Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students going through ehe training will learn:
§ key issues plaguing the information security world and information security laws and standards
§ fundamentals of ethical hacking
§ information security threats and vulnerabilities
§ different types of malware
§ different types of password-cracking techniques and countermeasures
§ social engineering techniques, insider threats, identity theft, and countermeasures

§ network-level attacks (sniffing, denial-of-service, and session hijacking) and countermeasures
§ application level attacks (webserver attacks, web application attacks, and sql injection) and countermeasures
§ wireless encryption, wireless threats, and countermeasures
§ mobile platform attack vector, mobile device management, mobile security guidelines, and security tools
§ iot and ot concepts, attacks, and countermeasures
§ cloud computing technologies, cloud computing threats, attacks, and security techniques
§ fundamentals of pen testing

Students going through ehe training will learn:
§ key issues plaguing the information security world and information security laws and standards
§ fundamentals of ethical hacking
§ information security threats and vulnerabilities
§ different types of malware
§ different types of password-cracking techniques and countermeasures
§ social engineering techniques, insider threats, identity theft, and countermeasures
§ network-level attacks (sniffing, denial-of-service, and session hijacking) and countermeasures
§ application level attacks (webserver attacks, web application attacks, and sql injection) and countermeasures
§ wireless encryption, wireless threats, and countermeasures
§ mobile platform attack vector, mobile device management, mobile security guidelines, and security tools
§ iot and ot concepts, attacks, and countermeasures
§ cloud computing technologies, cloud computing threats, attacks, and security techniques
§ fundamentals of pen testing

Syllabus

Module 01: Information Security Fundamentals

This module provides an insight into the different elements of information security.

Module 02: Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

This module provides an insight into cyber kill chain methodology, hacking concepts, and hacker classes.

Module 03: Information Security Threats and Vulnerability Assessment

This module provides an insight into cyber security threats and vulnerability assessment.

Module 04: Password Cracking Techniques and Countermeasures

This module provides an in-depth understanding of password cracking techniques and the corresponding defensive measures that can help individuals and organizations create strong password policies and protect personal or corporate information.

Module 05: Social Engineering Techniques and Countermeasures

This module provides an insight into human-based, computer-based, and mobile-based social engineering techniques.

Module 06: Network Level Attacks and Countermeasures

This module provides insight into various network-level attacks, such as sniffing, DoS attacks, session hijacking, etc. This module also familiarizes students with various network security countermeasures.

Module 07: Web Application Attacks and Countermeasures

This module familiarizes students with web-server attacks and countermeasures. This module also familiarizes students with various web-application threats, attacks, and countermeasures.

Module 08: Wireless Attacks and Countermeasures

This module describes wireless networks, wireless network standards, wireless encryption algorithms, wireless-network attack techniques, and countermeasures to protect wireless networks.

Module 09: Mobile Attacks and Countermeasures

This module explains the potential threats to mobile platforms and provides guidelines for using mobile devices securely.

Module 10: IoT and OT Attacks and Countermeasures

The main objective of this module is to explain the potential threats to IoT and OT platforms and to provide guidelines for securing IoT devices and OT infrastructure.

Module 11: Cloud Computing Threats and Countermeasures

This module provides insight into cloud computing concepts, container technology, cloud computing threats, and cloud computing security to meet the security requirements.

Module 12: Penetration Testing Fundamentals

This module discusses the importance of penetration testing in an organization and explains the crucial role that a tester plays in identifying vulnerabilities.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores cybersecurity threats and countermeasures in websites and web servers

Suitable for those seeking foundational knowledge in ethical hacking and information security concepts

Covers diverse facets of information security, including social engineering and IoT threats

Provides hands-on skills for ethical hacking and security testing

Taught by an experienced instructor in ethical hacking and information security

Aligned with current industry practices and standards in information security

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) with these activities:

Review cryptography basics

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Solidify your knowledge of core cryptographic principles and techniques before diving into the complexities of ethical hacking.

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Revisit concepts of encryption and decryption
Review common cryptographic algorithms like AES and RSA
Brush up on public key infrastructure (PKI)
Explore basic cryptanalysis techniques

Review Cloud Security Concepts

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As more organizations move their data and applications to the cloud, it is important to have a solid understanding of cloud security concepts.

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Review the AWS Security Whitepapers.
Read blog posts and articles on cloud security best practices.

Practice Ethical Hacking Concepts

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Explores key concepts that are building blocks in ethical hacking, refreshes or expands on prior knowledge.

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Review the fundamentals of ethical hacking, including its principles and methodologies.
Practice using different types of hacking tools and techniques.
Test your skills by participating in online hacking challenges or competitions.

12 other activities

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Review the Fundamentals of Secure Coding and Cyber Security

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Secure coding is an important part of information security. Review key concepts in order to have a better foundation for this course.

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Review the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10.
Check out the SANS Institute's resources on secure coding.
Read white papers and blog posts on recent cyber security trends and best practices.

Form a Study Group with Classmates

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Forming a study group with classmates can provide a supportive environment for learning, sharing knowledge, and working through challenging concepts.

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Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Set up regular meeting times and a communication platform.
Prepare questions, share notes, and discuss course materials during study sessions.
Collaborate on projects and assignments to gain diverse perspectives.

Practice Password Cracking Techniques

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This pre-course activity can help bring you up to speed on the art of password cracking. Password cracking techniques are the foundation of ethical hacking.

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Review common password cracking techniques such as brute-force attacks and dictionary attacks
Familiarize yourself with password cracking tools like John the Ripper and Hashcat
Set up a lab environment where you can practice password cracking techniques without endangering any real-world systems.

Research and Follow Online Tutorials on Information Security

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Review the fundamentals of information security and ethical hacking by watching tutorials online, which can help reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

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Identify reputable sources for online tutorials on information security topics.
Watch video tutorials and take notes on key concepts, techniques, and tools.
Practice applying the techniques and tools you learn from the tutorials.
Share your understanding and findings with classmates or colleagues for feedback.

Compile a List of Information Security Resources

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Having a curated list of information security resources, such as articles, tools, and online communities, can serve as a valuable reference for future learning and staying up-to-date.

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Search for high-quality articles, websites, and other resources on information security.
Organize and categorize the resources based on specific topics or categories.
Create a document or spreadsheet to store the compiled resources.
Share the compilation with classmates or colleagues for their benefit.

Build a Virtual Pentesting Lab

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Setting up a virtual pentesting lab allows you to practice and refine your ethical hacking skills in a realistic and controlled environment.

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Install and configure a virtual machine environment.
Create a target operating system for testing and set up vulnerable services.
Install and configure pentesting tools on the attacking machine.
Test the vulnerability and use pentesting tools to identify and exploit security flaws.

Attend Information Security Conferences

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Attending conferences can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in information security.

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Identify information security conferences that are relevant to your interests.
Register for the conference and make travel arrangements.
Attend the conference and participate in sessions.
Network with other professionals in the information security field.

Write a Blog Post on a Specific Information Security Topic

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Writing a blog post on a specific aspect of information security encourages you to synthesize your understanding and share your knowledge, deepening your grasp of the subject.

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Choose a specific information security topic that interests you or that you feel confident in.
Research the topic thoroughly, gathering information from credible sources.
Write a draft that outlines the key points and your insights.
Revise and edit the blog post to ensure clarity, accuracy, and flow.

Practice Penetration Testing with Bug Bounty Platforms

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Penetration testing is a key component of information security. Try practicing on a number of platforms in order to solidify these skills.

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Create an account on a bug bounty platform.
Identify a target application or website.
Perform penetration testing and identify vulnerabilities.
Submit a vulnerability report to the platform and receive a reward.

Build a Simple Malware Analysis Lab

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This project will provide you with hands-on experience in malware analysis.

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Set up a virtual machine for malware analysis.
Install and configure malware analysis tools.
Collect malware samples.
Analyze malware samples and identify their behavior.

Create a Threat Hunting Dashboard

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This project will provide you with experience in threat hunting and dashboard development.

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Identify the data sources that you want to use for your dashboard.
Collect and analyze the data.
Create a dashboard that visualizes the data and identifies potential threats.
Use the dashboard to monitor your network for threats.

Participate in a Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition

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CTF competitions provide a challenging and engaging way to test and enhance your ethical hacking skills against other participants.

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Find and register for a reputable CTF competition that aligns with your skill level.
Set up your environment and tools.
Collaborate with team members (optional) to solve challenges and capture flags.
Submit flags and track your progress on the scoreboard.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers are computer security professionals who are hired to penetrate an organization's computer networks and systems to identify security vulnerabilities. They use the same techniques as malicious hackers, but with the permission of the organization. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) is a great course for Ethical Hackers because it provides a comprehensive overview of ethical hacking techniques and methodologies. This knowledge can help Ethical Hackers better understand the threats facing organizations and develop more effective security measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are computer security professionals who are hired to penetrate an organization's computer networks and systems to identify security vulnerabilities. They use the same techniques as malicious hackers, but with the permission of the organization. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) is a great course for Penetration Testers because it provides a comprehensive overview of penetration testing techniques and methodologies. This knowledge can help Penetration Testers better understand the threats facing organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security program. They also oversee the organization's information security staff and ensure that the program is aligned with the organization's business goals. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Information Security Managers because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Information Security Managers better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security strategy. They also oversee the organization's information security program and ensure that it is aligned with the organization's business goals. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for CISOs because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help CISOs better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Network Security Engineers because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, network-level attacks, and wireless attacks. This knowledge can help Network Security Engineers better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Security Architects because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, network-level attacks, and wireless attacks. This knowledge can help Security Architects better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts identify and assess security risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Cybersecurity Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Cybersecurity Analysts better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants help organizations assess their security risks and develop and implement security measures to protect against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Security Consultants because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Security Consultants better understand the threats facing their clients and develop more effective security measures.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts identify and assess security risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. By developing and implementing security measures to protect against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information, they help organizations maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their information assets. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Information Security Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Information Security Analysts better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts identify and assess security risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Security Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Security Analysts better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Incident Responder

Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents. They also develop and implement security measures to prevent and mitigate security incidents. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Incident Responders because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Incident Responders better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts investigate and analyze malware to identify its capabilities and develop countermeasures. They also develop and implement security measures to prevent and mitigate malware infections. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Malware Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, malware, and social engineering techniques. This knowledge can help Malware Analysts better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and assess risks to an organization's assets. They also develop and implement security measures to mitigate these risks. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Risk Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, and social engineering techniques. This knowledge can help Risk Analysts better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Threat Intelligence Analyst

Threat Intelligence Analysts collect and analyze information about threats to an organization's assets. They also develop and implement security measures to mitigate these threats. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Threat Intelligence Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, and social engineering techniques. This knowledge can help Threat Intelligence Analysts better understand the threats facing their organizations and develop more effective security measures.

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Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analysts investigate computer crimes and provide expert testimony in court. They also develop and implement security measures to prevent computer crimes. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) may be useful for Forensic Computer Analysts because it provides a holistic overview of information security, including topics such as ethical hacking, information security threats and vulnerabilities, social engineering techniques, and network-level attacks. This knowledge can help Forensic Computer Analysts better understand the techniques used by criminals and develop more effective security measures.

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