Pentest Essentials

Pentest Essentials

Module 1: Introduction to Penetration Testing

  • 1.1 Basics of Penetration Testing
    • Understanding the role and importance of pentesting.
    • Ethical and legal aspects of pentesting.
  • 1.2 Pentest Methodologies
    • Overview of pentest frameworks (OWASP, PTES, etc.).

Module 2: Setting Up the Pentest Environment

  • 2.1 Pentesting Lab Setup
    • Building a safe and legal practice environment.
    • Tools and resources needed for pentesting.
  • 2.2 Introduction to Pentest Tools
    • Familiarization with tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap.

Module 3: Reconnaissance and Footprinting

  • 3.1 Information Gathering Techniques
    • Passive and active reconnaissance.
    • Tools and methods for footprinting.
  • 3.2 Analyzing Reconnaissance Data
    • Interpreting collected data to plan the pentest.

Module 4: Scanning and Enumeration

  • 4.1 Network Scanning
    • Techniques for scanning networks and identifying live hosts.
  • 4.2 Vulnerability Scanning
    • Using tools to identify and analyze vulnerabilities.

Module 5: Gaining Access and Exploitation

  • 5.1 Exploitation Techniques
    • Techniques for exploiting known vulnerabilities.
  • 5.2 Gaining and Escalating Access
    • Methods to gain higher-level privileges.

Module 6: Post-Exploitation and Maintaining Access

  • 6.1 Post-Exploitation Techniques
    • Strategies for maintaining access and exploring compromised systems.
  • 6.2 Clearing Tracks and Creating Backdoors
    • Techniques for avoiding detection.

Module 7: Network and Application Level Attacks

  • 7.1 Network-Level Attacks
    • Techniques for attacking network protocols and services.
  • 7.2 Application-Level Attacks
    • Attacking web and other application vulnerabilities.

Module 8: Wireless and Mobile Security Penetration Testing

  • 8.1 Wireless Network Pentesting
    • Techniques and tools for attacking wireless networks.
  • 8.2 Mobile Security Pentesting
    • Overview of mobile platform vulnerabilities and exploitation.

Module 9: Reporting and Communication

  • 9.1 Report Writing
    • How to document findings and make recommendations.
  • 9.2 Communicating with Stakeholders
    • Effective communication of pentest results and impact.

Module 10: Practical Labs and Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges

  • 10.1 Hands-on Pentesting Labs
    • Real-world scenarios to apply pentesting skills.
  • 10.2 CTF Challenges
    • Competitions to test and enhance skills in a gamified format.

Course Conclusion and Assessment

  • Final Examination
  • Practical Pentesting Project

Course Duration:

  • Suggested: 10-12 weeks

Target Audience:

  • Aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
  • IT staff looking to understand security from an offensive perspective.
  • Individuals interested in a career in ethical hacking or penetration testing.

This course is structured to provide a thorough grounding in the techniques and tools of ethical hacking, ensuring participants are well-prepared to conduct penetration tests responsibly and effectively.