Course Overview

Course Overview: CyberSec 101

Welcome to CyberSec 101, a comprehensive learning journey crafted to equip aspiring information security professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. This course is meticulously structured into three primary sections: Preliminary Skills, Programming, and Advanced Penetration Testing, each providing a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on experiences.

Section 1: Preliminary Skills - Prerequisites

Objective: To lay a solid groundwork for students entering the cybersecurity field by introducing them to key concepts and technologies.

• Module 1: Introduction: This module serves as an entry point into the world of cybersecurity. It provides an overview of the industry, discusses career paths, and demystifies commonly used terminologies. Students will gain an initial understanding of critical concepts such as ethical hacking, cryptography, and virtual private networks (VPNs). The module concludes with a practical session on binary arithmetic, preparing students for their first hands-on lab experience.
• Module 2: Networking: A robust understanding of networking is crucial for any cybersecurity professional. This module covers the fundamentals of networking, including the OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, subnetting, and essential networking tools. Students will learn to capture and analyze network traffic using Wireshark, identifying potential misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in network setups.
• Module 3: Web Applications: As web applications are a primary target for cyber-attacks, this module delves into the intricacies of web technologies. Students will explore HTTP/S protocols, cookies, sessions, and the same-origin policy. Practical exercises using Burp Suite will enable students to understand web application security from a penetration tester’s perspective.
• Module 4: Penetration Testing: This module introduces students to the methodology and lifecycle of penetration testing. From initial engagement and information gathering to exploitation and reporting, students will learn the step-by-step process of conducting a professional penetration test, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of the role.

Section 2: Preliminary Skills - Programming

Objective: To empower students with programming capabilities that enhance their penetration testing skills and enable automation of security tasks.

• Module 1: Introduction to Programming: This foundational module introduces the basic concepts of programming, emphasizing the importance of scripting in cybersecurity. Students will learn about variables, functions, conditional statements, and loops, setting the stage for more advanced programming tasks.
• Module 2: C++: In this module, students dive into C++ programming, exploring features such as pointers and memory management. By the end of this module, students will be capable of building simple exploitation tools and understanding their applications in cybersecurity scenarios.
• Module 3: Python: Python’s simplicity and versatility make it a favorite in the cybersecurity domain. This module guides students through Python basics, from setting up the development environment to creating custom tools like network scanners and brute-force scripts. Practical labs will reinforce learning by allowing students to develop Python-assisted exploits.
• Module 4: Command Line Scripting: Understanding command line scripting is crucial for automating tasks in penetration testing. This module covers bash scripting for Linux and batch scripting for Windows, teaching students how to write scripts that streamline security assessments and exploit tasks.

Section 3: Advanced Penetration Testing

Objective: To provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in advanced penetration testing techniques, equipping students to handle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

• Module 1: Information Gathering: This module emphasizes the importance of thorough reconnaissance in penetration testing. Students will learn techniques for gathering information from public and open-source platforms, including social media, websites, and WHOIS databases, to map the attack surface effectively.
• Module 2: Footprinting and Scanning: Understanding how to map a network and identify vulnerabilities is crucial. This module covers various scanning techniques using tools like Nmap, focusing on identifying open ports, services, and potential weaknesses in systems.
• Module 3: Vulnerability Assessment: Here, students will learn how to use vulnerability scanners and manual testing methods to uncover security flaws. The module provides insights into the architecture and functioning of tools like Nessus, helping students understand how to effectively identify and prioritize vulnerabilities.
• Module 4: Web Attacks: This module provides an in-depth exploration of common web vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Students will learn both manual and automated attack techniques, using tools like SQLMap and DirBuster to exploit web applications within a controlled lab environment.
• Module 5: System Attacks: Focusing on system-level attacks, this module covers malware analysis, password cracking, and buffer overflow exploits. Students will gain hands-on experience with tools like John the Ripper and Hashcat, learning how to defend against and exploit system vulnerabilities.
• Module 6: Network Attacks: This module teaches students about network-based attacks, including ARP poisoning, authentication cracking, and exploitation of poorly configured network services. Tools like Metasploit and Meterpreter will be introduced, enabling students to automate network exploitation techniques.
• Module 7: Next Steps: As students prepare to transition from learners to professionals, this module provides guidance on how to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios. Emphasis is placed on continual learning, certification paths, and career advancement strategies in cybersecurity.

Learning Methodology: The course employs a blended learning approach, combining video tutorials, theoretical content, and extensive practical labs hosted in Hera Lab. This approach ensures that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain the practical skills necessary to perform professional penetration tests confidently.

Tools and Resources: Throughout the course, students will become proficient with industry-standard tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, John the Ripper, and more. Each tool is thoroughly explained and contextualized within the framework of penetration testing methodologies, transforming students into adept users capable of leveraging these tools to their fullest potential.

Career Focus: CyberSec 101 is not just a course but a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in cybersecurity. Each module is designed to build practical skills that are directly applicable in the field, helping students to embark on their journey as competent and ethical penetration testers, ready to tackle the challenges of securing digital environments.

Embark on this exciting journey with CyberSec 101 and take the first step towards becoming a cybersecurity expert!