, secure configurations, and how to strengthen networks against attacks.
  • NMAP - The Ultimate Network Scanner
    • In this module, we will explore NMAP, one of the most powerful tools for network scanning. You will learn how to install NMAP, use different scanning techniques, analyze port states, and apply scripting for advanced security assessments.
  • Passwords, Hashes and Brute Force Attacks
    • In this module, we will focus on password security and cracking techniques. You will learn about hashing, how to use PowerShell for hash calculations, and different brute-force attack methods to understand vulnerabilities in password security.
  • Websites and Web Security
    • In this module, we will explore web security concepts, covering how websites work, their underlying technologies, and potential vulnerabilities. You will learn how attackers exploit web weaknesses and how to use security tools to test and secure websites.
  • Reconnaissance
    • In this module, we will cover reconnaissance, a crucial phase in ethical hacking. You will learn how to gather intelligence using Maltego, analyze target infrastructures, and develop effective strategies for penetration testing.
  • Cyber Management, Incident Response and Auditing
    • In this module, we will explore cybersecurity management, incident response, and auditing. You will learn how to prevent data leaks, create recovery plans, and conduct security audits to strengthen an organization’s cybersecurity posture.
  • Conclusion
    • In this final module, we will summarize the key lessons learned throughout the course. We will also discuss the importance of staying updated in cybersecurity and provide guidance on the next steps for your ethical hacking journey.

Taught by

Packt - Course Instructors

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