This course explains the science and art behind offensive security techniques used in penetration testing of networks and systems. A review of networking concepts is given. Students will utilize low-level programming through network interfaces, in executing a variety of network attacks, while learning to use essential auxiliary tooling for both recon and active attacks. An introduction to cryptogpahy for pentesters is provided.
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Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Advanced evasive Techniques on hardened computer systems and networks.
Network recon and man-in-the-middle attacks to compromise credentials
Network attacks on HTTPS and firewalled systems
Details to know
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December 2024
5 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
Module 1 provides an introduction to the course sequence, motivations, ethical concepts and challenges, and a refresher on networking concepts.
What's included
4 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt1 ungraded lab
Module 2 provides an in-depth technical introduction to network packet crafting and interpretation with scapy. Other essential tools such as ncat (and the older netcat!), as well as an introduction to monitoring tools.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Module 3 provides a detailed exposition of Nmap for host discovery, port scanning, service and operating system identification. We touch on firewalking (firewall bypass) and evasion techniques in heavily monitored environments. We also discuss other, related tooling, and manual construction with scapy for some things beyond nmap native capability.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Module 4 examines how network recon leads to a variety of network attacks, and the timeline of modern browser-built defenses in encrypted communication, and how these can be bypassed. An advanced attack scenario with malicious software updates is presented.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Most advanced attackers possess evasive capabilities when operating campaigns in any target network -- module 5 builds on previous material and focuses specifically on masking attacker activities with network tunneling. We examine the SSH protocol and tunneling forms, as well as how to use dynamic socks proxies to enable any remote tool to covertly tunnel into, and operate within, a target space.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Instructor
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Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Computer Security and Networks
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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