Course Format & Delivery Details Learn on Your Terms - No Deadlines, No Pressure, Full Lifetime Access
This course is self-paced, giving you complete control over your learning journey. From the moment your enrollment is processed, you gain immediate online access to all materials. There are no fixed start dates, no weekly schedules to follow, and no time commitments - study whenever it fits your life and career goals. Complete in Weeks, Apply for Roles in Months
Most learners complete the full program within 8 to 12 weeks, dedicating just a few hours per week. Many report applying for junior penetration testing and cybersecurity analyst roles within 4 to 6 weeks of starting, thanks to the practical, hands-on focus that builds demonstrable skills from day one. Lifetime Access with Zero Future Costs
You don't just get temporary access - you receive lifetime enrollment in *Certified Penetration Testing: Master Ethical Hacking for Cybersecurity Careers*. This includes all future updates at no extra cost. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and so does this program. New modules, tool integrations, and advanced attack simulations are added regularly, ensuring your knowledge remains current, valuable, and aligned with industry expectations. Accessible Anytime, Anywhere - Desktop or Mobile
Our platform is fully mobile-friendly and optimized for learning across devices. Whether you’re reviewing concepts on your phone during a commute or conducting virtual lab work on your laptop, you’ll enjoy seamless 24/7 global access. Learn at home, in transit, or during breaks at work - your progress is always synced and secure. Direct Instructor Support When You Need It
Have a question about network exploitation or need help interpreting a vulnerability scan? You’ll have access to dedicated instructor guidance throughout the course. Submit questions through the secure portal and receive detailed, real-time responses from certified ethical hackers with active field experience. This isn’t automated support - it’s human-led, expert-driven mentorship designed to accelerate your understanding. Official Certification from The Art of Service
Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service - an internationally recognized leader in professional education and certification programs. This credential carries weight with employers across finance, healthcare, government, and tech sectors. It signals verified expertise in penetration testing methodology, ethical compliance, and real-world attack simulation. Clear, Transparent Pricing - No Hidden Fees
The total price you see is the only price you pay. There are no subscription traps, recurring charges, or surprise fees. You pay once, own full access forever, and retain your certification indefinitely. We believe in fairness, transparency, and long-term value - not sales gimmicks. Secure Payment Options You Trust
We accept major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. All transactions are encrypted and processed through a PCI-compliant gateway, ensuring your financial information remains protected at every step. Your investment is secure from checkout to certification. Enroll Risk-Free with Our Satisfied or Refunded Guarantee
If this course doesn’t meet your expectations, you’re covered by our strong satisfaction promise. If you complete the first two modules and feel the content isn’t delivering tangible value, you can request a refund. We stand behind the quality, depth, and career utility of this program - and we want you to feel completely confident in your decision to enroll. Instant Confirmation, Seamless Onboarding
After enrollment, you’ll receive a confirmation email acknowledging your participation. Once your course materials are prepared, your unique access credentials will be sent separately to ensure data integrity and system readiness. This process is standard across all enrollments and guarantees you receive a clean, personalized learning environment. “Will This Work for Me?” - We’ve Designed It So the Answer Is Yes
Whether you’re switching careers from IT support, advancing from a networking role, or starting with no technical background, this course was built for real learners in real situations. - If you’re a helpdesk technician tired of ticket-based work, this program gives you the offensive security skills to transition into red teaming and penetration testing.
- If you're already in cybersecurity and struggling to break into offensive roles, the structured framework and certification from The Art of Service gives you the credibility and proof of skill that hiring managers demand.
- If you’ve tried other courses that felt theoretical or outdated, this program is different - every topic includes real attack scenarios, documented methodologies, and labs you can replicate in safe environments.
This works even if: you’ve never written a line of code, failed a certification exam before, work full-time, or feel overwhelmed by complex technical jargon. We break down every concept into clear, actionable steps and guide you through each phase with precision and care. You’re not learning in isolation - you’re being led by professionals who’ve conducted actual penetration tests for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Maximize Your ROI with Risk-Reversal Confidence
We remove the risk so you can focus entirely on your growth. With lifetime access, ongoing updates, direct support, and a recognized certification, this investment compounds over time. Employers don’t just want buzzwords - they want proven ability. This course equips you with both the skills and the documentation to prove them. Your future self will thank you for starting today.
Extensive & Detailed Course Curriculum
Module 1: Foundations of Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Principles - Understanding the role of ethical hacking in modern cybersecurity
- Differentiating between white hat, black hat, and gray hat hackers
- Overview of global cybercrime trends and attacker motivations
- Legal and ethical responsibilities of penetration testers
- Introduction to laws and compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
- Conducting lawful penetration tests with written authorization
- Creating binding scope agreements and rules of engagement
- Understanding common attack vectors and threat landscapes
- Defining key cybersecurity concepts: confidentiality, integrity, availability
- The CIA triad in real-world breach scenarios
- Common misconceptions about hacking and vulnerability exposure
- How businesses assess and prioritize digital risks
- Introduction to the penetration testing lifecycle
- Pre-engagement activities and client communication protocols
- Setting realistic expectations with stakeholders
- Building trust as a third-party security assessor
- The importance of documentation in ethical hacking engagements
- Writing clear reports that non-technical decision-makers can understand
- Communicating risk severity using standardized rating systems
- Why penetration testing is not a one-time event but an ongoing process
Module 2: Networking Fundamentals for Penetration Testing - Understanding OSI and TCP/IP models in offensive contexts
- How data packets flow across networks during attacks
- IP addressing, subnetting, and CIDR notation for target identification
- TCP and UDP protocols from an attacker’s perspective
- Three-way handshake manipulation and session interception
- Network ports and services commonly exploited by hackers
- Identifying open ports and running services on remote systems
- Understanding DNS architecture and DNS-based attacks
- How ARP works and opportunities for local network exploitation
- Routing tables and gateway configurations in enterprise networks
- Firewall types and how they influence attack surfaces
- Network segmentation and its impact on lateral movement
- Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN hopping techniques
- Wireless networking standards and associated vulnerabilities
- MAC address spoofing and its use in bypassing access controls
- NAT and PAT in penetration testing environments
- Using loopback and broadcast addresses for internal testing
- Common network tools every penetration tester must understand
- Traffic analysis using packet capture techniques
- Building custom network topologies for lab testing
Module 3: Setting Up Your Penetration Testing Lab Environment - Selecting the right hardware for running virtualized security labs
- Installing and configuring VMware Workstation and Oracle VirtualBox
- Downloading and setting up Kali Linux for penetration testing
- Configuring persistence in Kali Linux for saved changes
- Customizing Kali with preferred tools and themes
- Installing Windows-based vulnerable machines for practice
- Setting up Metasploitable, OWASP WebGoat, and other lab VMs
- Connecting virtual machines in internal, bridged, and NAT networks
- Securing your lab to prevent accidental external exposure
- Generating fake data to simulate realistic enterprise environments
- Creating attack and victim machines with specific configurations
- Using Snapshots effectively to restore states after tests
- Managing disk space and performance in multi-VM setups
- Isolating lab traffic to avoid interference with host systems
- Setting up a jump box for clean and controlled access
- Integrating external storage for logs and attack artifacts
- Backing up lab configurations for future reuse
- Documenting lab environment specifications for audit trails
- Testing connectivity between all lab components
- Validating that no real systems are impacted by lab operations
Module 4: Intelligence Gathering and Reconnaissance Techniques - Passive vs active reconnaissance strategies
- Gathering domain information using WHOIS lookups
- Analyzing DNS records for subdomain enumeration
- Identifying mail servers, name servers, and TXT records
- Using Google Dorks to find exposed documents and login pages
- Harvesting emails, phone numbers, and employee names
- Leveraging social media platforms for organizational intelligence
- Searching GitHub repositories for leaked credentials
- Identifying technology stacks using Wappalyzer logic
- Network range identification and IP block ownership
- Using Shodan to locate internet-facing devices
- Finding IoT devices, cameras, and industrial systems online
- Geolocation of IP addresses and server locations
- Determining hosting providers and cloud infrastructure
- Using theHarvester for automated information collection
- Extracting metadata from public documents and files
- Analyzing SSL certificates for domain insights
- Identifying partner organizations and third-party vendors
- Mapping supply chains and inter-organizational relationships
- Building comprehensive target profiles before any scanning
Module 5: Scanning and Enumeration Methodologies - Port scanning using Nmap with advanced timing options
- Differentiating between SYN, ACK, and UDP scans
- Service version detection and OS fingerprinting
- Interpreting Nmap output for vulnerability assessment
- Using aggressive scanning modes without triggering alerts
- Stealth scanning to avoid detection by IDS/IPS systems
- Scanning large networks efficiently with Nmap scripting
- Integrating Nmap scripts for vulnerability discovery
- Enumerating SMB shares and identifying file server exposures
- Discovering NetBIOS names and workgroup configurations
- Checking for null sessions and anonymous access
- Enumerating users, groups, and password policies
- LDAP enumeration for corporate directory insights
- SNMP community string brute forcing and information leakage
- Identifying database services and open MySQL instances
- SSH service enumeration and key-based authentication checks
- HTTP and HTTPS server detection with header analysis
- Finding robots.txt, sitemap.xml, and debug endpoints
- Enumerating web applications for tech stack identification
- Using enum4linux and other tools for Windows domain probing
Module 6: Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis - Understanding CVSS scoring and severity levels
- Using OpenVAS for comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Interpreting vulnerability reports with actionable insights
- Distinguishing between false positives and real exposures
- Validating vulnerabilities manually before exploitation
- Mapping discovered weaknesses to MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Identifying unpatched systems and end-of-life software
- Locating exposed web admin panels and default logins
- Checking for missing security patches and updates
- Using Nessus fundamentals for enterprise-grade scanning
- Configuring custom scan policies based on target scope
- Exporting and formatting reports for client delivery
- Integrating vulnerability data into penetration test documentation
- Using Nikto for web server vulnerability detection
- Finding outdated CMS versions and plugins
- Identifying SSL/TLS misconfigurations and weak ciphers
- Assessing server configurations against best practices
- Detecting insecure HTTP methods like PUT and TRACE
- Reviewing configuration files for exposed secrets
- Prioritizing risks based on exploitability and business impact
Module 7: Exploitation Fundamentals with the Metasploit Framework - Introduction to exploit development and delivery models
- How Metasploit operates and its core components
- Using msfconsole to launch and manage attacks
- Searching for exploits based on platform and service
- Setting payload types: bind, reverse, staged, and stageless
- Configuring LHOST, LPORT, and RHOST parameters correctly
- Launching exploits against known vulnerable services
- Gaining shell access through buffer overflow exploits
- Evaluating exploit success and handling failures
- Using auxiliary modules for port scanning and login testing
- Brute forcing FTP, SSH, Telnet, and SNMP passwords
- Automating attacks with Metasploit resource scripts
- Understanding privilege escalation within exploited systems
- Migrating processes to maintain stable access
- Using Meterpreter for post-exploitation tasks
- Upgrading shells to interactive command sessions
- Escalating privileges using local exploits
- Bypassing User Account Control in Windows environments
- Enumerating system information post-compromise
- Extracting password hashes and credential data
Module 8: Post-Exploitation and Privilege Escalation - Difference between initial access and full system compromise
- Identifying installed software and patch levels
- Finding misconfigured services and weak permissions
- Abusing unquoted service paths in Windows systems
- Exploiting weak registry permissions for privilege escalation
- Using PowerUp and BeRoot for automated Windows escalation
- Escalating from user to SYSTEM using local exploits
- Searching for stored credentials in configuration files
- Extracting saved passwords from web browsers
- Locating SSH keys and authentication tokens
- Understanding sudo misconfigurations in Linux systems
- Exploiting SUID binaries to gain root access
- Using GTFOBins to escalate with common Linux tools
- Pivoting through firewalls and accessing internal networks
- Setting up routing through compromised hosts
- Chaining exploits to move laterally across systems
- Maintaining persistence using scheduled tasks and services
- Creating hidden backdoors for future access
- Covering tracks by clearing logs and hiding artifacts
- Establishing covert command and control channels
Module 9: Wireless Network Penetration Testing - Types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
- Identifying nearby wireless access points with scanning tools
- Using Airodump-ng to capture wireless traffic
- Understanding beacon frames, probe requests, and handshakes
- Forcing re-authentication to capture WPA handshake
- Using Aireplay-ng to deauthenticate clients
- Cracking WPA/WPA2 passwords with dictionary attacks
- Building and optimizing password wordlists for cracking
- Using Hashcat for GPU-accelerated password recovery
- Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks
- Detecting rogue access points and evil twin attacks
- Assessing enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Pen testing captive portals and guest network isolation
- Identifying weak PSKs and shared passwords in organizations
- Automating wireless attacks with scripted workflows
- Securing findings in written reports with policy recommendations
- Presenting risk levels based on wireless configuration flaws
- Recommending WPA3 migration and certificate-based auth
- Using Kismet for passive wireless monitoring
- Assessing physical proximity attack risks
Module 10: Web Application Penetration Testing - Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
Module 1: Foundations of Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Principles - Understanding the role of ethical hacking in modern cybersecurity
- Differentiating between white hat, black hat, and gray hat hackers
- Overview of global cybercrime trends and attacker motivations
- Legal and ethical responsibilities of penetration testers
- Introduction to laws and compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
- Conducting lawful penetration tests with written authorization
- Creating binding scope agreements and rules of engagement
- Understanding common attack vectors and threat landscapes
- Defining key cybersecurity concepts: confidentiality, integrity, availability
- The CIA triad in real-world breach scenarios
- Common misconceptions about hacking and vulnerability exposure
- How businesses assess and prioritize digital risks
- Introduction to the penetration testing lifecycle
- Pre-engagement activities and client communication protocols
- Setting realistic expectations with stakeholders
- Building trust as a third-party security assessor
- The importance of documentation in ethical hacking engagements
- Writing clear reports that non-technical decision-makers can understand
- Communicating risk severity using standardized rating systems
- Why penetration testing is not a one-time event but an ongoing process
Module 2: Networking Fundamentals for Penetration Testing - Understanding OSI and TCP/IP models in offensive contexts
- How data packets flow across networks during attacks
- IP addressing, subnetting, and CIDR notation for target identification
- TCP and UDP protocols from an attacker’s perspective
- Three-way handshake manipulation and session interception
- Network ports and services commonly exploited by hackers
- Identifying open ports and running services on remote systems
- Understanding DNS architecture and DNS-based attacks
- How ARP works and opportunities for local network exploitation
- Routing tables and gateway configurations in enterprise networks
- Firewall types and how they influence attack surfaces
- Network segmentation and its impact on lateral movement
- Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN hopping techniques
- Wireless networking standards and associated vulnerabilities
- MAC address spoofing and its use in bypassing access controls
- NAT and PAT in penetration testing environments
- Using loopback and broadcast addresses for internal testing
- Common network tools every penetration tester must understand
- Traffic analysis using packet capture techniques
- Building custom network topologies for lab testing
Module 3: Setting Up Your Penetration Testing Lab Environment - Selecting the right hardware for running virtualized security labs
- Installing and configuring VMware Workstation and Oracle VirtualBox
- Downloading and setting up Kali Linux for penetration testing
- Configuring persistence in Kali Linux for saved changes
- Customizing Kali with preferred tools and themes
- Installing Windows-based vulnerable machines for practice
- Setting up Metasploitable, OWASP WebGoat, and other lab VMs
- Connecting virtual machines in internal, bridged, and NAT networks
- Securing your lab to prevent accidental external exposure
- Generating fake data to simulate realistic enterprise environments
- Creating attack and victim machines with specific configurations
- Using Snapshots effectively to restore states after tests
- Managing disk space and performance in multi-VM setups
- Isolating lab traffic to avoid interference with host systems
- Setting up a jump box for clean and controlled access
- Integrating external storage for logs and attack artifacts
- Backing up lab configurations for future reuse
- Documenting lab environment specifications for audit trails
- Testing connectivity between all lab components
- Validating that no real systems are impacted by lab operations
Module 4: Intelligence Gathering and Reconnaissance Techniques - Passive vs active reconnaissance strategies
- Gathering domain information using WHOIS lookups
- Analyzing DNS records for subdomain enumeration
- Identifying mail servers, name servers, and TXT records
- Using Google Dorks to find exposed documents and login pages
- Harvesting emails, phone numbers, and employee names
- Leveraging social media platforms for organizational intelligence
- Searching GitHub repositories for leaked credentials
- Identifying technology stacks using Wappalyzer logic
- Network range identification and IP block ownership
- Using Shodan to locate internet-facing devices
- Finding IoT devices, cameras, and industrial systems online
- Geolocation of IP addresses and server locations
- Determining hosting providers and cloud infrastructure
- Using theHarvester for automated information collection
- Extracting metadata from public documents and files
- Analyzing SSL certificates for domain insights
- Identifying partner organizations and third-party vendors
- Mapping supply chains and inter-organizational relationships
- Building comprehensive target profiles before any scanning
Module 5: Scanning and Enumeration Methodologies - Port scanning using Nmap with advanced timing options
- Differentiating between SYN, ACK, and UDP scans
- Service version detection and OS fingerprinting
- Interpreting Nmap output for vulnerability assessment
- Using aggressive scanning modes without triggering alerts
- Stealth scanning to avoid detection by IDS/IPS systems
- Scanning large networks efficiently with Nmap scripting
- Integrating Nmap scripts for vulnerability discovery
- Enumerating SMB shares and identifying file server exposures
- Discovering NetBIOS names and workgroup configurations
- Checking for null sessions and anonymous access
- Enumerating users, groups, and password policies
- LDAP enumeration for corporate directory insights
- SNMP community string brute forcing and information leakage
- Identifying database services and open MySQL instances
- SSH service enumeration and key-based authentication checks
- HTTP and HTTPS server detection with header analysis
- Finding robots.txt, sitemap.xml, and debug endpoints
- Enumerating web applications for tech stack identification
- Using enum4linux and other tools for Windows domain probing
Module 6: Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis - Understanding CVSS scoring and severity levels
- Using OpenVAS for comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Interpreting vulnerability reports with actionable insights
- Distinguishing between false positives and real exposures
- Validating vulnerabilities manually before exploitation
- Mapping discovered weaknesses to MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Identifying unpatched systems and end-of-life software
- Locating exposed web admin panels and default logins
- Checking for missing security patches and updates
- Using Nessus fundamentals for enterprise-grade scanning
- Configuring custom scan policies based on target scope
- Exporting and formatting reports for client delivery
- Integrating vulnerability data into penetration test documentation
- Using Nikto for web server vulnerability detection
- Finding outdated CMS versions and plugins
- Identifying SSL/TLS misconfigurations and weak ciphers
- Assessing server configurations against best practices
- Detecting insecure HTTP methods like PUT and TRACE
- Reviewing configuration files for exposed secrets
- Prioritizing risks based on exploitability and business impact
Module 7: Exploitation Fundamentals with the Metasploit Framework - Introduction to exploit development and delivery models
- How Metasploit operates and its core components
- Using msfconsole to launch and manage attacks
- Searching for exploits based on platform and service
- Setting payload types: bind, reverse, staged, and stageless
- Configuring LHOST, LPORT, and RHOST parameters correctly
- Launching exploits against known vulnerable services
- Gaining shell access through buffer overflow exploits
- Evaluating exploit success and handling failures
- Using auxiliary modules for port scanning and login testing
- Brute forcing FTP, SSH, Telnet, and SNMP passwords
- Automating attacks with Metasploit resource scripts
- Understanding privilege escalation within exploited systems
- Migrating processes to maintain stable access
- Using Meterpreter for post-exploitation tasks
- Upgrading shells to interactive command sessions
- Escalating privileges using local exploits
- Bypassing User Account Control in Windows environments
- Enumerating system information post-compromise
- Extracting password hashes and credential data
Module 8: Post-Exploitation and Privilege Escalation - Difference between initial access and full system compromise
- Identifying installed software and patch levels
- Finding misconfigured services and weak permissions
- Abusing unquoted service paths in Windows systems
- Exploiting weak registry permissions for privilege escalation
- Using PowerUp and BeRoot for automated Windows escalation
- Escalating from user to SYSTEM using local exploits
- Searching for stored credentials in configuration files
- Extracting saved passwords from web browsers
- Locating SSH keys and authentication tokens
- Understanding sudo misconfigurations in Linux systems
- Exploiting SUID binaries to gain root access
- Using GTFOBins to escalate with common Linux tools
- Pivoting through firewalls and accessing internal networks
- Setting up routing through compromised hosts
- Chaining exploits to move laterally across systems
- Maintaining persistence using scheduled tasks and services
- Creating hidden backdoors for future access
- Covering tracks by clearing logs and hiding artifacts
- Establishing covert command and control channels
Module 9: Wireless Network Penetration Testing - Types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
- Identifying nearby wireless access points with scanning tools
- Using Airodump-ng to capture wireless traffic
- Understanding beacon frames, probe requests, and handshakes
- Forcing re-authentication to capture WPA handshake
- Using Aireplay-ng to deauthenticate clients
- Cracking WPA/WPA2 passwords with dictionary attacks
- Building and optimizing password wordlists for cracking
- Using Hashcat for GPU-accelerated password recovery
- Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks
- Detecting rogue access points and evil twin attacks
- Assessing enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Pen testing captive portals and guest network isolation
- Identifying weak PSKs and shared passwords in organizations
- Automating wireless attacks with scripted workflows
- Securing findings in written reports with policy recommendations
- Presenting risk levels based on wireless configuration flaws
- Recommending WPA3 migration and certificate-based auth
- Using Kismet for passive wireless monitoring
- Assessing physical proximity attack risks
Module 10: Web Application Penetration Testing - Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Understanding OSI and TCP/IP models in offensive contexts
- How data packets flow across networks during attacks
- IP addressing, subnetting, and CIDR notation for target identification
- TCP and UDP protocols from an attacker’s perspective
- Three-way handshake manipulation and session interception
- Network ports and services commonly exploited by hackers
- Identifying open ports and running services on remote systems
- Understanding DNS architecture and DNS-based attacks
- How ARP works and opportunities for local network exploitation
- Routing tables and gateway configurations in enterprise networks
- Firewall types and how they influence attack surfaces
- Network segmentation and its impact on lateral movement
- Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN hopping techniques
- Wireless networking standards and associated vulnerabilities
- MAC address spoofing and its use in bypassing access controls
- NAT and PAT in penetration testing environments
- Using loopback and broadcast addresses for internal testing
- Common network tools every penetration tester must understand
- Traffic analysis using packet capture techniques
- Building custom network topologies for lab testing
Module 3: Setting Up Your Penetration Testing Lab Environment - Selecting the right hardware for running virtualized security labs
- Installing and configuring VMware Workstation and Oracle VirtualBox
- Downloading and setting up Kali Linux for penetration testing
- Configuring persistence in Kali Linux for saved changes
- Customizing Kali with preferred tools and themes
- Installing Windows-based vulnerable machines for practice
- Setting up Metasploitable, OWASP WebGoat, and other lab VMs
- Connecting virtual machines in internal, bridged, and NAT networks
- Securing your lab to prevent accidental external exposure
- Generating fake data to simulate realistic enterprise environments
- Creating attack and victim machines with specific configurations
- Using Snapshots effectively to restore states after tests
- Managing disk space and performance in multi-VM setups
- Isolating lab traffic to avoid interference with host systems
- Setting up a jump box for clean and controlled access
- Integrating external storage for logs and attack artifacts
- Backing up lab configurations for future reuse
- Documenting lab environment specifications for audit trails
- Testing connectivity between all lab components
- Validating that no real systems are impacted by lab operations
Module 4: Intelligence Gathering and Reconnaissance Techniques - Passive vs active reconnaissance strategies
- Gathering domain information using WHOIS lookups
- Analyzing DNS records for subdomain enumeration
- Identifying mail servers, name servers, and TXT records
- Using Google Dorks to find exposed documents and login pages
- Harvesting emails, phone numbers, and employee names
- Leveraging social media platforms for organizational intelligence
- Searching GitHub repositories for leaked credentials
- Identifying technology stacks using Wappalyzer logic
- Network range identification and IP block ownership
- Using Shodan to locate internet-facing devices
- Finding IoT devices, cameras, and industrial systems online
- Geolocation of IP addresses and server locations
- Determining hosting providers and cloud infrastructure
- Using theHarvester for automated information collection
- Extracting metadata from public documents and files
- Analyzing SSL certificates for domain insights
- Identifying partner organizations and third-party vendors
- Mapping supply chains and inter-organizational relationships
- Building comprehensive target profiles before any scanning
Module 5: Scanning and Enumeration Methodologies - Port scanning using Nmap with advanced timing options
- Differentiating between SYN, ACK, and UDP scans
- Service version detection and OS fingerprinting
- Interpreting Nmap output for vulnerability assessment
- Using aggressive scanning modes without triggering alerts
- Stealth scanning to avoid detection by IDS/IPS systems
- Scanning large networks efficiently with Nmap scripting
- Integrating Nmap scripts for vulnerability discovery
- Enumerating SMB shares and identifying file server exposures
- Discovering NetBIOS names and workgroup configurations
- Checking for null sessions and anonymous access
- Enumerating users, groups, and password policies
- LDAP enumeration for corporate directory insights
- SNMP community string brute forcing and information leakage
- Identifying database services and open MySQL instances
- SSH service enumeration and key-based authentication checks
- HTTP and HTTPS server detection with header analysis
- Finding robots.txt, sitemap.xml, and debug endpoints
- Enumerating web applications for tech stack identification
- Using enum4linux and other tools for Windows domain probing
Module 6: Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis - Understanding CVSS scoring and severity levels
- Using OpenVAS for comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Interpreting vulnerability reports with actionable insights
- Distinguishing between false positives and real exposures
- Validating vulnerabilities manually before exploitation
- Mapping discovered weaknesses to MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Identifying unpatched systems and end-of-life software
- Locating exposed web admin panels and default logins
- Checking for missing security patches and updates
- Using Nessus fundamentals for enterprise-grade scanning
- Configuring custom scan policies based on target scope
- Exporting and formatting reports for client delivery
- Integrating vulnerability data into penetration test documentation
- Using Nikto for web server vulnerability detection
- Finding outdated CMS versions and plugins
- Identifying SSL/TLS misconfigurations and weak ciphers
- Assessing server configurations against best practices
- Detecting insecure HTTP methods like PUT and TRACE
- Reviewing configuration files for exposed secrets
- Prioritizing risks based on exploitability and business impact
Module 7: Exploitation Fundamentals with the Metasploit Framework - Introduction to exploit development and delivery models
- How Metasploit operates and its core components
- Using msfconsole to launch and manage attacks
- Searching for exploits based on platform and service
- Setting payload types: bind, reverse, staged, and stageless
- Configuring LHOST, LPORT, and RHOST parameters correctly
- Launching exploits against known vulnerable services
- Gaining shell access through buffer overflow exploits
- Evaluating exploit success and handling failures
- Using auxiliary modules for port scanning and login testing
- Brute forcing FTP, SSH, Telnet, and SNMP passwords
- Automating attacks with Metasploit resource scripts
- Understanding privilege escalation within exploited systems
- Migrating processes to maintain stable access
- Using Meterpreter for post-exploitation tasks
- Upgrading shells to interactive command sessions
- Escalating privileges using local exploits
- Bypassing User Account Control in Windows environments
- Enumerating system information post-compromise
- Extracting password hashes and credential data
Module 8: Post-Exploitation and Privilege Escalation - Difference between initial access and full system compromise
- Identifying installed software and patch levels
- Finding misconfigured services and weak permissions
- Abusing unquoted service paths in Windows systems
- Exploiting weak registry permissions for privilege escalation
- Using PowerUp and BeRoot for automated Windows escalation
- Escalating from user to SYSTEM using local exploits
- Searching for stored credentials in configuration files
- Extracting saved passwords from web browsers
- Locating SSH keys and authentication tokens
- Understanding sudo misconfigurations in Linux systems
- Exploiting SUID binaries to gain root access
- Using GTFOBins to escalate with common Linux tools
- Pivoting through firewalls and accessing internal networks
- Setting up routing through compromised hosts
- Chaining exploits to move laterally across systems
- Maintaining persistence using scheduled tasks and services
- Creating hidden backdoors for future access
- Covering tracks by clearing logs and hiding artifacts
- Establishing covert command and control channels
Module 9: Wireless Network Penetration Testing - Types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
- Identifying nearby wireless access points with scanning tools
- Using Airodump-ng to capture wireless traffic
- Understanding beacon frames, probe requests, and handshakes
- Forcing re-authentication to capture WPA handshake
- Using Aireplay-ng to deauthenticate clients
- Cracking WPA/WPA2 passwords with dictionary attacks
- Building and optimizing password wordlists for cracking
- Using Hashcat for GPU-accelerated password recovery
- Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks
- Detecting rogue access points and evil twin attacks
- Assessing enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Pen testing captive portals and guest network isolation
- Identifying weak PSKs and shared passwords in organizations
- Automating wireless attacks with scripted workflows
- Securing findings in written reports with policy recommendations
- Presenting risk levels based on wireless configuration flaws
- Recommending WPA3 migration and certificate-based auth
- Using Kismet for passive wireless monitoring
- Assessing physical proximity attack risks
Module 10: Web Application Penetration Testing - Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Passive vs active reconnaissance strategies
- Gathering domain information using WHOIS lookups
- Analyzing DNS records for subdomain enumeration
- Identifying mail servers, name servers, and TXT records
- Using Google Dorks to find exposed documents and login pages
- Harvesting emails, phone numbers, and employee names
- Leveraging social media platforms for organizational intelligence
- Searching GitHub repositories for leaked credentials
- Identifying technology stacks using Wappalyzer logic
- Network range identification and IP block ownership
- Using Shodan to locate internet-facing devices
- Finding IoT devices, cameras, and industrial systems online
- Geolocation of IP addresses and server locations
- Determining hosting providers and cloud infrastructure
- Using theHarvester for automated information collection
- Extracting metadata from public documents and files
- Analyzing SSL certificates for domain insights
- Identifying partner organizations and third-party vendors
- Mapping supply chains and inter-organizational relationships
- Building comprehensive target profiles before any scanning
Module 5: Scanning and Enumeration Methodologies - Port scanning using Nmap with advanced timing options
- Differentiating between SYN, ACK, and UDP scans
- Service version detection and OS fingerprinting
- Interpreting Nmap output for vulnerability assessment
- Using aggressive scanning modes without triggering alerts
- Stealth scanning to avoid detection by IDS/IPS systems
- Scanning large networks efficiently with Nmap scripting
- Integrating Nmap scripts for vulnerability discovery
- Enumerating SMB shares and identifying file server exposures
- Discovering NetBIOS names and workgroup configurations
- Checking for null sessions and anonymous access
- Enumerating users, groups, and password policies
- LDAP enumeration for corporate directory insights
- SNMP community string brute forcing and information leakage
- Identifying database services and open MySQL instances
- SSH service enumeration and key-based authentication checks
- HTTP and HTTPS server detection with header analysis
- Finding robots.txt, sitemap.xml, and debug endpoints
- Enumerating web applications for tech stack identification
- Using enum4linux and other tools for Windows domain probing
Module 6: Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis - Understanding CVSS scoring and severity levels
- Using OpenVAS for comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Interpreting vulnerability reports with actionable insights
- Distinguishing between false positives and real exposures
- Validating vulnerabilities manually before exploitation
- Mapping discovered weaknesses to MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Identifying unpatched systems and end-of-life software
- Locating exposed web admin panels and default logins
- Checking for missing security patches and updates
- Using Nessus fundamentals for enterprise-grade scanning
- Configuring custom scan policies based on target scope
- Exporting and formatting reports for client delivery
- Integrating vulnerability data into penetration test documentation
- Using Nikto for web server vulnerability detection
- Finding outdated CMS versions and plugins
- Identifying SSL/TLS misconfigurations and weak ciphers
- Assessing server configurations against best practices
- Detecting insecure HTTP methods like PUT and TRACE
- Reviewing configuration files for exposed secrets
- Prioritizing risks based on exploitability and business impact
Module 7: Exploitation Fundamentals with the Metasploit Framework - Introduction to exploit development and delivery models
- How Metasploit operates and its core components
- Using msfconsole to launch and manage attacks
- Searching for exploits based on platform and service
- Setting payload types: bind, reverse, staged, and stageless
- Configuring LHOST, LPORT, and RHOST parameters correctly
- Launching exploits against known vulnerable services
- Gaining shell access through buffer overflow exploits
- Evaluating exploit success and handling failures
- Using auxiliary modules for port scanning and login testing
- Brute forcing FTP, SSH, Telnet, and SNMP passwords
- Automating attacks with Metasploit resource scripts
- Understanding privilege escalation within exploited systems
- Migrating processes to maintain stable access
- Using Meterpreter for post-exploitation tasks
- Upgrading shells to interactive command sessions
- Escalating privileges using local exploits
- Bypassing User Account Control in Windows environments
- Enumerating system information post-compromise
- Extracting password hashes and credential data
Module 8: Post-Exploitation and Privilege Escalation - Difference between initial access and full system compromise
- Identifying installed software and patch levels
- Finding misconfigured services and weak permissions
- Abusing unquoted service paths in Windows systems
- Exploiting weak registry permissions for privilege escalation
- Using PowerUp and BeRoot for automated Windows escalation
- Escalating from user to SYSTEM using local exploits
- Searching for stored credentials in configuration files
- Extracting saved passwords from web browsers
- Locating SSH keys and authentication tokens
- Understanding sudo misconfigurations in Linux systems
- Exploiting SUID binaries to gain root access
- Using GTFOBins to escalate with common Linux tools
- Pivoting through firewalls and accessing internal networks
- Setting up routing through compromised hosts
- Chaining exploits to move laterally across systems
- Maintaining persistence using scheduled tasks and services
- Creating hidden backdoors for future access
- Covering tracks by clearing logs and hiding artifacts
- Establishing covert command and control channels
Module 9: Wireless Network Penetration Testing - Types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
- Identifying nearby wireless access points with scanning tools
- Using Airodump-ng to capture wireless traffic
- Understanding beacon frames, probe requests, and handshakes
- Forcing re-authentication to capture WPA handshake
- Using Aireplay-ng to deauthenticate clients
- Cracking WPA/WPA2 passwords with dictionary attacks
- Building and optimizing password wordlists for cracking
- Using Hashcat for GPU-accelerated password recovery
- Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks
- Detecting rogue access points and evil twin attacks
- Assessing enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Pen testing captive portals and guest network isolation
- Identifying weak PSKs and shared passwords in organizations
- Automating wireless attacks with scripted workflows
- Securing findings in written reports with policy recommendations
- Presenting risk levels based on wireless configuration flaws
- Recommending WPA3 migration and certificate-based auth
- Using Kismet for passive wireless monitoring
- Assessing physical proximity attack risks
Module 10: Web Application Penetration Testing - Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Understanding CVSS scoring and severity levels
- Using OpenVAS for comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Interpreting vulnerability reports with actionable insights
- Distinguishing between false positives and real exposures
- Validating vulnerabilities manually before exploitation
- Mapping discovered weaknesses to MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Identifying unpatched systems and end-of-life software
- Locating exposed web admin panels and default logins
- Checking for missing security patches and updates
- Using Nessus fundamentals for enterprise-grade scanning
- Configuring custom scan policies based on target scope
- Exporting and formatting reports for client delivery
- Integrating vulnerability data into penetration test documentation
- Using Nikto for web server vulnerability detection
- Finding outdated CMS versions and plugins
- Identifying SSL/TLS misconfigurations and weak ciphers
- Assessing server configurations against best practices
- Detecting insecure HTTP methods like PUT and TRACE
- Reviewing configuration files for exposed secrets
- Prioritizing risks based on exploitability and business impact
Module 7: Exploitation Fundamentals with the Metasploit Framework - Introduction to exploit development and delivery models
- How Metasploit operates and its core components
- Using msfconsole to launch and manage attacks
- Searching for exploits based on platform and service
- Setting payload types: bind, reverse, staged, and stageless
- Configuring LHOST, LPORT, and RHOST parameters correctly
- Launching exploits against known vulnerable services
- Gaining shell access through buffer overflow exploits
- Evaluating exploit success and handling failures
- Using auxiliary modules for port scanning and login testing
- Brute forcing FTP, SSH, Telnet, and SNMP passwords
- Automating attacks with Metasploit resource scripts
- Understanding privilege escalation within exploited systems
- Migrating processes to maintain stable access
- Using Meterpreter for post-exploitation tasks
- Upgrading shells to interactive command sessions
- Escalating privileges using local exploits
- Bypassing User Account Control in Windows environments
- Enumerating system information post-compromise
- Extracting password hashes and credential data
Module 8: Post-Exploitation and Privilege Escalation - Difference between initial access and full system compromise
- Identifying installed software and patch levels
- Finding misconfigured services and weak permissions
- Abusing unquoted service paths in Windows systems
- Exploiting weak registry permissions for privilege escalation
- Using PowerUp and BeRoot for automated Windows escalation
- Escalating from user to SYSTEM using local exploits
- Searching for stored credentials in configuration files
- Extracting saved passwords from web browsers
- Locating SSH keys and authentication tokens
- Understanding sudo misconfigurations in Linux systems
- Exploiting SUID binaries to gain root access
- Using GTFOBins to escalate with common Linux tools
- Pivoting through firewalls and accessing internal networks
- Setting up routing through compromised hosts
- Chaining exploits to move laterally across systems
- Maintaining persistence using scheduled tasks and services
- Creating hidden backdoors for future access
- Covering tracks by clearing logs and hiding artifacts
- Establishing covert command and control channels
Module 9: Wireless Network Penetration Testing - Types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
- Identifying nearby wireless access points with scanning tools
- Using Airodump-ng to capture wireless traffic
- Understanding beacon frames, probe requests, and handshakes
- Forcing re-authentication to capture WPA handshake
- Using Aireplay-ng to deauthenticate clients
- Cracking WPA/WPA2 passwords with dictionary attacks
- Building and optimizing password wordlists for cracking
- Using Hashcat for GPU-accelerated password recovery
- Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks
- Detecting rogue access points and evil twin attacks
- Assessing enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Pen testing captive portals and guest network isolation
- Identifying weak PSKs and shared passwords in organizations
- Automating wireless attacks with scripted workflows
- Securing findings in written reports with policy recommendations
- Presenting risk levels based on wireless configuration flaws
- Recommending WPA3 migration and certificate-based auth
- Using Kismet for passive wireless monitoring
- Assessing physical proximity attack risks
Module 10: Web Application Penetration Testing - Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Difference between initial access and full system compromise
- Identifying installed software and patch levels
- Finding misconfigured services and weak permissions
- Abusing unquoted service paths in Windows systems
- Exploiting weak registry permissions for privilege escalation
- Using PowerUp and BeRoot for automated Windows escalation
- Escalating from user to SYSTEM using local exploits
- Searching for stored credentials in configuration files
- Extracting saved passwords from web browsers
- Locating SSH keys and authentication tokens
- Understanding sudo misconfigurations in Linux systems
- Exploiting SUID binaries to gain root access
- Using GTFOBins to escalate with common Linux tools
- Pivoting through firewalls and accessing internal networks
- Setting up routing through compromised hosts
- Chaining exploits to move laterally across systems
- Maintaining persistence using scheduled tasks and services
- Creating hidden backdoors for future access
- Covering tracks by clearing logs and hiding artifacts
- Establishing covert command and control channels
Module 9: Wireless Network Penetration Testing - Types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
- Identifying nearby wireless access points with scanning tools
- Using Airodump-ng to capture wireless traffic
- Understanding beacon frames, probe requests, and handshakes
- Forcing re-authentication to capture WPA handshake
- Using Aireplay-ng to deauthenticate clients
- Cracking WPA/WPA2 passwords with dictionary attacks
- Building and optimizing password wordlists for cracking
- Using Hashcat for GPU-accelerated password recovery
- Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks
- Detecting rogue access points and evil twin attacks
- Assessing enterprise Wi-Fi with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Pen testing captive portals and guest network isolation
- Identifying weak PSKs and shared passwords in organizations
- Automating wireless attacks with scripted workflows
- Securing findings in written reports with policy recommendations
- Presenting risk levels based on wireless configuration flaws
- Recommending WPA3 migration and certificate-based auth
- Using Kismet for passive wireless monitoring
- Assessing physical proximity attack risks
Module 10: Web Application Penetration Testing - Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Understanding how web applications process user input
- Client-server communication via HTTP and HTTPS
- Analyzing request and response structures using proxies
- Setting up Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting traffic
- Configuring browser proxy settings for secure testing
- Capturing and modifying requests with Burp Proxy
- Spidering websites to map all accessible endpoints
- Using Burp Scanner for automated vulnerability detection
- Identifying SQL injection flaws in login forms and search boxes
- Testing for UNION-based, error-based, and blind SQLi
- Extracting database schemas and user credentials via SQLi
- Preventing detection while exploiting SQL injection
- Testing for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in input fields
- Implementing reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS
- Exploiting XSS to steal cookies and hijack sessions
- Using BeEF to hook browsers and launch client-side attacks
- Identifying insecure direct object references (IDOR)
- Testing for broken access control in role-based systems
- Manipulating API parameters to escalate privileges
- Assessing CSRF vulnerabilities in web forms
Module 11: Advanced Web Exploits and API Security Testing - Testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Exploiting file upload vulnerabilities to run code
- Bypassing client-side validation and extension checks
- Uploading PHP, ASPX, or JSP shells for remote execution
- Identifying insecure deserialization in web frameworks
- Testing GraphQL endpoints for excessive data exposure
- Enumerating API routes and hidden endpoints
- Assessing JWT token handling for tampering risks
- Replaying valid tokens to impersonate users
- Abusing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms
- Testing for insecure CORS configurations
- Exploiting OAuth misconfigurations in login flows
- Identifying hardcoded API keys in client-side code
- Assessing third-party integrations for trust issues
- Using automated scanners to complement manual testing
- Combining multiple low-severity flaws for full compromise
- Reporting web vulnerabilities with reproducible steps
- Recommending secure coding practices in remediation plans
- Documenting attack methodology for compliance audits
- Simulating advanced persistent threat behavior in web attacks
Module 12: Social Engineering and Human-Centric Attacks - Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Understanding psychological principles behind manipulation
- Types of social engineering: phishing, pretexting, baiting
- Creating convincing phishing emails with urgent messaging
- Designing fake login pages that mimic real sites
- Using SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) for automated attacks
- Hosting cloned websites on secure, controlled servers
- Generating malicious attachments with embedded payloads
- Hiding executables in PDFs, Word documents, and ZIP files
- Using PowerShell and VBA scripts for stealthy execution
- Delivering payloads via email, USB drops, or QR codes
- Conducting physical security assessments with tailgating tests
- Building rapport to extract sensitive information
- Impersonating IT staff to reset passwords
- Using vishing (voice phishing) to obtain credentials
- Simulating CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Measuring success rates in organizational testing
- Documenting human vulnerabilities without shaming individuals
- Recommending security awareness training programs
- Integrating phishing results into executive summaries
- Balancing ethical concerns with realistic attack simulation
Module 13: Post-Exploitation in Enterprise Environments - Navigating Windows domains after initial compromise
- Identifying domain controllers and global catalog servers
- Extracting NTDS.dit and SYSTEM hive for offline cracking
- Using Mimikatz to dump passwords from memory
- Performing pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks
- Moving laterally using WMI and PsExec
- Abusing Kerberos authentication with Golden Tickets
- Creating persistent domain-level access
- Escalating to Domain Admin through privilege abuse
- Mapping trust relationships between forests
- Identifying shared credentials across systems
- Exploiting Group Policy Preferences for password recovery
- Using BloodHound to visualize attack paths in Active Directory
- Importing data and generating privilege escalation reports
- Finding high-value targets based on permissions
- Testing for misconfigured service accounts
- Assessing credential hygiene in enterprise settings
- Reporting widespread privilege issues to management
- Demonstrating real impact of identity-based attacks
- Providing mitigation strategies for identity security
Module 14: Reporting, Documentation, and Client Communication - Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Structuring professional penetration test reports
- Executive summary writing for CISOs and executives
- Technical findings section with detailed reproduction steps
- Classifying vulnerabilities using CVSS and qualitative ratings
- Providing clear remediation recommendations
- Using screenshots, command outputs, and logs as evidence
- Formatting reports in PDF, HTML, and Word formats
- Linking findings to regulatory compliance requirements
- Creating executive dashboards with risk heatmaps
- Delivering oral presentations of test results
- Handling difficult client conversations about exposure
- Answering technical questions during debrief sessions
- Obtaining client signoff on final deliverables
- Archiving reports securely for legal protection
- Maintaining confidentiality and non-disclosure
- Using templated sections to improve efficiency
- Automating report generation with custom scripts
- Tracking retesting progress and closure of issues
- Providing follow-up consultations for remediation
- Building long-term client relationships through trust
Module 15: Real-World Projects and Simulated Engagements - Simulated penetration test against a full company network
- Conducting end-to-end assessments from reconnaissance to reporting
- Planning engagements with mock scope documents
- Executing attacks in a legal, controlled environment
- Managing time and prioritizing high-impact targets
- Demonstrating ability to chain multiple vulnerabilities
- Documenting every step for audit and review purposes
- Producing a complete client-ready report
- Presenting findings as if to a real customer
- Receiving feedback on methodology and clarity
- Re-testing after simulated patching to verify fixes
- Managing access revocation and post-engagement cleanup
- Practicing professionalism under pressure
- Handling unexpected obstacles during testing
- Learning how real projects differ from labs
- Thinking like a consultant, not just a technician
- Writing actionable executive summaries
- Using red team logs to justify conclusions
- Demonstrating repeatable, defensible processes
- Showcasing soft skills alongside technical mastery
Module 16: Certification Preparation and Career Advancement - Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles
- Reviewing key domains for OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA PenTest+
- Understanding certification exam structures and formats
- Building hands-on practice routines for real exams
- Tips for managing time during practical assessments
- Writing clear, concise proof-of-concept documentation
- Demonstrating methodology over mere exploitation
- Preparing a professional cybersecurity resume
- Highlighting penetration testing experience from lab work
- Creating a personal portfolio website with project summaries
- Sharing write-ups without disclosing sensitive data
- Using GitHub to showcase technical documentation
- Applying for junior penetration tester roles
- Tailoring applications to job descriptions
- Answering technical interview questions confidently
- Demonstrating problem-solving during live challenges
- Networking with professionals in cybersecurity communities
- Joining local infosec groups and online forums
- Obtaining internships or volunteer testing opportunities
- Continuing education paths after course completion
- Earning the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service to validate your achievement and readiness for professional roles