Python for Cybersecurity from Udemy

Python for Cybersecurity is an introductory Python scripting course, designed for individuals who have no prior scripting experience. With a specific focus on cybersecurity topics, several Python scripts are created and reviewed to showcase the power, flexibility, and ease of use for using Python.

This course is designed with a learn by doing approach that focuses on creation of fully functional scripts. Instead of being stuck learning the details of the programming or scripting language to create the "optimal" solution, we focus on "what works" instead. Once complete, we can then extend what we have to build bigger and better solutions

We will introduce the basic concepts of Python and how it can be used to facilitate cybersecurity initiatives. Additionally, we will introduce other tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, Git and GitHub, various Linux commands, and Postman.

Included in this course:

Introduction to Python
Introduction to scripting related tools
Using Python to perform network scans
Using Python for cryptography and encryption
Understanding how passwords are stored and how insecure passwords can be guessed
Introduction to web-based APIs and RESTful transactions
Using APIs with a cybersecurity focus

This course is specifically designed to be completed on the Raspberry PI 4 single board computer. However, it can also be completed on a Windows, Linux, or Apple computer.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Introduction to python
Introduction to scripting related tools
Performing network scans using python

Introduction to using apis
Using cybersecurity related apis
Encryption basics

Introduction to python
Introduction to scripting related tools
Performing network scans using python
Introduction to using apis
Using cybersecurity related apis
Encryption basics

Syllabus

Introduction to Python and our tools

Introduction

Introduction to Raspberry Pi

Why Python

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops Python scripting skills, which are foundational for cybersecurity initiatives

Provides a hands-on approach to learning cybersecurity concepts through Python scripting

Introduces essential cybersecurity tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, Git, GitHub, and Postman

Focuses on practical applications of Python for cybersecurity tasks such as network scanning, cryptography, and API utilization

Emphasizes the importance of secure password management and explores password cracking techniques

Designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 single board computer, but can also be completed on various operating systems

Reviews summary

Python for cybersecurity: a practical starter

According to learners, Python for Cybersecurity is a largely positive and highly recommended course for those new to Python and cybersecurity. Students consistently praise its practical, learn-by-doing approach, which focuses on creating fully functional scripts rather than theoretical perfection. Many found the instructor's explanations clear and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible. The course provides a solid foundation in areas like network scanning, cryptography, and password security, integrating useful tools such as VS Code and Git. While it serves as an excellent starting point, some experienced coders might find the content too basic and wishing for more in-depth coverage.

Instructor's explanations are clear and easy to follow.

"The instructor explains concepts clearly and makes it easy to follow along..."

"The instructor is excellent! His explanations are clear, and he keeps the pace just right for someone new..."

"The instructor's voice is clear, and the code examples are easy to follow."

Practical examples in cybersecurity and tool integration.

"The API sections were very practical. It covers a lot of ground from basic Python to specific cybersecurity applications."

"The demos on network scanning and encryption were very insightful."

"I particularly liked how it integrated different tools like VS Code and Git right from the start. The material on password storage and dictionary attacks was eye-opening."

Ideal for those new to Python or scripting.

"A fantastic starting point for anyone looking to use Python in security... Highly recommended for beginners!"

"As someone completely new to Python, this course was a blessing."

"Absolutely amazing! I had zero Python knowledge, and now I can write simple scripts for security tasks."

Emphasizes 'learn by doing' with functional scripts.

"The hands-on labs are incredibly valuable... I particularly enjoyed the password cracking section."

"The focus on practical, working scripts rather than theoretical perfection made learning enjoyable and immediate."

"The approach of starting simple and then extending knowledge is highly effective... hands-on projects were the best part."

External links and content may be slightly outdated.

"A minor point: some of the external API links occasionally seemed broken or had changed, requiring some troubleshooting."

"The content felt a bit outdated in parts, especially with some external tools."

Too basic and slow for experienced Python users.

"If you already know Python, most of it will be review. The cybersecurity examples were basic."

"The course is very basic. If you have any coding experience, this will be too slow for you."

"I found some parts a bit superficial for my needs, but it's clearly advertised as an intro course."

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 Python for Cybersecurity with these activities:

Review concepts of cryptography and encryption

Show steps

Refreshing your knowledge of cryptography and encryption will strengthen your understanding of fundamental cybersecurity principles.

Browse courses on Cryptography

Show steps

Review your notes from previous cryptography or cybersecurity courses.
Read articles and online resources on cryptography and encryption.
Complete practice problems or exercises to test your understanding.

Complete online tutorials on Python basics

Show steps

Working through guided tutorials will provide hands-on practice and reinforce your understanding of Python basics.

Browse courses on Python

Show steps

Identify reputable online platforms or resources that offer Python tutorials for beginners.
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning style and pace.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial and complete the exercises.
Troubleshoot any errors or issues you encounter.

Connect with experienced cybersecurity professionals

Show steps

Establishing connections with experienced cybersecurity professionals can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your learning journey.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

Show steps

Attend industry events and conferences.
Reach out to cybersecurity professionals on LinkedIn.
Join online forums and communities.
Request informational interviews.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Solve Python coding challenges

Show steps

Solving Python coding challenges will enhance your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of Python syntax and concepts.

Browse courses on Python

Show steps

Find online platforms or resources that provide Python coding challenges.
Select challenges that are appropriate for your skill level.
Attempt to solve the challenges on your own.
Review solutions and explanations to identify areas for improvement.
Repeat the process with more challenging problems.

Assist with open-source cybersecurity projects

Show steps

Contributing to open-source cybersecurity projects will expose you to real-world cybersecurity challenges and enhance your practical skills.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

Show steps

Identify open-source cybersecurity projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute.
Submit pull requests with your contributions.
Collaborate with other contributors and maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Python for Cybersecurity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers develop and implement AI solutions. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and developing AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for building and deploying secure AI systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to identify patterns and trends. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and analyzing cybersecurity data. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for collecting and interpreting cybersecurity data to detect and respond to cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers build and maintain decentralized applications based on blockchain technology. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and developing secure blockchain applications. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for securing blockchain networks and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

DevSecOps Engineer

DevSecOps Engineers integrate security into the software development process. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and implementing DevSecOps practices. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for building and deploying secure software.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevSecOps Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design and implement security measures for cloud computing environments. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and implementing cloud security solutions. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for securing cloud infrastructures and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts analyze malicious software to understand its behavior and develop countermeasures. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and analyzing malware. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for identifying and analyzing malicious code and developing defenses against it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Incident Responder

Incident Responders handle cybersecurity incidents and restore systems to normal operation. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for investigating and remediating cyberattacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks by simulating cyberattacks. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and performing penetration testing. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting them in a controlled and ethical manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Computer Forensics Analyst

Computer Forensics Analysts investigate cybercrimes and collect evidence from computers and other digital devices. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and performing computer forensics investigations. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for acquiring and analyzing digital evidence in a forensically sound manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensics Analyst

Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify and respond to cyber threats. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and analyzing security data. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for collecting and interpreting security data to detect and respond to cyberattacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and designing cybersecurity architectures. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for designing and implementing secure network infrastructures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

Security Consultant

Security Consultants advise organizations on how to protect their information and systems from cyber threats. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding cybersecurity best practices and their implementation. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for assessing and advising on cybersecurity risks and solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers use their skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks before malicious actors can exploit them. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding ethical hacking techniques. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in a controlled and ethical manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect computer networks and systems. This course may be helpful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding and implementing cybersecurity solutions. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for securing networks and systems from cyberattacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst helps protect a company's critical systems and data from cyberattacks. This course may be useful in teaching you the basics of Python scripting and its applications in cybersecurity, providing a foundation for understanding cybersecurity principles and their implementation. It covers topics such as network scanning, encryption, password security, and API usage, which are essential for understanding and defending against cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst