Ethical Hacking: Penetration Testing

The Ethical Hacking: Penetration Testing Course provides learners with the fundamental skills required to identify, exploit, and remediate vulnerabilities in computer systems and applications. As organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, penetration testing has become a critical component of cybersecurity, enabling professionals to proactively detect and mitigate security risks before attackers can exploit them.
This course is designed for both beginners and IT professionals looking to build a career in cybersecurity or prepare for industry-recognized certifications. Learners will begin with an introduction to penetration testing methodology, emphasizing ethical guidelines and industry best practices. From there, the course explores software vulnerability assessments, including automated scanning with tools such as OpenVAS and GFI LanGuard.
Students will investigate common design flaws, bugs, and weaknesses in applications, using tools such as Firebug and View Source Chart to analyze code and uncover exploitable vulnerabilities. Advanced modules include hands-on practice with fragroute attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), injection techniques, and persistent attack demonstrations. In addition, learners will gain exposure to scripting exploits using Perl and C, equipping them with practical programming-based penetration testing techniques.
Each module incorporates guided exercises to immediately apply skills, reinforcing both conceptual and practical knowledge. The curriculum aligns with real-world penetration testing workflows, ensuring that learners not only understand how attacks work but also how to detect, prevent, and defend against them.
With over a million cybersecurity job openings worldwide, penetration testing remains one of the most in-demand and lucrative career paths. By the end of this course, learners will have developed the expertise to conduct professional penetration tests, strengthen system defenses, and take their first step toward a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Explain the principles and methodology of penetration testing.
2. Perform software vulnerability assessments with OpenVAS and GFI LanGuard.
3. Identify and analyze design flaws, bugs, and security weaknesses.
4. Conduct attacks including fragroute, XSS, and injection techniques.
5. Develop penetration testing scripts using Perl and C.
6. Apply penetration testing techniques ethically and in alignment with industry best practices.

Target Audience
• Beginners aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field.
• IT professionals preparing for cybersecurity certifications.
• Security analysts and system administrators seeking penetration testing skills.
• Anyone interested in ethical hacking and offensive security.

Prerequisites
• Basic knowledge of networking and operating systems.
• Familiarity with programming fundamentals is recommended but not required.
• No prior penetration testing experience necessary—this course is beginner-friendly.