Advanced Network Attacks, Web Hacking, and Cryptography from Coursera

Unlock the intricacies of advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography in this comprehensive course designed for cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals. You’ll gain expertise in identifying and mitigating session hijacking, evading firewalls and IDS, and exploiting web vulnerabilities, ensuring a holistic understanding of modern attack surfaces.

The course begins by delving into network and perimeter hacking techniques, exploring methods to bypass security systems, and demonstrating countermeasures. Progressing further, you’ll navigate web application hacking strategies, covering web servers, common vulnerabilities, and ethical hacking methodologies, including the OWASP Top 10. Dive deep into SQL injection techniques and wireless network exploitation, mastering tools, methods, and defenses for each.

Explore cutting-edge topics like mobile platform vulnerabilities, IoT device exploitation, and operational technology security. The course concludes with an extensive study of cryptography, from foundational concepts to practical tools and cryptanalysis, preparing you to implement robust encryption strategies and mitigate cryptographic attacks effectively.

Ideal for cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and IT specialists, this course requires a foundational knowledge of networking and basic cybersecurity concepts. It is best suited for intermediate-level learners aiming to advance their skills in offensive and defensive security strategies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Network and Perimeter Hacking - Session Hijacking

In this module, we will delve into session hijacking, a critical technique used to intercept trusted communications between systems. You will explore both network-level and application-level attacks, examining how attackers exploit vulnerabilities to hijack sessions. The module concludes with a focus on countermeasures, offering strategies to secure sessions and protect against these threats.

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Covers session hijacking, firewall evasion, and web vulnerabilities, which are essential topics for cybersecurity professionals to understand modern attack surfaces

Explores the OWASP Top 10, which is a standard awareness document about web application security for developers and those in cybersecurity

Examines mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking, which are increasingly relevant areas in cybersecurity due to the proliferation of connected devices

Requires a foundational knowledge of networking and basic cybersecurity concepts, suggesting it may not be suitable for absolute beginners

Includes a module on cloud computing, which is a core skill for cybersecurity professionals who need to secure modern cloud environments

Features a module on cryptography, which is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity and essential for implementing robust encryption strategies

Reviews summary

Advanced network & web security skills

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation and practical insights into advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography. Learners particularly appreciate the breadth of topics covered, including session hijacking, web server vulnerabilities, SQL injection, and wireless security. The hands-on approach and helpful demonstrations are frequently highlighted as strengths, making complex concepts understandable. While some reviews mention the coverage can be introductory for truly 'advanced' learners, others find it well-structured and easy to follow, especially with prior foundational knowledge. The course is seen as highly relevant for career advancement in cybersecurity.

Suited for intermediate learners with prerequisites met.

"As an intermediate learner, I found the pace and content suitable."

"Requires a solid foundation in networking and basic security concepts as stated."

"Some parts might feel introductory if you are already highly advanced."

"I think this course hits the sweet spot for someone transitioning into more complex areas."

Well-organized course structure and logical flow.

"The course is structured logically, building upon previous modules."

"I found the pace to be just right, not too fast or slow."

"Each module flows well into the next, making it easy to follow."

"The organization helps in grasping complex topics step-by-step."

Cryptography module is a valuable addition.

"The cryptography section was particularly interesting and well-explained."

"I liked that it included cryptography alongside the network and web topics."

"Learning about cryptanalysis techniques was a useful takeaway for me."

"The crypto module provides a good overview of fundamental concepts and applications."

Provides a strong base for understanding advanced topics.

"This course gave me a solid foundation in ethical hacking principles and techniques."

"It's a good starting point if you have basic networking knowledge and want to move forward."

"I feel much more confident in my understanding after completing this course."

"It lays a strong groundwork for further, more specialized study in cybersecurity."

Practical demos and activities reinforce theoretical concepts.

"The demos were incredibly helpful in visualizing the attacks and defenses."

"I found the hands-on demonstrations to be the most valuable part of the course."

"Seeing the techniques applied in practice really solidified my understanding."

"The practical examples help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application."

Covers a wide range of network and web security topics.

"I appreciated the breadth of topics covered, from session hijacking to cloud security and crypto."

"It touches on many important areas like SQL injection, XSS, wireless, mobile, and even IoT."

"The course syllabus promised broad coverage, and it delivered on various hacking techniques."

"Learned about session hijacking, web server attacks, IDS evasion - a comprehensive look at different vectors."

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 Advanced Network Attacks, Web Hacking, and Cryptography with these activities:

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental networking concepts to better grasp the advanced network attack techniques covered in the course.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Review the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite.
Practice subnetting exercises.
Familiarize yourself with common networking devices and their functions.

Brush Up on Web Application Security

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Strengthen your knowledge of web application security principles to better understand the web hacking modules in the course.

Browse courses on OWASP Top 10

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Study the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.
Practice identifying and mitigating common web application vulnerabilities.
Review authentication and authorization mechanisms.

Read 'Hacking: The Art of Exploitation'

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Gain a deeper understanding of exploitation techniques by studying this classic book on hacking.

View Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Read the chapters on buffer overflows and shellcode.
Experiment with the code examples provided in the book.
Relate the concepts to the network and web hacking modules in the course.

Four other activities

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Practice SQL Injection Attacks on a Lab Environment

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Reinforce your understanding of SQL injection techniques by practicing on a vulnerable web application.

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Set up a vulnerable web application environment (e.g., DVWA or OWASP Juice Shop).
Attempt different types of SQL injection attacks (e.g., union-based, error-based, blind).
Use tools like SQLMap to automate the exploitation process.
Document your findings and the steps you took to exploit the vulnerabilities.

Write a Blog Post on a Recent Cryptographic Attack

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Solidify your understanding of cryptography by researching and writing about a real-world cryptographic attack.

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Research a recent cryptographic attack (e.g., related to TLS, SSH, or blockchain).
Explain the cryptographic principles that were exploited.
Describe the impact of the attack and the countermeasures that were implemented.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your personal website.

Develop a Simple Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

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Apply your knowledge of network attacks and security principles by building a basic IDS.

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Choose a programming language (e.g., Python) and libraries for network packet capture and analysis.
Implement rules to detect common network attacks (e.g., port scanning, SYN flood).
Test your IDS against simulated network traffic.
Document your design and implementation.

Read 'Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice'

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Deepen your understanding of cryptography and network security with this comprehensive textbook.

View Cryptography And Network Security: Principles... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
Study the different types of cryptographic attacks and countermeasures.
Relate the concepts to the cryptography module in the course.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Network Attacks, Web Hacking, and Cryptography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cryptography Engineer

A Cryptography Engineer specializes in designing and implementing cryptographic systems and protocols. This course helps build a foundation for this career. The comprehensive cryptography module, covering encryption techniques, cryptanalysis methods, and practical tools, provides essential knowledge for cryptography engineers. Aspiring engineers will explore tools and best practices for deploying robust cryptographic defenses and learn how to analyze and secure systems against crypto attacks. All of the information given can strengthen data protection measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptography Engineer

Ethical Hacker

An Ethical Hacker uses hacking techniques to legally and ethically identify security vulnerabilities in systems. You can use this course to help build a foundation for a career as an Ethical Hacker. The course's comprehensive coverage of advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography equips aspiring ethical hackers with essential offensive skills. Modules on session hijacking, firewall evasion, SQL injection, and wireless network exploitation provide hands-on experience in identifying and exploiting weaknesses. The course's exploration of mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking ensures ethical hackers are well-versed in modern attack surfaces. In particular, the course's emphasis on ethical hacking methodologies, including the OWASP Top 10, enhances the professional's ability to conduct thorough and responsible security assessments.

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Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester simulates cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities. This course helps build a foundation for this career by diving into advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography. With modules covering session hijacking, firewall evasion, web application hacking including SQL injection, and wireless network exploitation, the course provides practical skills directly applicable to penetration testing scenarios. Understanding techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in mobile platforms, IoT devices, and operational technology (OT) environments will further enhance the tester's ability to assess modern security landscapes. Specifically, the course's focus on tools, methods, and defenses across various attack surfaces prepares individuals to effectively identify and mitigate risks as a Penetration Tester.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

IoT Security Specialist

An IoT Security Specialist focuses on securing Internet of Things devices and networks. This course helps build a foundation for this career by covering IoT device exploitation and security challenges. Modules on mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking help specialists explore tools and techniques for targeting IoT/OT systems and learn to deploy effective countermeasures. The course bridges the gap between traditional IT security and emerging technology threats. Learning about IoT may increase security in the traditional world.

See salaries and explore the career path for IoT Security Specialist

Vulnerability Analyst

A Vulnerability Analyst identifies and assesses vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and software applications. This course helps build a foundation to become a Vulnerability Analyst. The course's in-depth coverage of network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography is directly applicable to identifying weaknesses in various systems. The modules on web application hacking, SQL injection, and wireless network exploitation provide practical skills for discovering common vulnerabilities. Knowledge of mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking enables a Vulnerability Analyst to assess risks in emerging technologies. In particular, the course's focus on tools, methods, and defenses across diverse attack surfaces equips individuals to effectively analyze and report vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst monitors and assesses security measures to protect organizations from cyber threats. This course helps build a foundation for becoming a successful Security Analyst by providing a deep understanding of advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography. The course's modules on evading firewalls and intrusion detection systems, along with web application hacking and SQL injection techniques, are invaluable for identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, knowledge gained from the modules on mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking directly translates into the ability to analyze and secure diverse computing environments. Security professionals find this course extremely helpful in analyzing security effectively.

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Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud Security Engineer focuses on securing cloud computing environments and data. This course helps build a foundation to be a Cloud Security Engineer. The module on cloud computing, covering vulnerabilities in cloud services and containerized environments, provides essential knowledge for securing cloud infrastructures. Learning about hacking tools and security controls enables engineers to effectively safeguard cloud environments. Knowing how to identify vulnerabilities in cloud services, use hacking tools, and understand common hacking tools prepares individuals to navigate the challenges of securing modern cloud environments. The concepts of advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography are also vital.

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Application Security Engineer

An Application Security Engineer focuses on securing software applications throughout the development lifecycle. This course helps build a foundation for this career by offering modules on advanced network attacks and web hacking. The modules dedicated to hacking web servers, web applications, and SQL injection provide the skills necessary to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in web-based systems. Learning about common attack types like Cross Site Scripting, CSRF, and Local File Inclusion can also help you to protect software applications. Knowledge of cryptography, along with the OWASP Top 10, provides a strong foundation for implementing secure coding practices.

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Cybersecurity Consultant

A Cybersecurity Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their security posture and mitigate risks. This course helps build a foundation for a Cybersecurity Consultant career by covering advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography. Modules on session hijacking, firewall evasion, SQL injection, and wireless network exploitation equip consultants with the knowledge to assess vulnerabilities and recommend effective security measures. Knowledge of mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking further enhances the consultant's ability to address emerging security challenges. Understanding the exploration of cloud computing and its unique security considerations prepares consultants to safeguard cloud infrastructures.

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Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and manages network security measures. This course helps build a foundation as a Network Security Engineer by exploring advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography. Modules on session hijacking, firewall evasion, and wireless network exploitation provide essential skills for securing network infrastructure. Additionally, the course's insights into cloud computing and containerized environments enable engineers to address the unique security challenges of modern cloud networks. You can learn to identify vulnerabilities in cloud services and containerized environments.

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Security Architect

A Security Architect designs and implements security systems to protect an organization's IT infrastructure. This course helps build a foundation to become a Security Architect. Concepts such as advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography provide a strong base for designing robust security architectures. Modules on network and perimeter hacking, web application hacking, and cloud computing security are especially relevant for architects. The course's coverage of cryptography, from encryption techniques to cryptanalysis methods, is invaluable for implementing secure data protection strategies. The potential architect benefits from learning to identify vulnerabilities in cloud services and containerized environments.

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Incident Responder

An Incident Responder investigates and responds to security incidents to minimize damage and restore normal operations. This course helps build a foundation to become an Incident Responder by diving into advanced network attacks and web hacking. The modules on session hijacking, firewall evasion, SQL injection, and wireless network exploitation help the responder when understanding how attackers operate. Knowledge of mobile platform, IoT, and OT hacking better prepares the responder to handle incidents involving emerging technologies. Analyzing and securing systems against crypto attacks can help responders contain security breaches.

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Security Software Developer

A Security Software Developer designs and develops security software and tools. This course helps build a foundation for this career with its modules on advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography, Security Software Developers gain insights into attack vectors and defense mechanisms. Modules covering web application hacking and SQL injection provide knowledge on common vulnerabilities to build secure applications. A developer can use cryptography to strengthen data protection measures.

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Reverse Engineer

A Reverse Engineer analyzes software or hardware to understand its functionality, often to identify vulnerabilities or reverse malware. This course may be useful for aspiring Reverse Engineers as it covers advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography. The modules on web application hacking, SQL injection, and mobile platform vulnerabilities provide insights into common attack vectors and exploitation techniques. Exposure to cryptanalysis methods supports the engineer when analyzing encrypted data and software. Reverse engineers can benefit from knowledge on deploying robust cryptographic defenses.

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Information Security Manager

An Information Security Manager develops and implements security policies and procedures to protect organizational data and systems. This course may be useful for aspiring Information Security Managers. The broad coverage of advanced network attacks, web hacking, and cryptography provides a holistic understanding of potential threats. The modules on network and perimeter hacking, web application hacking, and cloud computing security help build expertise in assessing and mitigating risks across diverse environments. A manager can use the knowledge on cryptography to oversee data protection measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Advanced Network Attacks, Web Hacking, and Cryptography

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Advanced network & web security skills

Activities

Career center

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