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Dale Meredith

This course will teach you the techniques of hacking systems that you’ll need for the 312-50 exam

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This course will teach you the techniques of hacking systems that you’ll need for the 312-50 exam

System hacking is one of the most important, and sometimes, the ultimate goal of an attacker. In this course, Ethical Hacking: System Hacking, you’ll learn the different techniques attackers will use to breach your systems. First, you’ll explore the hacking methodology that attackers use. Next, you’ll discover gain access and escalate privileges. Finally, you’ll learn how to maintain access to the targets you’ve "pwned". When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of an ethical hacker needed for the 312-50.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Clarifying the Phases and Methods for System Hacking
Gaining Access: Cracking Passwords
Gaining Access: More Cracking Methods
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops hacking skills suitable for the 312-50 exam
Introduces ethical hacking methodologies for system security breaches
Provides techniques for gaining access, escalating privileges, and maintaining access
Covers password cracking, privilege escalation, and application execution
Involves hands-on labs and interactive materials

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Reviews summary

Foundational ethical hacking for beginners

According to learners, this course serves as an excellent foundational guide for those new to ethical hacking and preparing for the 312-50 exam. Students consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and the highly valuable hands-on labs and practical demonstrations which solidify understanding. The course effectively covers core system hacking methodologies including gaining and maintaining access, making complex topics approachable. However, more experienced students may find the content too basic, and a consistent concern is that some tools and techniques can feel slightly outdated, requiring learners to seek external resources for comprehensive modern applications. It is largely seen as a strong starting point rather than a complete, standalone preparation for the exam.
Ideal for novices, but potentially too basic for experts.
"This course covers system hacking basics, but I was expecting more advanced techniques. As someone with prior experience, I found much of it to be a review."
"However, for a complete beginner, it's probably perfect."
"Decent course but definitely for beginners. If you have any experience in cybersecurity or networking, you might find it too basic."
"Absolutely brilliant! As a complete newbie to ethical hacking, this course was a godsend."
"Solid content, especially for a beginner."
Aids 312-50 exam prep, but not a complete solution.
"It definitely sets a good foundation for the CEH exam, though it's not a complete prep. I used it to supplement my studies and it helped a lot."
"The content is highly relevant for anyone looking to get into ethical hacking or prepare for the CEH."
"For the fundamental understanding required for the 312-50 exam, it's effective. It definitely requires you to practice on your own beyond the course..."
"It helps understand the exam topics but isn't sufficient on its own."
Includes valuable labs and demonstrations for practice.
"The hands-on labs are great for practice. I found the section on password cracking particularly useful and well-explained, complete with demos."
"I especially appreciated the practical examples and the logical flow of the modules... The labs are fantastic and really solidify understanding."
"I particularly liked the hands-on approach."
"The step-by-step guidance in the labs was invaluable."
"The practical demos are a huge plus."
Provides a strong base for new ethical hackers.
"Overall, a very solid course for ethical hacking beginners."
"Excellent course! The content is highly relevant for anyone looking to get into ethical hacking..."
"Absolutely brilliant! As a complete newbie to ethical hacking, this course was a godsend."
"I now feel confident in my understanding of system hacking fundamentals..."
"Good introduction to system hacking. The course provided a clear methodology..."
Some tools and techniques may no longer be current.
"My only minor gripe is that some tools mentioned felt slightly outdated, but the core principles remain relevant."
"This course is severely outdated. Many of the tools and techniques demonstrated no longer work or are irrelevant..."
"I wish there were more updated tools and real-world scenarios, as some parts felt a bit academic."
"My main feedback would be to refresh some of the tool versions and add more content on contemporary attack vectors..."
"I struggled to follow along with the labs because the instructions were for older versions of software."

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: System Hacking with these activities:
Connect with Industry Professionals
Expand your knowledge and network by seeking guidance from experienced professionals.
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and conferences.
  • Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or other networking platforms.
  • Request informational interviews or ask for advice.
Network Penetration Exercises
Hone your network penetration skills through hands-on exercises.
Show steps
  • Join online hacking challenges or participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) events.
  • Utilize virtual machines or network simulators to practice network penetration techniques.
  • Analyze network traffic and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Cracking Password Challenges
Reinforce your understanding of password cracking methodologies by engaging in practice drills.
Show steps
  • Access online platforms or resources providing password cracking challenges.
  • Attempt to crack passwords using various techniques, such as brute force, dictionary attacks, and rainbow tables.
  • Analyze results and identify successful and unsuccessful approaches.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Develop a Penetration Testing Plan
Solidify your grasp of penetration testing by creating a comprehensive plan.
Show steps
  • Identify the scope and objectives of the penetration test.
  • Gather information about the target system, including network architecture and vulnerabilities.
  • Develop a testing strategy outlining the tools and techniques to be used.
  • Draft a report documenting the findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers are hired by companies and organizations to test the security of their computer systems. They try to hack into their clients' systems to find vulnerabilities and recommend ways to fix them. Studying Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give the Penetration Tester skills that will make them a more valuable asset to their clients.
IT Security Manager
IT Security Managers are responsible for overseeing the security of their organization's IT infrastructure. This includes developing and implementing security policies and procedures, managing the organization's IT security team, and responding to security incidents. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give the IT Security Manager the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their organization's IT security program.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for the overall security of an organization's information systems. The CISO develops and implements security policies and procedures, and oversees the implementation of security technologies. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give the CISO the knowledge and skills needed to effectively protect their organization's information systems from cyber attacks.
Cybersecurity Manager
Cybersecurity Managers oversee the cybersecurity program of their organizations. They are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures, and for managing the organization's cybersecurity team. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give the Cybersecurity Manager the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their organization's cybersecurity program.
Cybersecurity Architect
Cybersecurity Architects design and implement security solutions for their organizations. They work to protect data from unauthorized access or disclosure, and to ensure that data is available to those who need it. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give the Cybersecurity Architect the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement effective security solutions.
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security systems for their companies and clients. They need to have a deep understanding of how hackers think and operate. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give the Security Architect skills they can use to strengthen their systems against attack.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems for their companies and clients. A Cybersecurity Engineer who has studied Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop secure systems that are less likely to be compromised by attackers.
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. They may also help organizations to develop and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures, and to conduct security assessments. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a Cybersecurity Consultant by teaching you how to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in systems.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts help defend companies from cyber attacks, security breaches, and unauthorized access to computers and networks. An Information Security Analyst will often try to hack into their own computer systems to see if they can find security weaknesses before an outside attacker finds them. Studying Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will help you gain the skills you need to become an Information Security Analyst by teaching you to identify security weaknesses in systems.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers protect the computer networks of their companies and clients. Their job is similar to an Information Security Analyst, but instead of hacking into systems, a Network Security Engineer will focus on securing networks. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will give you a solid foundation in identifying vulnerabilities in computer networks.
Information Assurance Analyst
Information Assurance Analysts design, implement, and maintain information security programs for their companies and clients. They work to protect data from unauthorized access or disclosure, and to ensure that data is available to those who need it. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will help you develop the skills you need to be an Information Assurance Analyst.
Computer Forensic Analyst
Computer Forensic Analysts investigate crimes involving computers. They often need to recover data from damaged or encrypted computers. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will teach you the skills you need to recover data from compromised systems.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of computer networks. They often work with Network Security Engineers to ensure that a company's network is secure. A Network Administrator who has also studied Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will have useful knowledge when it comes to identifying security threats and taking steps to prevent them.
Malware Analyst
Malware Analysts specialize in reverse-engineering and analyzing malicious software. They may be required to study different kinds of attacks and hacking techniques, or even to find methods for detecting and stopping attacks from happening in the first place. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will familiarize you with different types of malware and how they work.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers develop and implement methods to protect information from unauthorized access or disclosure. This may involve designing and implementing encryption algorithms or protocols, developing methods for key management, or studying and breaking encryption systems. Ethical Hacking: System Hacking will teach you about the different types of cryptography and how they can be used to protect data.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethical Hacking: System Hacking.
Third edition of a widely used book by cybersecurity professionals. It starts with general concepts and methodologies and later covers the specifics of practical penetration testing.
Provides a technical deep dive into hacking. It is more suitable as a reference guide than a textbook, as it assumes intermediate to advanced knowledge of the topic.
Provides a hands-on guide to malware analysis. It teaches learners how to identify, analyze, and mitigate malicious software.
Focuses on the ethical aspects of hacking. It provides ethical considerations and guidelines for ethical hacking activities.
Is written from the perspective of a hacker. It adds a historical component to hacking, which can be useful for learners who are interested in the whole picture.

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