Zero to Mastery in Cybersecurity: Build Unshakable Expertise and Future-Proof Your Career
You're not behind. You're just using the wrong map. Right now, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tools, threats, and certifications flooding the cybersecurity landscape. Job descriptions demand 5+ years of experience for entry-level roles. Your current skills feel outdated before you’ve even mastered them. The fear of falling behind is real, and the pressure to “figure it out” alone is paralyzing. But here’s what no one tells you: mastery in cybersecurity isn’t about memorizing every protocol or chasing every trend. It’s about building a systematic, battle-tested foundation that lets you adapt faster than the threats themselves. The Zero to Mastery in Cybersecurity program gives you that system - a complete, step-by-step pathway from confusion to clarity, from uncertainty to confidence, and from applicant to asset. In just 90 days, you’ll go from unfamiliar with core frameworks to designing and implementing robust security architectures, complete with a Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service, recognised by global IT leaders. Take Maria Chen, a former helpdesk analyst in Toronto. After completing this program, she transitioned into a Security Operations Analyst role at a Fortune 500 financial institution - with a 42% salary increase and full sponsorship for her CISSP certification. This isn’t about theory. It’s about transformation. And it starts the moment you decide to stop guessing and start mastering. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details Designed for professionals with relentless schedules and zero tolerance for fluff, this program delivers elite cybersecurity training in a flexible, high-clarity format that respects your time, intelligence, and ambition. Self-Paced, On-Demand Access with Lifetime Updates
This is not a time-bound bootcamp. You gain immediate online access to the full curriculum the moment you enroll, with no fixed dates, no live sessions, and no pressure to keep up. Whether you're balancing a full-time job, family, or international timezone, your progress moves at your speed. Typical completion time is 12 weeks with 6–8 hours of study per week, though many learners apply core concepts and land interviews within the first 30 days. The fastest path to results? Focus on Modules 1–4 and the hands-on labs - that’s where 83% of hiring managers say candidates show the biggest skill gap. - Lifetime access to all course materials, including all future updates at no extra cost
- 24/7 global access from any device, with full mobile-friendly compatibility
- Progress tracking, gamified milestones, and downloadable templates for real-world use
- Ongoing instructor support through curated guidance, detailed feedback loops, and expert-curated resources
Trusted Certification & Career Recognition
Upon completion, you earn a Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service - a globally recognised credential trusted by cybersecurity teams, HR departments, and IT leaders in over 90 countries. This isn’t a participation badge. It’s proof you’ve mastered a rigorous, real-world-aligned curriculum built by offensive security leads, CISO advisors, and compliance architects. No Risk. No Hidden Fees. No Regrets.
We eliminate every barrier between you and your future. Pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees, upsells, or subscription traps. One payment. Lifetime access. Guaranteed results - or your investment is returned. You’re fully covered by our 90-day money-back guarantee. If you complete the first four modules and don’t feel a measurable increase in confidence, clarity, and career momentum, we’ll refund every dollar. No questions, no friction, no risk. After enrollment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Access details and your personalised learning pathway are sent separately once your materials are fully prepared - ensuring you begin with a clean, distraction-free experience. This Works Even If…
You have no prior cybersecurity experience. You're career-switching from IT support, networking, or even outside tech entirely. You're worried your math or coding skills aren’t strong enough. You’ve tried other programs and dropped out. Why? Because this program doesn’t assume knowledge - it builds it. From binary fundamentals to intrusion detection workflows, every concept is broken into bite-sized, sequential steps. We include role-specific pathways for SOC analysts, penetration testers, compliance officers, and cloud security engineers - so you’re never learning irrelevant material. - Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal
- “Will this work for me?” - Yes. Over 11,400 professionals have completed this program, including 68% with zero formal security training. 91% reported a career advancement within 6 months.
- Recent success: David Ramirez, a former retail manager in Austin, completed the course in 14 weeks and now works as a Junior Threat Analyst at a major healthcare provider - with full GRC training sponsorship.
Your success isn’t left to chance. This is risk reversed. Clarity guaranteed. Career transformation engineered.
Module 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity - Your First Secure Step - Understanding the evolving threat landscape and attacker motivations
- Core principles: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA Triad)
- Defining cybersecurity vs. information security vs. IT security
- The role of human behaviour in security breaches
- Introduction to threat actors: Hacktivists, APTs, insiders, and script kiddies
- Common attack vectors: Phishing, malware, social engineering, supply chain
- Security lifecycle: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
- Basic networking concepts for security professionals (IP, TCP, DNS)
- Operating system security fundamentals (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems in defensive operations
- Introduction to encryption: Symmetric vs. asymmetric cryptography
- Password hashing, salting, and secure storage mechanisms
- Zero Trust principles and their practical implementation
- Security policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines (PSPGs)
- Developing a personal security mindset and professional ethics
Module 2: Risk Management and Compliance Frameworks - Conducting asset identification and classification
- Threat modelling using STRIDE and DREAD methodologies
- Vulnerability assessment vs. risk assessment: Key distinctions
- Qualitative vs. quantitative risk analysis techniques
- Risk treatment options: Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept
- Risk register creation and maintenance
- Introduction to NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
- Mapping CSF functions to real-world security controls
- Understanding ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requirements
- Creating an ISMS (Information Security Management System)
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA: Compliance essentials for global operations
- COBIT 5 and its role in governance and control
- Implementing SOC 2 Type II controls for service organisations
- Auditing and reporting for compliance readiness
- Third-party risk management and vendor due diligence
Module 3: Identity and Access Management (IAM) - User provisioning and deprovisioning lifecycle
- Principle of least privilege and role-based access control (RBAC)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) deployment strategies
- Password policies: Length, complexity, rotation, and usability
- Single Sign-On (SSO) and federation protocols (SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect)
- Privileged access management (PAM) and Just-in-Time access
- Active Directory security hardening techniques
- Azure AD and cloud identity best practices
- Identity as a Service (IDaaS) evaluation and integration
- Biometric authentication: Risks, benefits, and spoofing prevention
- Account lockout policies and brute force attack mitigation
- Service account security and credential rotation
- Access review and attestation processes
- Identity governance and administration (IGA) tools overview
- Developing an IAM strategy aligned to business needs
Module 4: Network Security Architecture and Defence - Network segmentation: VLANs, firewalls, and micro-segmentation
- Firewall configuration: Rule sets, stateful vs. stateless inspection
- Demilitarized zones (DMZs) and their security role
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) capabilities and deployment
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Site-to-site and remote access
- Secure remote access with zero trust network access (ZTNA)
- Network Access Control (NAC) and 802.1X authentication
- DNS security: DNSSEC, DNS filtering, and poisoning prevention
- Port security and protocol analysis fundamentals
- Wi-Fi security: WPA3, EAP-TLS, and rogue access point detection
- Network monitoring with NetFlow and sFlow
- Threat intelligence integration into network defences
- Secure architecture design: Defence in depth and fail-safe defaults
- Network logging and centralised log management (SIEM prep)
Module 5: Endpoint and Application Security - Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools and use cases
- Antivirus vs. anti-malware: Detection capabilities and limitations
- Host-based firewall configuration and rule management
- USB and removable media security policies
- Application whitelisting and execution control
- Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) overview
- Secure coding principles: Input validation, error handling, memory safety
- Web application vulnerabilities: OWASP Top 10 deep dive
- SQL injection: Detection, prevention, and automated scanning
- Cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
- Security misconfigurations in web servers and APIs
- Secure API design: Authentication, rate limiting, input sanitisation
- Mobile application security testing (MAST) fundamentals
- Container security: Docker, Kubernetes, and image scanning
- Runtime application self-protection (RASP) and WAF integration
Module 6: Security Operations and Incident Response - Building a Security Operations Center (SOC): Tiered structure
- Incident response lifecycle: Preparation to post-mortem
- Creating and maintaining an incident response plan (IRP)
- Threat hunting: Proactive detection techniques
- Digital forensics: Chain of custody and evidence collection
- Memory, disk, and network forensics tools and workflows
- Malware analysis: Static vs. dynamic techniques
- Log analysis: Time correlation, anomaly detection, and baselining
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
- Tabletop exercises and red team/blue team simulations
- Ransomware response: Isolation, decryption, and recovery
- Data breach notification requirements and timelines
- Engaging legal, PR, and executive leadership during incidents
- Post-incident reviews and improvement planning
- Developing an internal threat intelligence capability
Module 7: Cloud Security and DevSecOps - Shared responsibility model: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Storage security: S3 buckets, ACLs, and public access blocking
- Serverless security: Lambda, Cloud Functions, and event triggers
- Cloud logging and monitoring with CloudTrail, CloudWatch, etc
- Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security: Terraform, CloudFormation
- Secure CI/CD pipelines: Scanning, approvals, and gate checks
- Secrets management in cloud environments
- Container security in cloud-native architectures
- Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP)
- Serverless function access controls and least privilege
- Cloud network security: VPCs, security groups, NACLs
- Backup and disaster recovery in multi-cloud environments
- Compliance in the cloud: FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS alignments
Module 8: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking - Legal and ethical considerations: Rules of engagement
- Penetration testing phases: Reconnaissance to reporting
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering techniques
- Network scanning with Nmap: Host discovery and service enumeration
- Vulnerability scanning with Nessus and OpenVAS
- Exploitation frameworks: Introduction to Metasploit
- Manual exploitation: Buffer overflows, privilege escalation
- Web application penetration testing methodology
- Mobile app penetration testing: Android and iOS
- Wireless network penetration testing
- Social engineering attacks: Pretexting, baiting, tailgating
- Phishing simulation and user awareness testing
- Post-exploitation: Pivoting, data exfiltration, persistence
- Reporting findings: Executive summary and technical detail
- Remediation guidance and retesting processes
Module 9: Security Automation and Scripting - Introduction to Python for security automation
- Writing scripts to parse logs and detect anomalies
- Automating OSINT data collection with APIs
- Batch scripting for Windows security tasks
- Bash scripting for Linux security administration
- Using regex for log pattern matching and threat detection
- Automated vulnerability scanning with custom wrappers
- Building custom threat intelligence feeds
- Integrating scripts into SIEM alerting workflows
- Automating report generation and dashboard updates
- Working with JSON, XML, and CSV data formats
- API security testing automation
- Task scheduling and cron job management
- Error handling and logging in security scripts
- Secure coding practices for automation tools
Module 10: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Leadership - Developing a cybersecurity strategy aligned to business goals
- Board-level communication: Translating risk into business impact
- Cybersecurity budgeting and resource allocation
- Security awareness training program development
- Measuring security performance with KPIs and KRIs
- Conducting internal audits and compliance checks
- Third-party security assessments and questionnaires
- Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR)
- Risk appetite statements and tolerance thresholds
- Regulatory change management processes
- Vendor risk rating and scorecarding systems
- Security program maturity models (CMMI, NIST RMF)
- Preparing for external audits and certifications
- Incident disclosure and regulatory reporting timelines
- Building a culture of security across departments
Module 11: Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects - Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST
Module 12: Career Advancement and Certification Preparation - Building a cybersecurity resume that passes ATS filters
- LinkedIn optimisation for security roles and visibility
- Networking strategies: Conferences, forums, and local meetups
- Tailoring cover letters for SOC, pen testing, GRC roles
- Answering technical interview questions with confidence
- Behavioural interview preparation using STAR method
- Preparing for entry-level certifications: CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to CISSP: Requirements, domains, and study plan
- CEH, CISM, and CISA: Which cert fits your goals?
- Time management for certification exam success
- Practising with realistic exam simulations and quizzes
- Negotiating salary and total compensation packages
- Transitioning from IT to security: Proving your readiness
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job applications
- Next steps: Mentorship, specialisation, and leadership paths
- Understanding the evolving threat landscape and attacker motivations
- Core principles: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA Triad)
- Defining cybersecurity vs. information security vs. IT security
- The role of human behaviour in security breaches
- Introduction to threat actors: Hacktivists, APTs, insiders, and script kiddies
- Common attack vectors: Phishing, malware, social engineering, supply chain
- Security lifecycle: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
- Basic networking concepts for security professionals (IP, TCP, DNS)
- Operating system security fundamentals (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems in defensive operations
- Introduction to encryption: Symmetric vs. asymmetric cryptography
- Password hashing, salting, and secure storage mechanisms
- Zero Trust principles and their practical implementation
- Security policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines (PSPGs)
- Developing a personal security mindset and professional ethics
Module 2: Risk Management and Compliance Frameworks - Conducting asset identification and classification
- Threat modelling using STRIDE and DREAD methodologies
- Vulnerability assessment vs. risk assessment: Key distinctions
- Qualitative vs. quantitative risk analysis techniques
- Risk treatment options: Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept
- Risk register creation and maintenance
- Introduction to NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
- Mapping CSF functions to real-world security controls
- Understanding ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requirements
- Creating an ISMS (Information Security Management System)
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA: Compliance essentials for global operations
- COBIT 5 and its role in governance and control
- Implementing SOC 2 Type II controls for service organisations
- Auditing and reporting for compliance readiness
- Third-party risk management and vendor due diligence
Module 3: Identity and Access Management (IAM) - User provisioning and deprovisioning lifecycle
- Principle of least privilege and role-based access control (RBAC)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) deployment strategies
- Password policies: Length, complexity, rotation, and usability
- Single Sign-On (SSO) and federation protocols (SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect)
- Privileged access management (PAM) and Just-in-Time access
- Active Directory security hardening techniques
- Azure AD and cloud identity best practices
- Identity as a Service (IDaaS) evaluation and integration
- Biometric authentication: Risks, benefits, and spoofing prevention
- Account lockout policies and brute force attack mitigation
- Service account security and credential rotation
- Access review and attestation processes
- Identity governance and administration (IGA) tools overview
- Developing an IAM strategy aligned to business needs
Module 4: Network Security Architecture and Defence - Network segmentation: VLANs, firewalls, and micro-segmentation
- Firewall configuration: Rule sets, stateful vs. stateless inspection
- Demilitarized zones (DMZs) and their security role
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) capabilities and deployment
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Site-to-site and remote access
- Secure remote access with zero trust network access (ZTNA)
- Network Access Control (NAC) and 802.1X authentication
- DNS security: DNSSEC, DNS filtering, and poisoning prevention
- Port security and protocol analysis fundamentals
- Wi-Fi security: WPA3, EAP-TLS, and rogue access point detection
- Network monitoring with NetFlow and sFlow
- Threat intelligence integration into network defences
- Secure architecture design: Defence in depth and fail-safe defaults
- Network logging and centralised log management (SIEM prep)
Module 5: Endpoint and Application Security - Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools and use cases
- Antivirus vs. anti-malware: Detection capabilities and limitations
- Host-based firewall configuration and rule management
- USB and removable media security policies
- Application whitelisting and execution control
- Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) overview
- Secure coding principles: Input validation, error handling, memory safety
- Web application vulnerabilities: OWASP Top 10 deep dive
- SQL injection: Detection, prevention, and automated scanning
- Cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
- Security misconfigurations in web servers and APIs
- Secure API design: Authentication, rate limiting, input sanitisation
- Mobile application security testing (MAST) fundamentals
- Container security: Docker, Kubernetes, and image scanning
- Runtime application self-protection (RASP) and WAF integration
Module 6: Security Operations and Incident Response - Building a Security Operations Center (SOC): Tiered structure
- Incident response lifecycle: Preparation to post-mortem
- Creating and maintaining an incident response plan (IRP)
- Threat hunting: Proactive detection techniques
- Digital forensics: Chain of custody and evidence collection
- Memory, disk, and network forensics tools and workflows
- Malware analysis: Static vs. dynamic techniques
- Log analysis: Time correlation, anomaly detection, and baselining
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
- Tabletop exercises and red team/blue team simulations
- Ransomware response: Isolation, decryption, and recovery
- Data breach notification requirements and timelines
- Engaging legal, PR, and executive leadership during incidents
- Post-incident reviews and improvement planning
- Developing an internal threat intelligence capability
Module 7: Cloud Security and DevSecOps - Shared responsibility model: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Storage security: S3 buckets, ACLs, and public access blocking
- Serverless security: Lambda, Cloud Functions, and event triggers
- Cloud logging and monitoring with CloudTrail, CloudWatch, etc
- Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security: Terraform, CloudFormation
- Secure CI/CD pipelines: Scanning, approvals, and gate checks
- Secrets management in cloud environments
- Container security in cloud-native architectures
- Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP)
- Serverless function access controls and least privilege
- Cloud network security: VPCs, security groups, NACLs
- Backup and disaster recovery in multi-cloud environments
- Compliance in the cloud: FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS alignments
Module 8: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking - Legal and ethical considerations: Rules of engagement
- Penetration testing phases: Reconnaissance to reporting
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering techniques
- Network scanning with Nmap: Host discovery and service enumeration
- Vulnerability scanning with Nessus and OpenVAS
- Exploitation frameworks: Introduction to Metasploit
- Manual exploitation: Buffer overflows, privilege escalation
- Web application penetration testing methodology
- Mobile app penetration testing: Android and iOS
- Wireless network penetration testing
- Social engineering attacks: Pretexting, baiting, tailgating
- Phishing simulation and user awareness testing
- Post-exploitation: Pivoting, data exfiltration, persistence
- Reporting findings: Executive summary and technical detail
- Remediation guidance and retesting processes
Module 9: Security Automation and Scripting - Introduction to Python for security automation
- Writing scripts to parse logs and detect anomalies
- Automating OSINT data collection with APIs
- Batch scripting for Windows security tasks
- Bash scripting for Linux security administration
- Using regex for log pattern matching and threat detection
- Automated vulnerability scanning with custom wrappers
- Building custom threat intelligence feeds
- Integrating scripts into SIEM alerting workflows
- Automating report generation and dashboard updates
- Working with JSON, XML, and CSV data formats
- API security testing automation
- Task scheduling and cron job management
- Error handling and logging in security scripts
- Secure coding practices for automation tools
Module 10: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Leadership - Developing a cybersecurity strategy aligned to business goals
- Board-level communication: Translating risk into business impact
- Cybersecurity budgeting and resource allocation
- Security awareness training program development
- Measuring security performance with KPIs and KRIs
- Conducting internal audits and compliance checks
- Third-party security assessments and questionnaires
- Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR)
- Risk appetite statements and tolerance thresholds
- Regulatory change management processes
- Vendor risk rating and scorecarding systems
- Security program maturity models (CMMI, NIST RMF)
- Preparing for external audits and certifications
- Incident disclosure and regulatory reporting timelines
- Building a culture of security across departments
Module 11: Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects - Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST
Module 12: Career Advancement and Certification Preparation - Building a cybersecurity resume that passes ATS filters
- LinkedIn optimisation for security roles and visibility
- Networking strategies: Conferences, forums, and local meetups
- Tailoring cover letters for SOC, pen testing, GRC roles
- Answering technical interview questions with confidence
- Behavioural interview preparation using STAR method
- Preparing for entry-level certifications: CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to CISSP: Requirements, domains, and study plan
- CEH, CISM, and CISA: Which cert fits your goals?
- Time management for certification exam success
- Practising with realistic exam simulations and quizzes
- Negotiating salary and total compensation packages
- Transitioning from IT to security: Proving your readiness
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job applications
- Next steps: Mentorship, specialisation, and leadership paths
- User provisioning and deprovisioning lifecycle
- Principle of least privilege and role-based access control (RBAC)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) deployment strategies
- Password policies: Length, complexity, rotation, and usability
- Single Sign-On (SSO) and federation protocols (SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect)
- Privileged access management (PAM) and Just-in-Time access
- Active Directory security hardening techniques
- Azure AD and cloud identity best practices
- Identity as a Service (IDaaS) evaluation and integration
- Biometric authentication: Risks, benefits, and spoofing prevention
- Account lockout policies and brute force attack mitigation
- Service account security and credential rotation
- Access review and attestation processes
- Identity governance and administration (IGA) tools overview
- Developing an IAM strategy aligned to business needs
Module 4: Network Security Architecture and Defence - Network segmentation: VLANs, firewalls, and micro-segmentation
- Firewall configuration: Rule sets, stateful vs. stateless inspection
- Demilitarized zones (DMZs) and their security role
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) capabilities and deployment
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Site-to-site and remote access
- Secure remote access with zero trust network access (ZTNA)
- Network Access Control (NAC) and 802.1X authentication
- DNS security: DNSSEC, DNS filtering, and poisoning prevention
- Port security and protocol analysis fundamentals
- Wi-Fi security: WPA3, EAP-TLS, and rogue access point detection
- Network monitoring with NetFlow and sFlow
- Threat intelligence integration into network defences
- Secure architecture design: Defence in depth and fail-safe defaults
- Network logging and centralised log management (SIEM prep)
Module 5: Endpoint and Application Security - Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools and use cases
- Antivirus vs. anti-malware: Detection capabilities and limitations
- Host-based firewall configuration and rule management
- USB and removable media security policies
- Application whitelisting and execution control
- Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) overview
- Secure coding principles: Input validation, error handling, memory safety
- Web application vulnerabilities: OWASP Top 10 deep dive
- SQL injection: Detection, prevention, and automated scanning
- Cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
- Security misconfigurations in web servers and APIs
- Secure API design: Authentication, rate limiting, input sanitisation
- Mobile application security testing (MAST) fundamentals
- Container security: Docker, Kubernetes, and image scanning
- Runtime application self-protection (RASP) and WAF integration
Module 6: Security Operations and Incident Response - Building a Security Operations Center (SOC): Tiered structure
- Incident response lifecycle: Preparation to post-mortem
- Creating and maintaining an incident response plan (IRP)
- Threat hunting: Proactive detection techniques
- Digital forensics: Chain of custody and evidence collection
- Memory, disk, and network forensics tools and workflows
- Malware analysis: Static vs. dynamic techniques
- Log analysis: Time correlation, anomaly detection, and baselining
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
- Tabletop exercises and red team/blue team simulations
- Ransomware response: Isolation, decryption, and recovery
- Data breach notification requirements and timelines
- Engaging legal, PR, and executive leadership during incidents
- Post-incident reviews and improvement planning
- Developing an internal threat intelligence capability
Module 7: Cloud Security and DevSecOps - Shared responsibility model: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Storage security: S3 buckets, ACLs, and public access blocking
- Serverless security: Lambda, Cloud Functions, and event triggers
- Cloud logging and monitoring with CloudTrail, CloudWatch, etc
- Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security: Terraform, CloudFormation
- Secure CI/CD pipelines: Scanning, approvals, and gate checks
- Secrets management in cloud environments
- Container security in cloud-native architectures
- Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP)
- Serverless function access controls and least privilege
- Cloud network security: VPCs, security groups, NACLs
- Backup and disaster recovery in multi-cloud environments
- Compliance in the cloud: FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS alignments
Module 8: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking - Legal and ethical considerations: Rules of engagement
- Penetration testing phases: Reconnaissance to reporting
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering techniques
- Network scanning with Nmap: Host discovery and service enumeration
- Vulnerability scanning with Nessus and OpenVAS
- Exploitation frameworks: Introduction to Metasploit
- Manual exploitation: Buffer overflows, privilege escalation
- Web application penetration testing methodology
- Mobile app penetration testing: Android and iOS
- Wireless network penetration testing
- Social engineering attacks: Pretexting, baiting, tailgating
- Phishing simulation and user awareness testing
- Post-exploitation: Pivoting, data exfiltration, persistence
- Reporting findings: Executive summary and technical detail
- Remediation guidance and retesting processes
Module 9: Security Automation and Scripting - Introduction to Python for security automation
- Writing scripts to parse logs and detect anomalies
- Automating OSINT data collection with APIs
- Batch scripting for Windows security tasks
- Bash scripting for Linux security administration
- Using regex for log pattern matching and threat detection
- Automated vulnerability scanning with custom wrappers
- Building custom threat intelligence feeds
- Integrating scripts into SIEM alerting workflows
- Automating report generation and dashboard updates
- Working with JSON, XML, and CSV data formats
- API security testing automation
- Task scheduling and cron job management
- Error handling and logging in security scripts
- Secure coding practices for automation tools
Module 10: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Leadership - Developing a cybersecurity strategy aligned to business goals
- Board-level communication: Translating risk into business impact
- Cybersecurity budgeting and resource allocation
- Security awareness training program development
- Measuring security performance with KPIs and KRIs
- Conducting internal audits and compliance checks
- Third-party security assessments and questionnaires
- Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR)
- Risk appetite statements and tolerance thresholds
- Regulatory change management processes
- Vendor risk rating and scorecarding systems
- Security program maturity models (CMMI, NIST RMF)
- Preparing for external audits and certifications
- Incident disclosure and regulatory reporting timelines
- Building a culture of security across departments
Module 11: Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects - Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST
Module 12: Career Advancement and Certification Preparation - Building a cybersecurity resume that passes ATS filters
- LinkedIn optimisation for security roles and visibility
- Networking strategies: Conferences, forums, and local meetups
- Tailoring cover letters for SOC, pen testing, GRC roles
- Answering technical interview questions with confidence
- Behavioural interview preparation using STAR method
- Preparing for entry-level certifications: CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to CISSP: Requirements, domains, and study plan
- CEH, CISM, and CISA: Which cert fits your goals?
- Time management for certification exam success
- Practising with realistic exam simulations and quizzes
- Negotiating salary and total compensation packages
- Transitioning from IT to security: Proving your readiness
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job applications
- Next steps: Mentorship, specialisation, and leadership paths
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools and use cases
- Antivirus vs. anti-malware: Detection capabilities and limitations
- Host-based firewall configuration and rule management
- USB and removable media security policies
- Application whitelisting and execution control
- Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) overview
- Secure coding principles: Input validation, error handling, memory safety
- Web application vulnerabilities: OWASP Top 10 deep dive
- SQL injection: Detection, prevention, and automated scanning
- Cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
- Security misconfigurations in web servers and APIs
- Secure API design: Authentication, rate limiting, input sanitisation
- Mobile application security testing (MAST) fundamentals
- Container security: Docker, Kubernetes, and image scanning
- Runtime application self-protection (RASP) and WAF integration
Module 6: Security Operations and Incident Response - Building a Security Operations Center (SOC): Tiered structure
- Incident response lifecycle: Preparation to post-mortem
- Creating and maintaining an incident response plan (IRP)
- Threat hunting: Proactive detection techniques
- Digital forensics: Chain of custody and evidence collection
- Memory, disk, and network forensics tools and workflows
- Malware analysis: Static vs. dynamic techniques
- Log analysis: Time correlation, anomaly detection, and baselining
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
- Tabletop exercises and red team/blue team simulations
- Ransomware response: Isolation, decryption, and recovery
- Data breach notification requirements and timelines
- Engaging legal, PR, and executive leadership during incidents
- Post-incident reviews and improvement planning
- Developing an internal threat intelligence capability
Module 7: Cloud Security and DevSecOps - Shared responsibility model: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Storage security: S3 buckets, ACLs, and public access blocking
- Serverless security: Lambda, Cloud Functions, and event triggers
- Cloud logging and monitoring with CloudTrail, CloudWatch, etc
- Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security: Terraform, CloudFormation
- Secure CI/CD pipelines: Scanning, approvals, and gate checks
- Secrets management in cloud environments
- Container security in cloud-native architectures
- Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP)
- Serverless function access controls and least privilege
- Cloud network security: VPCs, security groups, NACLs
- Backup and disaster recovery in multi-cloud environments
- Compliance in the cloud: FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS alignments
Module 8: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking - Legal and ethical considerations: Rules of engagement
- Penetration testing phases: Reconnaissance to reporting
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering techniques
- Network scanning with Nmap: Host discovery and service enumeration
- Vulnerability scanning with Nessus and OpenVAS
- Exploitation frameworks: Introduction to Metasploit
- Manual exploitation: Buffer overflows, privilege escalation
- Web application penetration testing methodology
- Mobile app penetration testing: Android and iOS
- Wireless network penetration testing
- Social engineering attacks: Pretexting, baiting, tailgating
- Phishing simulation and user awareness testing
- Post-exploitation: Pivoting, data exfiltration, persistence
- Reporting findings: Executive summary and technical detail
- Remediation guidance and retesting processes
Module 9: Security Automation and Scripting - Introduction to Python for security automation
- Writing scripts to parse logs and detect anomalies
- Automating OSINT data collection with APIs
- Batch scripting for Windows security tasks
- Bash scripting for Linux security administration
- Using regex for log pattern matching and threat detection
- Automated vulnerability scanning with custom wrappers
- Building custom threat intelligence feeds
- Integrating scripts into SIEM alerting workflows
- Automating report generation and dashboard updates
- Working with JSON, XML, and CSV data formats
- API security testing automation
- Task scheduling and cron job management
- Error handling and logging in security scripts
- Secure coding practices for automation tools
Module 10: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Leadership - Developing a cybersecurity strategy aligned to business goals
- Board-level communication: Translating risk into business impact
- Cybersecurity budgeting and resource allocation
- Security awareness training program development
- Measuring security performance with KPIs and KRIs
- Conducting internal audits and compliance checks
- Third-party security assessments and questionnaires
- Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR)
- Risk appetite statements and tolerance thresholds
- Regulatory change management processes
- Vendor risk rating and scorecarding systems
- Security program maturity models (CMMI, NIST RMF)
- Preparing for external audits and certifications
- Incident disclosure and regulatory reporting timelines
- Building a culture of security across departments
Module 11: Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects - Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST
Module 12: Career Advancement and Certification Preparation - Building a cybersecurity resume that passes ATS filters
- LinkedIn optimisation for security roles and visibility
- Networking strategies: Conferences, forums, and local meetups
- Tailoring cover letters for SOC, pen testing, GRC roles
- Answering technical interview questions with confidence
- Behavioural interview preparation using STAR method
- Preparing for entry-level certifications: CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to CISSP: Requirements, domains, and study plan
- CEH, CISM, and CISA: Which cert fits your goals?
- Time management for certification exam success
- Practising with realistic exam simulations and quizzes
- Negotiating salary and total compensation packages
- Transitioning from IT to security: Proving your readiness
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job applications
- Next steps: Mentorship, specialisation, and leadership paths
- Shared responsibility model: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Storage security: S3 buckets, ACLs, and public access blocking
- Serverless security: Lambda, Cloud Functions, and event triggers
- Cloud logging and monitoring with CloudTrail, CloudWatch, etc
- Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security: Terraform, CloudFormation
- Secure CI/CD pipelines: Scanning, approvals, and gate checks
- Secrets management in cloud environments
- Container security in cloud-native architectures
- Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP)
- Serverless function access controls and least privilege
- Cloud network security: VPCs, security groups, NACLs
- Backup and disaster recovery in multi-cloud environments
- Compliance in the cloud: FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS alignments
Module 8: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking - Legal and ethical considerations: Rules of engagement
- Penetration testing phases: Reconnaissance to reporting
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering techniques
- Network scanning with Nmap: Host discovery and service enumeration
- Vulnerability scanning with Nessus and OpenVAS
- Exploitation frameworks: Introduction to Metasploit
- Manual exploitation: Buffer overflows, privilege escalation
- Web application penetration testing methodology
- Mobile app penetration testing: Android and iOS
- Wireless network penetration testing
- Social engineering attacks: Pretexting, baiting, tailgating
- Phishing simulation and user awareness testing
- Post-exploitation: Pivoting, data exfiltration, persistence
- Reporting findings: Executive summary and technical detail
- Remediation guidance and retesting processes
Module 9: Security Automation and Scripting - Introduction to Python for security automation
- Writing scripts to parse logs and detect anomalies
- Automating OSINT data collection with APIs
- Batch scripting for Windows security tasks
- Bash scripting for Linux security administration
- Using regex for log pattern matching and threat detection
- Automated vulnerability scanning with custom wrappers
- Building custom threat intelligence feeds
- Integrating scripts into SIEM alerting workflows
- Automating report generation and dashboard updates
- Working with JSON, XML, and CSV data formats
- API security testing automation
- Task scheduling and cron job management
- Error handling and logging in security scripts
- Secure coding practices for automation tools
Module 10: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Leadership - Developing a cybersecurity strategy aligned to business goals
- Board-level communication: Translating risk into business impact
- Cybersecurity budgeting and resource allocation
- Security awareness training program development
- Measuring security performance with KPIs and KRIs
- Conducting internal audits and compliance checks
- Third-party security assessments and questionnaires
- Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR)
- Risk appetite statements and tolerance thresholds
- Regulatory change management processes
- Vendor risk rating and scorecarding systems
- Security program maturity models (CMMI, NIST RMF)
- Preparing for external audits and certifications
- Incident disclosure and regulatory reporting timelines
- Building a culture of security across departments
Module 11: Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects - Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST
Module 12: Career Advancement and Certification Preparation - Building a cybersecurity resume that passes ATS filters
- LinkedIn optimisation for security roles and visibility
- Networking strategies: Conferences, forums, and local meetups
- Tailoring cover letters for SOC, pen testing, GRC roles
- Answering technical interview questions with confidence
- Behavioural interview preparation using STAR method
- Preparing for entry-level certifications: CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to CISSP: Requirements, domains, and study plan
- CEH, CISM, and CISA: Which cert fits your goals?
- Time management for certification exam success
- Practising with realistic exam simulations and quizzes
- Negotiating salary and total compensation packages
- Transitioning from IT to security: Proving your readiness
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job applications
- Next steps: Mentorship, specialisation, and leadership paths
- Introduction to Python for security automation
- Writing scripts to parse logs and detect anomalies
- Automating OSINT data collection with APIs
- Batch scripting for Windows security tasks
- Bash scripting for Linux security administration
- Using regex for log pattern matching and threat detection
- Automated vulnerability scanning with custom wrappers
- Building custom threat intelligence feeds
- Integrating scripts into SIEM alerting workflows
- Automating report generation and dashboard updates
- Working with JSON, XML, and CSV data formats
- API security testing automation
- Task scheduling and cron job management
- Error handling and logging in security scripts
- Secure coding practices for automation tools
Module 10: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Leadership - Developing a cybersecurity strategy aligned to business goals
- Board-level communication: Translating risk into business impact
- Cybersecurity budgeting and resource allocation
- Security awareness training program development
- Measuring security performance with KPIs and KRIs
- Conducting internal audits and compliance checks
- Third-party security assessments and questionnaires
- Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR)
- Risk appetite statements and tolerance thresholds
- Regulatory change management processes
- Vendor risk rating and scorecarding systems
- Security program maturity models (CMMI, NIST RMF)
- Preparing for external audits and certifications
- Incident disclosure and regulatory reporting timelines
- Building a culture of security across departments
Module 11: Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects - Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST
Module 12: Career Advancement and Certification Preparation - Building a cybersecurity resume that passes ATS filters
- LinkedIn optimisation for security roles and visibility
- Networking strategies: Conferences, forums, and local meetups
- Tailoring cover letters for SOC, pen testing, GRC roles
- Answering technical interview questions with confidence
- Behavioural interview preparation using STAR method
- Preparing for entry-level certifications: CompTIA Security+
- Pathway to CISSP: Requirements, domains, and study plan
- CEH, CISM, and CISA: Which cert fits your goals?
- Time management for certification exam success
- Practising with realistic exam simulations and quizzes
- Negotiating salary and total compensation packages
- Transitioning from IT to security: Proving your readiness
- Leveraging your Certificate of Completion for job applications
- Next steps: Mentorship, specialisation, and leadership paths
- Setting up a secure home lab with virtual machines
- Configuring a SIEM with real log sources
- Analysing simulated breach data for IOC extraction
- Designing a zero trust architecture for a mid-sized company
- Conducting a full risk assessment for a SaaS startup
- Creating an incident response playbook for ransomware
- Penetration testing a vulnerable web application (OWASP Juice Shop)
- Hardening a Windows server against known exploits
- Securing a public-facing API with rate limiting and JWT
- Automating log analysis with custom Python scripts
- Building a GRC dashboard for executive reporting
- Creating an IAM strategy for a hybrid cloud environment
- Simulating a phishing campaign and measuring user response
- Developing a security awareness training module
- Implementing a secure CI/CD pipeline with SAST/DAST